Imagine transforming a simple weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy culinary experience that will make your taste buds dance! These Salmon Tacos with Pickled Red Onion are not just a meal, they're a flavor explosion that combines the rich, succulent goodness of perfectly grilled salmon with the tangy punch of quick-pickled onions. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a Mexican-inspired dish that looks gourmet but is surprisingly easy to prepare, making you the kitchen hero of your household.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the pickled red onion. In a small bowl, combine the thinly sliced red onion and vinegar. Ensure the onion is fully submerged in the vinegar. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to pickle while you prepare the salmon and other ingredients.
- Preheat your grill or stovetop pan over medium-high heat. While it heats up, pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture evenly over both sides of each salmon fillet.
- Once the grill or pan is hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if they have skin) on the grill or in the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- While the salmon is cooking, warm the corn tortillas. You can do this by placing them on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side or heating them in a dry skillet over medium heat until pliable.
- Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a minute. Then, using a fork, flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
- To assemble the tacos, take a warmed corn tortilla and add a generous portion of the flaked salmon. Top with pickled red onion and fresh cilantro for garnish.
- Serve the salmon tacos immediately, with additional pickled onions and cilantro on the side if desired. Enjoy your delicious Mexican-inspired meal!
Tips
- Pat your salmon fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect sear and prevent steaming.
- Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overcook the salmon - it should be just opaque and flake easily, which typically takes 4-5 minutes per side.
- For extra flavor, try toasting your corn tortillas directly over a gas flame for a few seconds on each side.
- The pickled onions can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making meal prep even easier.
- Experiment with additional toppings like avocado, lime crema, or a spicy salsa to customize your tacos.
- If you don't have a grill, a cast-iron skillet works perfectly for cooking the salmon.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg
