Spicy Blackened Salmon Tacos – A Crowd-Pleasing Fiesta!

I’m always on the lookout for quick and tasty recipes that will make a weeknight dinner special, and blackened salmon tacos have been a favorite of mine for years. Cooking the salmon with a flavorful blend of spices really brings out the incredible taste of the fish, and the tacos are light and perfect for summer. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner or a dish to impress guests, these tacos are sure to please.

Blackened Salmon Tacos Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 (4-6 oz) salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons blackening seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 3 small whole wheat tortillas
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• In a small bowl, mix together blackening seasoning, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, ground coriander, and ground cumin.
• Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil and sprinkle the seasoning mix over them.
• Place the salmon in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, prepare your tortillas. Warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
• In a separate bowl, mix together cilantro, red cabbage, red onion, bell pepper, Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, and salt and pepper.
• Once the salmon is finished baking, remove it from the oven and break it apart into small pieces.
• To assemble the tacos, place the salmon on the tortillas, top with the cilantro mixture, and fold the tortillas in half.
• Serve the tacos warm. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 398
• Total Fat: 19.6g
• Saturated Fat: 3.7g
• Cholesterol: 66mg
• Sodium: 585mg
• Carbohydrates: 25.6g
• Fiber: 2.3g
• Sugar: 5.3g
• Protein: 27.3g

What flavors make up a blackened salmon taco?

Blackened salmon tacos feature a unique blend of flavors, including smoky, spicy, and savory notes. To make the perfect blackened salmon taco, the salmon is first coated in a mixture of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper to give it a smoky, spicy flavor. The salmon is then seared in a hot skillet until it is cooked through. This helps to lock in the flavor and create a crispy, flavorful crust.

To complete the blackened salmon taco, the salmon is then served with a variety of toppings. These can include diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, lettuce, and a creamy yogurt or sour cream-based sauce. For an extra kick of flavor, fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley can be added. Finally, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a zesty, tart flavor to the dish.

With its unique mix of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, blackened salmon tacos are an exciting way to enjoy this versatile fish. With the right combination of ingredients, they make a delicious, flavorful meal that is sure to please.

What type of salmon is best for blackened tacos?

The best type of salmon for blackened tacos is wild-caught Alaskan sockeye salmon. Its firm texture, robust flavor, and bright red flesh make sockeye the ideal choice for this dish.

When shopping for salmon, look for wild-caught Alaskan sockeye, which is caught in the cold, pristine waters of the North Pacific. This salmon is naturally high in essential omega-3 fatty acids, which makes it a healthy and delicious choice for tacos. As for its flavor, sockeye has a richer taste than other types of salmon, which makes it ideal for blackened tacos.

Sockeye salmon is also known for its bright red flesh, which is a result of its high levels of natural astaxanthin. This antioxidant gives the salmon its vibrant hue and makes it a visually appealing option for tacos.

To prepare the salmon for blackening, it should be cut into cubes or strips before patting it dry with a paper towel. Once dry, the salmon can then be seasoned with a blackening spice blend before being cooked in a skillet. When cooked properly, the salmon will have an appetizing charred exterior and a tender, flavorful interior.

When making blackened salmon tacos, use a tortilla of your choice and fill it with blackened sockeye, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of sour cream or crema. Serve with a side of lime wedges and a sprinkle of cilantro for an easy and delicious weeknight meal.

In conclusion, wild-caught Alaskan sockeye salmon is the best type of salmon for blackened tacos. Its firm texture, rich flavor, and bright red flesh make it an ideal choice for this dish.

What are the benefits of blackened salmon tacos?

The benefits of blackened salmon tacos are numerous! Not only are they a delicious and flavorful meal, but they provide a variety of health benefits as well. Here are just a few of the benefits of blackened salmon tacos:

• High in Protein: Blackened salmon tacos are a great source of protein, providing up to 22 grams of protein per serving.
• Rich in Essential Fatty Acids: Salmon is high in essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6, which have been linked to a variety of health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving heart health.
• Low in Calories: A single serving of blackened salmon tacos contains around 300 calories, making it a great choice for those looking to watch their calorie intake.
• Nutrient-Dense: Blackened salmon tacos are also packed with a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin B12, calcium, iron, and magnesium.
• High in Fiber: Blackened salmon tacos are also a good source of fiber, providing around 4 grams of fiber per serving.

Overall, blackened salmon tacos provide an array of health benefits, making them a great meal choice for those looking for a delicious and nutritious meal.

What toppings best complement blackened salmon tacos?

The best toppings for blackened salmon tacos depend on what flavors you prefer. For a classic, flavorful combination, top the tacos with a cool, creamy avocado salsa and crunchy red cabbage slaw. For a more indulgent twist on the traditional, try topping the tacos with mango salsa and spicy jalapeno. For a lighter option, top the tacos with a creamy cilantro-lime yogurt sauce and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

What type of tortillas work best for blackened salmon tacos?

Corn tortillas are the most commonly used type of tortilla for blackened salmon tacos. This is because their flavor complements the smoky and spicy flavors of the blackened salmon. They are also the most traditional type of tortilla and are generally easier to find than other varieties.

However, if you’re looking for something a little different, you could also experiment with wheat tortillas or even flour tortillas. Wheat tortillas have a slightly nutty flavor and a chewier texture, which can add an interesting contrast to the salmon. Flour tortillas are thicker and more pliable than corn tortillas, and can provide a sturdier base for the tacos.

Regardless of the type of tortilla you choose, be sure to warm them up before using them. This will help them to be more pliable and less likely to break when you fill them with the blackened salmon. You can warm them up in the oven, on a skillet, or even in the microwave.

Ultimately, the type of tortilla you use for your blackened salmon tacos is a matter of personal preference. Experiment with different types of tortillas, as well as different methods of warming them up, to find the combination that works best for you.

What techniques are used to achieve a perfectly blackened salmon taco?

Achieving a perfectly blackened salmon taco requires a combination of two key techniques. The first is to start by heating a cast-iron skillet to a very high temperature and adding a generous amount of oil. The second technique is to season the salmon fillets with a blend of spices such as cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano before adding them to the hot pan. The result is perfectly blackened salmon tacos that are full of flavor.

The high heat of the cast-iron skillet is essential to achieving a perfect blackening of the salmon. This intense heat helps to quickly and evenly cook the outside of the fish, while also providing a crisp crust. To ensure the best results, it is important to preheat the skillet for at least 10 minutes before adding the fish and oil.

Seasonings are also an important part of achieving a flavorful blackened salmon taco. A blend of spices such as cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano can be used to create a robust flavor profile. To ensure even coverage, it is best to combine the spices in a bowl before coating the salmon with the seasoning mix.

Once the skillet is hot and the fish is well-seasoned, the salmon can be added to the pan. It is important to add the fish to the hottest part of the skillet, and to avoid crowding the pan. This will help ensure that the fish is evenly cooked and blackened.

Finally, the salmon should be cooked for about three minutes per side before being removed from the skillet and placed in a warm taco shell. To complete the perfect blackened salmon taco, top with diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.