Crispy Salmon Tacos with Tangy Slaw

Welcome to a culinary delight that’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table – Crispy Salmon Tacos Slaw! This recipe perfectly balances the crispy texture of succulent salmon with the zingy freshness of slaw and the creamy richness of avocado mash. It’s a harmony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

Picture this: golden-brown, perfectly seared salmon nestled in a warm tortilla, topped with a vibrant slaw made of shredded cabbage, crisp cucumber, and fragrant dill, then finished with a dollop of creamy avocado mash with a hint of Sriracha for that extra kick. Each bite is a burst of flavor and texture that will leave you craving more.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or planning a casual get-together with friends, these Crispy Salmon Tacos Slaw are a surefire hit. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and bold flavors, making it a standout dish that elevates taco night to a whole new level. So, get ready to impress your loved ones with this delicious fusion of Pacific Northwest flair and Baja-style vibes – it’s a taco experience like no other!

Quick Benefits

• Bold Flavors and Heat: The crispy salmon can stand up to bold flavors and heat, making it a delicious and satisfying option.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners, providing a fresh and fun meal that feels like a treat but comes together fast.
• Versatile Options: You can customize the recipe with alternative ingredients like different types of fish, vinegar substitutions, and spice levels to suit your preferences.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The slaw and mash can be prepared ahead, allowing for easy meal prep and quick assembly when ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Salmon Tacos with Tangy Slaw Recipe

• Flavorful and Fresh: The combination of crispy salmon, punchy slaw, and creamy avocado mash creates a burst of flavors in every bite.
• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together fast and effortlessly, making it a go-to meal option.
• Family Favorite: Loved by both adults and kids, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for more.
• Versatile: You can customize the recipe by using different types of fish, adjusting the spiciness of the avocado mash, and adding extra toppings to suit your taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Components can be made ahead and stored separately for easy assembly later, making it ideal for meal prepping.
• Mexican-Inspired: With a nod to Baja-style tacos and influences from Pacific Northwest cuisine, these tacos offer a unique twist on a classic dish.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Whether it’s a casual family meal or hosting friends, these tacos elevate any occasion with their bold flavors and minimal fuss.
• Textural Delight: The crispy salmon, crunchy slaw, and smooth avocado mash create a delightful mix of textures that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients for Crispy Salmon Tacos with Tangy Slaw

Slaw

• 3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1/2 large cucumber, seeds removed, thinly sliced
• Salt, to taste
• 60 millilitres champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 1/2 head green cabbage, finely shredded
• Black pepper, to taste

Spicy Avocado Mash

• 2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 lime, juiced
• 3 ripe avocados

Salmon

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 lime, zested and juiced
• 15 millilitres olive oil
• 900 grams salmon fillets, skin removed
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 8 small corn tortillas or low-carb or whole wheat tortillas
• 2 teaspoons chipotle powder or chili powder

Pro Tips for Crispy Salmon Tacos with Tangy Slaw

For these crispy salmon tacos, patting the salmon dry before seasoning and cooking is crucial for achieving that crispy texture. Be sure to cook the salmon quickly in a hot skillet with minimal oil to get a nice sear without overcooking the fish. This method helps lock in the moisture and flavor.

To enhance the flavors in the avocado mash, add the Sriracha sauce gradually and taste as you go. This way, you can adjust the heat level to suit your preference while maintaining a creamy and tangy balance. Consider mixing Greek yogurt into the avocado mash to stretch it out and add a touch of creaminess without compromising on flavor.

Preparing the slaw ahead of time and chilling it allows the flavors to meld together and keeps the slaw crisp until serving. Remember to remove the seeds from the cucumber to prevent excess moisture, ensuring that the slaw stays crunchy and doesn’t become watery when assembled in the tacos.

How to Make Crispy Salmon Tacos with Tangy Slaw

Step 1: Prepare the slaw

Leave cucumber skin on, halve lengthwise, deseed, and slice thinly. Mix with shredded cabbage, dill, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss to combine, cover, and chill.

Step 2: Make the spicy avocado mash

In a medium bowl, roughly mash avocados. Stir in Sriracha, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 3: Season the salmon

Dry salmon with paper towel, cut into large cubes, then toss in a bowl with chipotle powder, onion powder, oregano, lime zest, and lime juice until well coated.

Step 4: Cook the salmon

Heat half of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon in two batches until golden, crisp, and cooked through. Place cooked salmon on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining oil and salmon.

Step 5: Warm the tortillas

Warm tortillas in a dry pan or wrap in aluminum foil and heat in a toaster oven until soft.

Step 6: Assemble tacos

Spread avocado mash on tortillas, then top with crispy salmon pieces and a generous portion of slaw. Serve immediately.

Storage Tips

To store the finished dish of crispy salmon tacos, it is best to keep the components separated. Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. For optimal freshness, prepare and assemble the slaw and avocado mash just before serving as avocado tends to brown quickly when exposed to air.

If you plan to make the slaw ahead of time, store it separately and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld while maintaining the crunchiness. When ready to enjoy the tacos, warm the tortillas, assemble with a layer of slaw, crispy salmon pieces, and top with the spicy avocado mash. Feel free to customize the tacos with additional toppings like fresh dill, sliced radish, or jalapeño slices for added flavor and texture. Serve the crispy salmon tacos with a side of black bean salad or corn for a complete and delicious meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re unable to find champagne vinegar, white wine vinegar is an excellent substitute that will still provide the tangy flavor needed for the slaw. In place of fresh dill, dried dill can be used, but reduce the amount by half since dried herbs are more potent than fresh. If fresh avocados are not available, store-bought guacamole can be used as a quick and easy alternative for the creamy avocado mash.

For those who prefer a different type of fish, such as cod or trout, feel free to swap out the salmon in this recipe. Both fish will still provide a delicious and flaky texture that pairs well with the slaw and avocado mash. Additionally, if you prefer a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of Sriracha sauce in the avocado mash or add sliced jalapeños on top for extra heat.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative twist on serving these crispy salmon tacos, consider setting up a DIY taco bar for a fun and interactive dining experience. Arrange bowls of slaw, avocado mash, sliced jalapeños, and additional toppings like fresh dill and radish for guests to customize their tacos to their liking. You can even include different types of tortillas, such as corn, whole wheat, and low-carb, to cater to various preferences.

Another serving suggestion is to turn these crispy salmon tacos into a vibrant and colorful taco salad. Simply chop up the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and toss them with the slaw, avocado mash, and additional greens like arugula or spinach. Drizzle with a zesty dressing made from lime juice, olive oil, and a touch of Sriracha for an extra kick. Serve the salad in a large bowl or on a platter, topped with tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.

FAQs for Crispy Salmon Tacos with Tangy Slaw

Can I use a different type of vinegar if I can’t find champagne vinegar?

Yes, white wine vinegar can be used as a substitute for champagne vinegar in this recipe.

Can I prepare the slaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the slaw ahead and chill it to allow the flavors to meld. This will also help maintain the crispness of the slaw until serving.

Why is it recommended to remove the seeds from the cucumber?

Removing the seeds from the cucumber helps prevent excess moisture in the slaw, ensuring that it stays crunchy and does not become watery.

Can I use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, you can use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas as alternatives to corn tortillas for this recipe. They will provide a different flavor and texture, but still work well.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Crispy Salmon Tacos Slaw are a true crowd-pleaser that brings together the freshness of slaw, the crunch of crispy salmon, and the creaminess of avocado mash in every delicious bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun meal to share with friends and family, these tacos are sure to impress.

The combination of bold flavors and easy preparation make these tacos a standout dish that can elevate any ordinary meal into something truly special. So go ahead, gather your loved ones, and treat them to these irresistible Crispy Salmon Tacos Slaw for a memorable dining experience that will have everyone coming back for more. Cheers to happy cooking and happy eating!