The Perfect Grilled Salmon Tacos With Cilantro Lime Crema Recipe

My culinary adventures with grilled salmon tacos have transformed weeknight dinners into exciting flavor journeys.

Seafood lovers crave these delectable combinations of smoky fish and zesty accompaniments.

Fresh Pacific salmon becomes the star when perfectly charred and nestled in warm tortillas.

Cilantro lime crema adds a creamy, tangy punch that complements the rich fish.

Quick marinades infuse each bite with incredible depth and complexity.

Weeknight cooking reaches new heights when you master these simple yet impressive tacos.

Let’s unlock the secrets to creating restaurant-worthy salmon tacos that will impress everyone at your table.

Salmon Tacos with Topping Changes

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap corn tortillas for gluten-free tortillas and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce for marinade seasoning.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace sour cream and mayonnaise with coconut yogurt or cashew cream in the crema. Use plant-based mayo for a creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip tortillas and serve salmon over mixed greens or cauliflower rice. Use lettuce wraps as a carb-free taco shell alternative.
• Spicy Seafood Swap: Replace salmon with grilled shrimp or white fish like mahi-mahi for a different protein option. Adjust cooking time based on seafood thickness.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of fish for these tacos?

Yes, you can substitute salmon with other firm fish like halibut, mahi-mahi, or cod. These fish have similar textures and will work well with the grilling method and spices.

• Do I need a grill to make these tacos?

No, you can use a grill pan, cast-iron skillet, or even bake the salmon in the oven at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes if you don’t have a grill available.

• Is the cilantro lime crema very spicy?

The crema has a mild kick from the optional chili powder, but it’s generally creamy and tangy rather than intensely spicy. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder.

• How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For medium doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F and a slightly pink center.

Salmon Tacos That Combine Crunch, Cream, And Zest In Every Bite

• Savor Quick Weeknight Delight: Whips up in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious, restaurant-style meal without complicated cooking techniques.
• Protein-Packed Flavor Explosion: Salmon delivers incredible omega-3 nutrients with bold, zesty spices that transform a simple fish into a mouthwatering taco experience.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt toppings for picky eaters, allowing everyone to build their dream taco with fresh ingredients like avocado, salsa, or crunchy cabbage slaw.
• Grill-Master Friendly: Requires minimal kitchen skills, making it an excellent recipe for home cooks wanting to impress with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Ingredients That Make Up Grilled Salmon Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

• Salmon Fillets: Rich, flaky fish perfect for grilling with a robust flavor profile. Wild-caught or farm-raised options work well, with wild-caught offering more intense taste.

• Olive Oil, Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Spice mix that adds warmth, depth, and enhances salmon's natural flavor. Choose fresh ground spices for maximum taste.

• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour base for assembling tacos. Corn tortillas provide authentic texture, while flour tortillas offer more flexibility.

• Sour Cream, Mayonnaise: Creamy base that provides rich, tangy foundation for sauce. Full-fat versions create most luxurious texture.
• Cilantro, Lime Juice: Fresh herbs and citrus that brighten and add zesty complexity to the crema. Use fresh cilantro for best flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth to the sauce. Fresh garlic cloves recommended over pre-minced.

• Chili Powder: Additional spice component for optional heat in crema. Adjust according to personal preference.

Salmon Taco Assembly with Cilantro Lime Crema

Step 1: Spice Up the Salmon

Coat salmon fillets generously with a vibrant blend of spices.

Massage olive oil into the fish, then sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Let the flavors mingle and infuse into the salmon.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

Heat the grill to a medium-high temperature.

Carefully place the seasoned salmon on the grill grates.

Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, watching for beautiful char marks and ensuring the fish is perfectly cooked through.

The salmon should flake easily and have a golden-brown exterior.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime juice
• Minced garlic
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir all ingredients until smooth and well combined.

The sauce should have a tangy, herbaceous kick that complements the grilled salmon.

Step 4: Build Your Flavor-Packed Tacos

Warm the tortillas until they’re soft and pliable.

Break the grilled salmon into chunks and nestle them into the tortillas.

Drizzle the creamy cilantro lime sauce over the top.

• Diced red onions
• Sliced avocado
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Lime wedges

Roll up and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite!

Taco-Building Tips for Salmon with Cilantro Crema

• Remove salmon skin before grilling for easier handling and a cleaner eating experience.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure salmon reaches 145°F internally, preventing overcooking and maintaining moisture.
• Adjust chili powder in the crema to match your preferred spice level, adding more for extra kick or reducing for mild flavor.
• Try corn or flour tortillas, warming them briefly on the grill for added smoky flavor and improved texture.
• Add fresh elements like diced avocado, pickled red onions, or chopped cabbage for extra crunch and freshness.

Chill Salmon Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

• Store leftover salmon tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate the salmon, tortillas, and crema to prevent sogginess.
• Warm salmon gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave for 30-45 seconds to maintain moisture and prevent overcooking.
• Quickly warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness and prevent cracking.
• Keep cilantro lime crema in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to restore consistency.

Great Sips for Grilled Salmon Tacos

• Pair Zesty Citrus Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp white wine complements the salmon's richness and cuts through the creamy sauce with bright, refreshing acidity.
• Match Craft Mexican Lager: Light, clean beer enhances the grilled salmon's smoky flavors and balances the taco's spicy undertones.
• Serve Fresh Lime Margarita: Tangy cocktail mirrors the cilantro lime crema's zesty profile and provides a cool, balanced drink pairing.
• Create Sparkling Cucumber Water: Non-alcoholic option cleanses the palate, offers hydration, and provides a light, refreshing contrast to the rich salmon tacos.

Grilled Salmon Tacos With Cilantro Lime Crema Recipe

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• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent grilled salmon tacos dance with zesty cilantro lime crema, bringing coastal Mexican flavors to your plate. Crisp tortillas, flaky fish, and tangy sauce create a perfect harmony that will transport you to a beachside taqueria.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) salmon fillet, cut into 4 pieces

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cilantro Lime Crema Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Taco Components:

• 8 small flour tortillas
• Optional toppings: chopped red onion, avocado, pico de gallo

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Instructions

1. Massage the salmon fillets with a vibrant blend of olive oil and aromatic spices, ensuring each fillet is evenly coated with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat the grill to a medium-high temperature, creating the perfect environment for charring and sealing in the salmon’s natural flavors.
3. Carefully position the seasoned salmon on the grill, cooking for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until the fish develops a delightful golden crust and is cooked through.
4. While the salmon grills, craft the creamy cilantro lime sauce by whisking together sour cream, mayonnaise, freshly chopped cilantro, zesty lime juice, minced garlic, a hint of chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Gently warm the tortillas to enhance their flexibility and release their subtle corn aroma.
6. Carefully transfer the perfectly grilled salmon onto the warm tortillas, breaking the fish into rustic pieces.
7. Generously drizzle the cilantro lime crema over the salmon, creating a luxurious, tangy coating.
8. Garnish with additional fresh toppings to add texture, color, and an extra layer of flavor to the tacos.

Notes

• Swap salmon for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious and protein-packed.
• Reduce grill time by 1 minute for a more tender, moist salmon texture that melts in your mouth.
• Enhance flavor by marinating salmon for 30 minutes before grilling to allow spices to deeply penetrate the fish.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in crema for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that adds tangy complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 70mg