A touch of sweet and spicy chipotle salmon tacos are a quick and healthy meal bursting with flavor. Served with fresh mango salsa.
I’ve been reading lots of comments from you guys lately, and the consensus has been more tacos! I’ve been a mad scientist in the kitchen developing some hand-held sweet and spicy creations. I’m talking about my maple chipotle salmon tacos which I’ve paired with some fresh and fruity mango salsa. Are you in?
Monday happens to be salmon night at the Gavin’s, so I decided to combine this flaky fish with Taco Tuesday. This meal comes together in a snap. While the fish roasts, you can quickly chop up the ingredients for your fruit salsa, warm those tortillas and have dinner ready in 30 minutes or less.
If you want to amplify the taste potential in seconds, dry spices are your answer. It’s a fabulous way to naturally boost flavor in a healthy way. I like to season each salmon fillet with kosher salt generously and freshly cracked black pepper for the first layer of flavor. A quick toss of ground chipotle pepper, paprika and cumin then get added to build on the dry seasoning.
To make sure everything comes together just right, a little drizzle of pure maple syrup helps to create a nice sticky crust on the fish once roasted. Adding a small amount of sweetness helps to balance the heat and earthiness of the spices. Two thumbs up!
I can’t make tacos without whipping up a quick salsa. I was inspired by the pineapple salsa I made for my blackened chicken tacos last week and created a mango salsa for these salmon tacos. A simple mix of ripe mango, red onion, tomatoes, avocados, and lime juice makes each gobble even more addicting.
If you are looking for some healthy meal ideas, these maple chipotle salmon tacos should be added to your meal rotation. You can also serve them with beans, brown rice, some Mexican quinoa or on a salad if you are looking for a low carb option. I would love to hear how you serve up your maple chipotle salmon!
What is the difference between Roasting and Baking?
Both are dry heat cooking methods that use hot hair around 300°F or higher. Nowadays you can use the oven to roast or bake. The main difference is that most foods that are roasted are solid in structure before cooking like salmon in this recipe. Baking takes something that may not have a structure at first but then solidifies with time and heat, like a cake or cookie. Roasting uses a higher temperature, 400°F plus to make nice crisp, browned crusts or surfaces. Baking often baking occurs at lower oven temperatures up to 375°F, just the right temperature to get that moist and tender baked product or meat. (Source: the kitchn)
Salmon Tacos with Mango Salsa
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon
- kosher salt, as needed
- black pepper, as needed
- ½ teaspoon chipotle chili pepper, ground
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin, ground
- 3 teaspoons maple syrup, pure
- ½ cup mango, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup tomato, diced
- ½ cup avocado, diced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, plus zest of 1 lime
- 6 tortillas, corn or flour, 6-inch
Instructions
- Set the oven rack to the middle position. Preheat to 400°F.
- Line a sheet pan with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Cut the salmon fillet into 6 even-sized portions, about 1 to 1 ½ inches wide. Place them on the tray and generously season with salt and pepper.
- Combine chipotle pepper, paprika, and cumin together in a small bowl. Evenly sprinkle about ¼ teaspoon of the spice mixture on top of the salmon.
- Evenly drizzle each fillet with ¼ teaspoon maple syrup or more if needed, spread evenly on top.
- Roast for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F. The fish should easily flake apart but not be dry.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine mango, red onion, tomato, avocado, lime juice, and lime zest.
- Warm tortillas in a pan. Serve one piece of salmon on each tortilla and top with salsa. Add additional toppings if desired.
Equipment
Notes
- Cayenne or chili pepper can be substituted for chipotle pepper. Chili pepper will not be as spicy.
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
wow that salmon looks so crisp and incredible. love how tropical these tacos are – perfect for the upcoming hotter weather!
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you Thalia! The roasting at high temp is key for that nice crust 🙂 I’m totally ready for some summer weather!
Lauren @ Free Your Fork says
Love all the colors just bursting throughout that mango salsa, Jessica – really gorgeous.
I bet that maple syrup crust makes for a totally divine texture and that perfect amount of crunch!
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you so much Lauren! I love incorporating as much color as I can for appeal and health benefits 🙂 That maple syrup is key!
Jan says
I made this tonight and it was delicious. Refreshing and light but filling. I’ve made a similar recipe for salmon and a similar one for the avacado mango salsa but it never occurred to me to put the two together. A definite keeper!
Jessica Gavin says
I’m so thrilled that you enjoyed the salmon taco recipe Jan! I love the combo of salmon and mango salsa too 🙂
Claudia | The Brick Kitchen says
Salmon tacos are my favourite! Love how you have included mango with the tropical lime and avocado. I’ve used a corn/avo salsa in the past but will keep yours in mind for next time!
Jessica Gavin says
Me too Claudia! Let me know how you like the mango salsa 🙂
ukkidsnutrition says
Fabulous article! Absolutely love your photos! I just wrote an article on why kids should be eating fish too. I think I will make the salad tonight as I’ve got all the ingredients at home. Thanks for sharing this lovely recipe.
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you so much! That’s great that you write about kids nutrition, as I mom I definitely appreciate any advice you have. I’d love to hear what you think about the recipe 🙂
Kendra says
I made this last night. Ok and leftovers tonight. I loved it, absolutely delicious. This will go into the rotation. It’s been a while since I was able to add something in. Thank you!!