Grilled Salmon Tacos

Grilled Salmon Tacos Recipe from Mexico | Ingredients: salmon, chipotle chile, salsa, lime juice, and more!

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Grilled Salmon Tacos are a delicious and healthy meal option that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner. This recipe combines the smoky flavor of grilled salmon with fresh salsa and creamy sour cream, all wrapped up in warm tortillas.

History

Tacos have been a popular dish in Mexican cuisine for centuries, with various fillings and toppings being used to create different flavor combinations. Grilled salmon tacos are a modern twist on this classic dish, combining traditional Mexican flavors with the health benefits of salmon.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) fresh or frozen skinless salmon fillets, or white fish
8 oz (227 g) medium round red or white potatoes, cubed (1 cup)
1.5 tsp ground chipotle chile pepper
0.75 tsp sugar
0.5 tsp salt
1 cup mild green salsa (store-bought)
3 tbsp lime juice
0.75 cup thinly sliced green onions (6)
0.5 cup snipped fresh cilantro
12 x 6 inches or sixteen 4 inches corn tortillas, warmed
0.5 cup light dairy sour cream
lime wedges

How to prepare

Thaw the fish, if it is frozen. Rinse the fish and pat it dry. Measure the thickness of the fish and set it aside.
In a covered small saucepan, cook the potatoes in enough boiling salted water to cover them for about 15 minutes or until they are tender. Drain and let them cool.
In a small bowl, combine the chipotle chile pepper, sugar, and 0.25 tsp of salt.
Rub the chile pepper mixture into the fish.
For a charcoal grill, grill the fish on a greased rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals for 4 to 6 minutes per 0.5 inch thickness or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Turn the fish after half of the grilling time. (For a gas grill, preheat the grill and reduce the heat to medium. Place the fish on a greased grill rack over the heat. Cover and grill as mentioned above).
Let the fish cool slightly.
Break the fish into chunks.
In a medium bowl, combine the salsa, lime juice, and the remaining salt.
Add the potatoes, fish, green onion, and cilantro to the bowl. Toss gently to coat.
Divide the fish mixture among the tortillas.
Top with sour cream and fold the tortillas.
Serve with lime wedges.

Variations

Substitute the salmon with another type of fish, such as tilapia or cod.
Add avocado slices or guacamole for extra creaminess.
Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pat the fish dry before seasoning and grilling to ensure a crispy exterior.

- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish to ensure it is cooked through.

- Customize the salsa to your liking by adding extra spice or different vegetables.

- Warm the tortillas on the grill for a few seconds on each side to make them pliable and enhance their flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Grilled Salmon Tacos with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the salmon adds a smoky flavor to the tacos and creates a crispy exterior. Make sure to preheat the grill and oil the grates before cooking the fish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh salmon, you can use frozen salmon fillets. You can also use pre-cooked salmon or another type of white fish for this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the salsa and marinate the fish ahead of time to save time on the day of cooking. Store the components separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the tacos.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Grilled Salmon Tacos on a platter and garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Grilled Salmon Tacos with a light and refreshing white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. A cold beer or a margarita would also complement the flavors of this dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Grilled Salmon Tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm the tacos in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Grilled Salmon Tacos contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Grilled Salmon Tacos contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Grilled Salmon Tacos contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Grilled Salmon Tacos contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and B vitamins. The salsa and cilantro in this recipe provide additional vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish and dairy (sour cream), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Grilled Salmon Tacos are a nutritious and balanced meal option, providing a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Grilled Salmon Tacos are a flavorful and healthy meal option that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner. With a balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a warm summer day and I had decided to have a picnic in the park with my friends. One of them, Maria, brought along some grilled salmon tacos that she had made herself. As soon as I took a bite, I knew I had to learn how to make them myself.

Maria learned the recipe from her aunt who lived in a coastal town. She shared with me that her aunt used to catch fresh salmon from the nearby river and grill it over an open fire. The smoky flavor of the fish combined with the fresh ingredients in the tacos was simply divine.

I begged Maria to teach me how to make the tacos and she graciously agreed. We spent the next afternoon in my kitchen, chopping vegetables, marinating the salmon, and grilling it to perfection. The smell that wafted through the house was enough to make my mouth water.

As we assembled the tacos, Maria shared with me the importance of using fresh ingredients and taking the time to marinate the fish properly. She also taught me how to make a creamy avocado sauce to drizzle over the tacos, adding a delicious richness to the dish.

After we had finished cooking, we sat down to enjoy our meal. The combination of flavors and textures in the tacos was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. The grilled salmon was tender and flaky, the vegetables were crisp and fresh, and the avocado sauce added a creamy finish to each bite.

From that day on, grilled salmon tacos became a staple in my recipe collection. I would make them for family gatherings, picnics in the park, or just as a special treat for myself. Each time I made them, I would think back to that sunny afternoon in my kitchen with Maria, and how she had opened my eyes to a whole new world of flavors.

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe to make it my own. I have experimented with different marinades, added new toppings, and even tried grilling the salmon on a cedar plank for a smokier flavor. But no matter how many variations I try, the original recipe that Maria taught me will always hold a special place in my heart.

I am grateful to Maria for introducing me to grilled salmon tacos and for inspiring me to explore new flavors and techniques in the kitchen. Cooking is not just about following a recipe, but about creating memories and sharing moments with the ones you love. And every time I make these tacos, I am reminded of the joy and camaraderie that comes from sharing a delicious meal with friends and family.