These yummy grilled salmon tacos come together in just 25 minutes! The salmon is tender and flavorful, and it’s paired perfectly with a smooth avocado sauce that makes it taste even better.
Honestly, who knew making tacos could be this fast? I love piling on the toppings, and don’t forget the extra avocado sauce—it’s so good you’ll want to slather it on everything! 🥑🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are best for these tacos. If you can’t find salmon, you could use another fish like tilapia or trout. Even grilled shrimp would work great!
Spices: The chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika bring fantastic flavor. If you want less spice, use less chili powder. For a different kick, try taco seasoning.
Tortillas: I prefer corn tortillas for their taste, but flour tortillas are a good option if that’s what you have. Just warm them up well to enhance their softness!
Avocado: A ripe avocado is key for that creamy sauce. If you don’t have one, you could use store-bought guacamole instead, though it won’t be as fresh.
How Can I Perfectly Grill Salmon for Tacos?
Getting that perfectly grilled salmon can be challenging. The key is not to rush! Here’s how I suggest grilling it just right:
- Preheat your grill to a good medium-high heat to ensure even cooking.
- Make sure to oil both the salmon and the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Flip it gently to keep it from breaking apart.
- The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has a nice grill mark.
With these tips and ingredient swaps, you’ll have delicious, smoky grilled salmon tacos that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy 25-Minute Grilled Salmon Tacos with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb salmon fillets (skin on or off)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Water, as needed to thin sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for cooking, making it a quick 25-minute meal. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough for a great sear on the salmon.
2. Prepare the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. These spices will add a savory kick to your salmon!
3. Season the Salmon:
Rub the salmon fillets with olive oil, coating them well. Then, sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the fillets, making sure to cover all sides for full flavor.
4. Grill the Salmon:
Place the seasoned salmon fillets on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the salmon flakes easily when tested with a fork. Be gentle when flipping to keep the fillets intact!
5. Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
While the salmon is grilling, prepare the creamy avocado sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), garlic, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, and add water a little at a time until your desired consistency is achieved.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
Once the salmon is nearly done, warm the tortillas on the grill for about 1 minute per side, just until they become soft and slightly charred, enhancing their flavor.
7. Flake the Salmon:
After grilling, remove the salmon from the heat and let it rest for a minute before flaking it into large chunks with a fork.
8. Assemble the Tacos:
To create your tacos, start by layering some shredded cabbage on each warm tortilla. Top with generous pieces of grilled salmon and drizzle with the creamy avocado sauce.
9. Garnish & Serve:
Don’t forget to garnish your tacos with fresh cilantro and add some lime wedges on the side for an extra zing!
10. Enjoy!
Serve your fresh, flavorful grilled salmon tacos immediately and enjoy a delightful dinner that’s sure to impress!
This recipe is quick, satisfying, and perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
FAQ for Easy 25-Minute Grilled Salmon Tacos with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just be sure to fully thaw it before grilling. The best way to do this is to leave it in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for quicker thawing. Pat it dry before seasoning and grilling.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you’re looking for a spicier kick, you can add some cayenne pepper to the spice mixture or drizzle your tacos with hot sauce before serving. You can also top them with spicy salsa or pickled jalapeños for extra heat!
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt in the Sauce?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut cream or cashew cream instead. You could also try a non-dairy yogurt alternative that has a similar consistency for the creamy avocado sauce.
How Should I Store Leftover Salmon Tacos?
Store any leftover salmon and toppings in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The salmon will stay fresh for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat the salmon gently in the microwave or on the stove, and assemble your tacos fresh before serving!
