Taco Spiced Salmon with Cilantro Slaw

This Taco Spiced Salmon with Cilantro Slaw is a type of meals that tastes such as you’ve spent hours within the kitchen, nevertheless it’s prepared in simply 20 minutes! The salmon is coated with a smoky taco spice rub, baked to perfection, and served alongside a refreshing cilantro slaw that brings the whole lot collectively.

The opposite factor I really like about this meal is all of the methods you may serve it! Plate up the entire piece of salmon piled with slaw for a formidable dish for friends. Flip it into salmon tacos, lettuce wraps, or tostadas for a straightforward weeknight meal. Or make a fast and easy salmon rice bowl for an excellent meal prepped lunch or dinner.

Earlier than You Get Began

Set your self up for achievement with these easy ideas:

• Resolve How You’ll Serve It: You possibly can get pleasure from it as tacos by flaking the salmon into smooth tortillas with a scoop of slaw, serve it over a mattress of rice along with your favourite toppings for a hearty rice bowl, wrap it in lettuce for a lightweight and low-carb choice, or pile it onto crispy tostadas for a crunchy twist. Select your favourite or combine it up!
• Preserve an Eye on the Oven: Salmon cooks quick! Bake it at 400°F for 12–quarter-hour to realize completely tender, flaky outcomes. Professional tip: Barely undercook it for juicier salmon, as it is going to proceed to prepare dinner after being faraway from the oven.
• Get Forward with the Slaw: Save time by mixing the slaw elements whereas the salmon bakes. This not solely makes dinner sooner but in addition permits the flavors within the slaw to meld collectively for the right refreshing aspect.

Elements

You solely want a number of fundamental elements to make this simple sheet pan recipe:

• Salmon: This recipe works with a center-cut fillet or particular person fillets.  If recent salmon isn’t out there, frozen salmon works completely—simply be sure to thaw it fully earlier than cooking. Or swap in one other fish.
• Taco spice rub: A smoky, flavorful mix of ancho chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander, and kosher salt. Use store-bought taco seasoning if you happen to’re quick on time, however scale back the salt since pre-made blends are sometimes salted.
• Coleslaw combine: Pre-shredded coleslaw combine retains issues simple and provides a satisfying crunch. Shred your individual cabbage and carrots for further freshness, or use a broccoli slaw combine for a unique texture.
• Avocado: Provides creaminess and richness to the slaw. No avocado? Use a dollop of guacamole or skip it and add a creamy factor like bitter cream or yogurt to the slaw as an alternative.
• Cilantro: Contemporary cilantro provides the slaw a signature zesty taste. In case you’re not a cilantro fan, attempt recent parsley or further inexperienced onions as an alternative for a milder style.
• Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the slaw and ties the whole lot collectively. Bottled lime juice works in a pinch, however recent limes add one of the best taste.
• Inexperienced onions: Add a delicate onion taste with out overpowering the dish. Thinly sliced purple onions or chives additionally work in its place.
• Cumin: Provides heat and depth to the slaw seasoning. In case you don’t have cumin, a pinch of floor coriander or chili powder can do the trick.
• Optionally available creamy factor: For a richer slaw, stir in 2–3 tablespoons of mayo, bitter cream, or Greek yogurt. This makes the slaw further indulgent and balances the citrusy tang of the lime. For a dairy-free choice, use a vegan mayo or avocado-based dressing.

Easy methods to Make Taco Spiced Salmon with Cilantro Slaw

This recipe is fast, simple, and full of taste. Whether or not you’re utilizing the oven, air fryer, grill, or skillet, right here’s the best way to make it step-by-step for completely cooked salmon each time.

1. Put together the Spice Rub

In a small bowl, mix ancho chili powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, oregano, and floor coriander. This smoky, earthy mix acts like your do-it-yourself taco seasoning and brings daring taste to the salmon.

2. Season the Salmon

Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel to make sure the spices stick. Rub the salmon with a little bit of olive oil melted butter, or cooking spray, then generously coat it with the spice rub. Be sure that each inch of the salmon is roofed for one of the best taste. In case you’re utilizing skinless salmon, season each side for even taste.

3. Select Your Cooking Methodology:

Now it’s time to prepare dinner your salmon! Select your most well-liked technique under for completely spiced salmon.

• Oven-Baked: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for straightforward cleanup. Place the salmon skin-side down (if relevant) and bake for 12–quarter-hour or till the salmon flakes simply with a fork. Keep in mind, the salmon will proceed to prepare dinner because it rests, so do not let it overcook.
• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.  Place the salmon skin-side down within the air fryer basket and prepare dinner for 8–10 minutes, checking for doneness across the 8-minute mark.
• Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high warmth (375°F–400°F). Place it on the grill, skin-side down (if relevant), and prepare dinner for 7–10 minutes till the salmon is cooked to your liking. 
• Skillet: Warmth a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high warmth with a drizzle of olive oil. Place the salmon within the skillet, skin-side down (if relevant), and prepare dinner for 4–5 minutes per aspect or till the salmon is cooked by and flakes simply. 

4. Make the Slaw

Whereas your salmon is cooking, combine up the slaw. In a small bowl, mix coleslaw combine, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and thinly sliced inexperienced onions. Squeeze recent lime juice over the combo and season with cumin, salt, and pepper to style. For a creamy slaw, stir in 2–3 tablespoons of mayo, Greek yogurt, or bitter cream. It’s also possible to use a dairy-free choice like avocado-based dressing or vegan mayo.

5. Serve and Take pleasure in

Plate your salmon and high with a beneficiant serving to of cilantro slaw for a vibrant, wholesome meal. Need to combine it up? Flip the salmon and slaw into tacos by flaking the salmon into smooth tortillas—excellent for a fast, crowd-pleasing dinner! Bonus Tip: Make further salmon and slaw for meal prep! The salmon is ideal for salads, wraps, or grain bowls all through the week.

Make It Yours

This salmon is really easy to personalize to work for any family or desire.

• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne to the spice rub or add some sliced jalapeños to the slaw. Vinegar additionally provides a little bit kick!
• Further toppings: Add sliced radishes, cucumber, crumbled queso fresco, pickled red onions, lime zest, a drizzle of avocado crema, and even sriracha sauce for an extra-special contact.
• Change up the slaw: Change up the slaw and serve it with pineapple salsa, corn salsa, or add some freshly diced mango to the slaw for a candy kick.

Serving Concepts

As I talked about, this salmon is tremendous versatile and could be served in numerous methods, relying in your temper or the event. Listed below are a number of concepts to combine it up:

• Tacos: Flake the salmon and serve it in smooth corn or flour tortillas, topped with a beneficiant scoop of cilantro slaw, recent lime wedges, and a sprinkle of cilantro. Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick!
• Bowls: Layer the salmon over a mattress of rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb choice), and high with the slaw and any extras you want, comparable to avocado, black beans, corn, or a dollop of bitter cream.
• Wraps: For a straightforward handheld meal, wrap the salmon and slaw in a big leafy lettuce wrap or a tortilla. Add further veggies like shredded carrots or jicama for crunch.
• Tostadas: For a crispy base, high baked tostada shells with the refried beans (or chipotle spiced yogurt), salmon, and slaw. Drizzle with a little bit of bitter cream or avocado crema and garnish with recent cilantro and lime wedges.

Aspect Dish Concepts

Do not miss out on including a scrumptious aspect dish.

• Beans and Rice: A easy aspect of seasoned black beans and fluffy white or brown rice pairs completely with this taco-spiced salmon. You possibly can add a little bit lime and cilantro to the rice for further taste.
• Corn or Road Corn: Grilled corn on the cob, both plain served as Mexican avenue corn with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice, is an ideal accompaniment to steadiness the flavors of the salmon.