Salmon Tacos with Corn Salsa

If you’ve never had Salmon Tacos then you are seriously missing out. When it comes to fish tacos, white fish variations like cod and tilapia tend to be the most common choices but I am here to tell you it's time to make tacos with salmon! 

As much as I love classic fish tacos and blackened fish tacos, there is something seriously delicious happens when you add salmon to your tacos. It is just so good!

This salmon tacos recipe features flaky baked blackened salmon and a simple corn salsa made with fresh cilantro and lime juice. Everything is prepared to flaky perfection and stuffed into a warm corn tortilla for the ultimate fish tacos of your dreams.

Considering salmon is one of the most common types of fish you can find at the grocery store, you should definitely give this recipe a try. It’s a major hit in my house and a great way to eat more fish. These Salmon Tostadas and Cilantro Lime Salmon should also be added to the list. 

I love serving up these tacos for dinner on weeknights (Taco Tuesday, anyone?) and turning my kitchen table into a full-blown taco buffet. I’m talking about all the fixings—salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese, black beans, and jalapeno peppers. When we are having a crowd, I usually make a batch of these Grilled Chicken Tacos as well.

You can mix and match your favorite toppings and even offer both crunchy taco shells and soft tacos to cover all your bases. If you’re a taco lover, you have got to try this recipe!

Ingredients for Salmon Tacos

Let’s talk about some of the key ingredients you’re going to need to make these delicious and healthy salmon tacos.

• Salmon: Loaded with plenty of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is an incredible source of lean protein. Fresh or frozen fish both work fine, just make sure to thaw it completely if using frozen. Use a whole filet or individual salmon fillets.
• Corn: This serves as the base of our flavorful corn salsa. Fresh works best, but canned or frozen corn work great in a pinch or if corn isn’t in season.
• Red onion: These add a beautiful pop of color to our salsa, as well as a sharp bite that perfectly balances out the naturally sweet corn.
• Poblano pepper: These delicious peppers are ultra-popular in Mexican cuisine and are slightly less spicy than jalapeno peppers. If you want more of a kick, feel free to swap for jalapenos. For the opposite effect, swap for bell peppers.
• Seasoning blend: You can use any seasoning blend you like to season your salmon for this taco recipe. Some of my top picks include my Blackening Seasoning, Taco Seasoning, and Cajun Seasoning. However, you can also use a store-bought blend if you want. For a homemade option, combine chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, brown sugar, kosher salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Brown sugar: A little goes a long way here. Brown sugar adds some sweetness to the spice rub and caramelizes under the heat, giving the fish a beautiful crust.
• Lime juice: Lime juice enhances the flavors of the ingredients and brightens up the whole dish. Add lime zest for even more lime flavor.
• Cilantro: Fresh herbs like cilantro add tons of tasty, herbaceous flavor to any taco dish. If you don’t like cilantro, try swapping for fresh parsley or chives.
• Fruit: This is optional, but I love adding some diced mangos, pineapples, or avocados to my salsa to enhance the delicious flavors even further. This pineapple salsa or mango salsa would be delicious.

How to Know When Salmon is Done

Want to learn how to cook salmon to perfection? It can be a little tricky at first, but it’s a lot easier if you have a reliable food thermometer. I bought mine years ago and it’s become a serious lifesaver on more occasions than I can count.

The thickest part of the salmon should be 145°F for it to be cooked to perfection. If you don’t have a thermometer at hand, just try flaking it with a fork. If the salmon looks light pink and opaque in appearance and easily flakes with a fork, then it should be done.

Recipe Tips and Ideas

These tacos are so versatile and easy to make that you can have it a dozen times and still find fun new ways to change it up. While it’s pretty easy to get creative with the ingredients you have at home, I’ve got plenty of ideas I can share too. Here are some of my top recipe tips and ideas for the best salmon tacos:

• Corn or flour tortillas. Corn tortillas for the win! Not only are they the most authentic, but they’re also more nutritious and naturally gluten-free. Check out my Oven Baked Taco Shells for a crunchy taco shell that can hold plenty of fillings without falling apart.
• Play around with your toppings. These salmon tacos are fantastic vessels for all your favorite toppings. Top them with some salsa, guacamole, fresh avocado or avocado crema, coleslaw, black beans, or anything else you want. There’s no wrong answer!
• Tzatziki Twist. Give these tacos some Greek flair by serving them with a dollop of tzatziki sauce, fresh dill, and chopped parsley.
• Extra spicy. To create extra spicy salmon tacos, swap in some ancho or chipotle chili powder. Pair with pickled onions, habanero hot sauce, and avocado for a seriously tasty meal!
• Fish Taco Bowls: Use the salmon to make tasty fish taco bowls with rice or quinoa as the base.