Salmon Tacos Recipe - Cooking Classy (2024)

Published May 18, 2022. Updated May 19, 2022

Easy Salmon Tacos! Salmon fillets are rubbed with a simple spice blend then pan seared until beautifully browned. From there salmon is flaked and served over warmed tortillas with a simple citrusy cabbage slaw. They are unbelievably delicious!

The Best Fish Tacos with Salmon

When you want a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor these salmon tacos are an excellent choice!

They are layered with an abundance of fresh Baja-style flavor.

You get that classic masa taste from the tortilla, the complexity of well seasoned salmon in the filling, vibrant lime and creamy richness from the taco slaw, and a highlight of herbaceous finish from the cilantro.

And I think you’ll appreciate the layering of a trio of textures – including a soft and chewy tortilla, buttery salmon, and crunchy cabbage.

It’s all the perfect blend and a dish fit for company!

Salmon Tacos Recipe Ingredients

• 1 1/4 lbs skinless salmon (about 1-inch thick), cut into 3 fillets
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 3/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 10 (6-inch) corn tortillas, warmed3 cups (slightly packed) finely shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp lime zest and 1 1/2 Tbsp lime juice
• 1 1/2 tsp honey
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
• 3/4 tsp minced garlic (1 small clove)

How to Make Salmon Tacos the Quick and Easy Way

1. Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat (tip: a heavy non-stick skillet works well or for more blackening use a cast iron skillet).
2. Season salmon: Sprinkle both sides of salmon with a fair amount of salt and pepper and sprinkle both sides evenly with chili powder and cumin.
3. Sear salmon in skillet about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until just barely cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board.
4. While salmon is cooking prepare the taco slaw. In a large mixing bowl toss together cabbage, mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, honey, cilantro and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Flake fish into bite size chunks (tip: I just use a knife and spoon a fork works too).
6. Assemble tacos: Layer warmed tortillas with taco slaw, salmon and any desired toppings then serve right away.

Salmon Taco Toppings

I’ve listed toppings I like in the recipe but there are plenty of options. Here are a few ideas:

• Avocado
• Cilantro
• Fresh mango
• Fresh pineapple
• Fish taco slaw (as pictured)
• Queso fresco, Cotija, or Monterey Jack Cheese
• Mexican hot sauce
• Mexican crema
• Onion (white or red, or pickled)

Possible Substitutions

• Spicy heat: For spicy salmon fish tacos use chipotle powder in place of regular chili powder or add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper.
• Smokey flavor: If you want a smokey hint to them use ancho chili powder in place of regular chili powder, also include 1/2 tsp smoked paprika.
• Cumin substitute: Coriander would also be good in place of cumin.
• Salmon substitute: You can use another type of fish in place of salmon such as cod.
• Time saver: To save time use a pre-chopped coleslaw mix instead of using fresh cabbage and chopping it yourself.
• Tortilla type: If you prefer flour tortillas you can use those instead of corn tortillas. Another option here is to make these mini size and use the 4.5-inch street taco tortillas.
• Healthier mayo swap: Plain Greek yogurt would work in place of mayonnaise for a lighter option.

What to Serve with Salmon Tacos

• Black Beans and Mexican Rice
• Mango Salsa and Tortilla Chips
• Mexican Street Corn or the salad form of it

More Tempting Taco Recipes

• Grilled Chicken Street Tacos
• Ground Beef Tacos
• Fish Tacos
• Shrimp Tacos