There’s something addictive about these 15-minute easy Chipotle salmon tacos. Warm corn tortillas envelope charred to smoky perfection chipotle salmon, a rainbow medley of crisp veggies drizzled with a finger-licking delicious Mexican crema sauce. It’s like all the colors and flavors of spring are wrapped up in the warm embrace of corn tortillas. What else could one ask for?

Taco Tuesdays just got a delicious seafood upgrade with this Chipotle salmon tacos recipe! If you’re a seafood fanatic, a taco enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates bold, mouthwatering flavors, these Chipotle Salmon Tacos will become your new culinary obsession.

Picture this: succulent salmon charred to perfection in a hot skillet, wrapped in warm, soft corn tortillas, and adorned with a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables. It’s a flavor explosion that’s as impressive as it is easy to make.

These salmon tacos are fabulously easy to make and ready to serve in less than 20 minutes, making them suitable for busy weeknights and fuss-free weekend brunches. They’re also wonderfully healthy and filling, made with fresh ingredients. These crispy salmon tacos will steal the show thanks to a stellar quick seasoning blend, a zesty and refreshing PICO de Gallo, and a good finishing drizzle of Mexican crema sauce.

Crafting these tacos is more than just about taste; it’s about the complete experience. Combining each element, you’ll see a burst of colors and textures, from the subtle pink of the salmon to the vibrant greens and reds of the Pico de Gallo. Every mouthful is a delicious mix of flavors, making it impossible to eat just one serving.

Chipotle Salmon Tacos Ingredients

To truly appreciate the magic of our Easy Salmon Tacos, let’s break down each element that comes together to create this unforgettable dish:

Salmon

Salmon Fillet (1 pound) – A generous portion of fresh salmon fillet is the base of these blackened salmon tacos. Choose fresh and high-quality salmon fillets for the most optimal results. Fresh salmon melds beautifully with the seasoning, producing perfectly charred and smokey flavors. However, frozen salmon will also work if fresh isn’t handy. Make sure to thaw frozen salmon fillets in the fridge overnight.

The Flavorful Chipotle Rub

Oil (¼ cup) – Oil is the foundation of chipotle rub, helping to coat the salmon evenly and create that delicious char when seared in the skillet.

Chipotle Peppers (6) – Chipotle peppers are the secret to the smoky, spicy kick in your seasoning blend. They bring a rich, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with salmon.

Garlic Clove (1) – Garlic adds depth and zing to the rub. When blended, it infuses the entire mixture with aromatic goodness.

Cilantro (¼ bunch) – Fresh cilantro lends a burst of herbal freshness to the rub, balancing the smokiness of the chipotle peppers.

Onion (¼) – Onion enhances the flavor of these salmon chipotle tacos with its mild, sweet notes.

Oregano (Pinch) – A pinch of oregano adds a subtle earthy undertone and rounds out the seasoning blend.

Salt and Pepper (to taste) – Seasoning with salt and Pepper allows you to fine-tune the flavor to your liking. These two simple ingredients elevate the rub’s overall taste.

The Perfect Tortillas

Corn Tortillas – For authentic Chipotle tacos, I recommend corn tortillas. They’re soft, pliable, and have a wonderful, slightly sweet corn flavor. Heat them until warm and ready to cradle your salmon and toppings. Flour tortillas are always an option.

The Vibrant Toppings

Pico de Gallo – PICO de Gallo is a vibrant salsa made with diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, onion, seeded jalapeno, garlic, and lime juice. It offers a refreshing contrast to rich salmon, combining sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors. It adds a burst of color and a zesty kick to every taco, making each bite a delightful experience.

The Creamy Drizzle

Mexican Crema or Sour Cream – To add a luxurious, creamy finish to your tacos, reserve a portion of the seasoning blend mixture and blend it with Mexican crema or sour cream. This drizzle adds a rich, velvety texture with a hint of smokiness and spice.

How to Make the Best Chipotle Salmon Tacos

1. Prepare the Salmon Rub

Combine the oil, chipotle peppers, garlic cloves, cilantro, onion, oregano, salt, and Pepper in a blender or food processor.

Blend until it becomes a smooth rub, bursting with aromatic flavors.

2. Season the Salmon

Cover your salmon fillet with ¾ of the salmon Chipotle rub.

Make sure to cover every inch of the meat to maximize flavor.

3. Create the Creamy Sauce

Mix a cup of Mexican crema or sour cream with the remaining 1/4th of the salmon rub for that extra layer of lusciousness. This creamy sauce will be the perfect drizzle for your salmon tacos.

4. Sear the Salmon

Place your seasoned salmon in a hot, oiled cast iron skillet and let it char for 5 minutes.

Flip it over and cook on the other side for 3 to 4 minutes.

Adjust cooking time based on salmon thickness. You want it to be flaky and cooked to perfection.

5. Warm Your Tortillas

While the salmon is cooking, heat your corn tortillas in a hot skillet to make them soft and pliable, ready to cradle the delicious filling.

6. Whip Up the PICO de Gallo

Combine the chopped tomatoes, cilantro, diced onion, seeded jalapeno, garlic, and lime juice in a small bowl. Season with salt and Pepper to taste, and gently mix everything. This zesty PICO de gallo will add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the salmon.

7. Assemble and Enjoy

Once the salmon is perfectly charred, it’s time to assemble your tacos. Shred the salmon right off the skillet, layer it onto your warm corn tortillas.

Add a generous scoop of PICO de Gallo, and finish with a drizzle of the creamy sauce.

Roll them up, bite, and savor the explosion of flavors!

Chipotle Salmon Tacos FAQs

Can I use canned salmon in this salmon taco recipe?

While fresh salmon is preferred for its flavor and texture, canned salmon can be a budget-friendly alternative. Drain it well and remove any skin or bones before incorporating it into the recipe.

Can I prepare the rub and PICO de gallo in advance?

Certainly! You can prepare the rub and PICO de gallo a few hours ahead. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble tacos. This can save you time and make dinner prep a breeze.

Can I add any other protein instead of salmon?

While this recipe is for salmon tacos, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Swap out the salmon for another protein like shrimp to make these Shrimp Tacos or add a beefy twist and make these Steak Tacos. The possibilities are endless!

Easy Chipotle Salmon Tacos Recipe

There's something addictive about these 15-minute easy Chipotle salmon tacos. Warm corn tortillas envelope charred to smoky perfection chipotle salmon, a rainbow medley of crisp veggies drizzled with a finger-licking delicious Mexican crema sauce. It's like all the colors and flavors of spring are wrapped up in the warm embrace of corn tortillas. What else could one ask for?

Ingredients

For Salmon

1 pound salmon fillet
¼ cup of oil
6 chipotle peppers
1 garlic clove
¼ bunch of cilantro
¼ onion
Pinch of oregano
Salt and Pepper to taste.
Mexican Crema (for topping)

For PICO de Gallo

2 tomatoes
½ bunch of cilantro
¼ onion,
1 seeded jalapeno
garlic
juice of 2 limes
Salt and Pepper to taste.

Instructions

Blend the salmon seasoning ingredients, including oil, chipotle peppers, garlic clove, cilantro, onion, oregano, salt, and Pepper, in a blender or food processor until it becomes a smooth rub.
Season your salmon fillet with ¾th of the salmon rub, covering every inch of the meat.
Add a cup of Mexican creme or sour cream to the remaining ¼th of the mixture and set aside. It will work as a sauce to drizzle on these salmon tacos.
Place your salmon in an oiled, hot cast iron skillet and let it char for about 5 minutes. Flip over and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the other side.
Increase or reduce the cooking time according to the thickness of your salmon.
While the salmon is cooking, heat your corn tortillas.
To make PICO de Gallo, toss in chopped tomatoes, cilantro, diced onion, seeded jalapeno, garlic, and juice of 2 limes in a small bowl. Season with salt and Pepper to taste, and gently mix everything.
To assemble your tacos, shred your salmon right off the skillet; layer shredded salmon on corn tortillas, toss in PICO de Gallo, and finish with a drizzle of sauce.
Roll up and enjoy.

Notes

Adjust Cooking Time: The thickness of your salmon fillet will determine cooking time. Thicker fillets may need a few extra minutes on each side, while thinner ones cook faster. Keep an eye on it to make sure it is not overcooked. You want salmon to be flaky and tender. Gently press the thickest part of the fillet to check doneness. If it flakes, your salmon fillet is cooked.
Customize Your Toppings: PICO de Gallo is fantastic, but don't be afraid to experiment with additional toppings like avocado slices, shredded lettuce, or crumbled queso fresco. Get creative and make these tacos your own.
Store Leftovers Wisely: If you have leftover salmon, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat the salmon separately to maintain its texture, and assemble fresh tacos when ready to enjoy. Leftover PICO de Gallo can be refrigerated for a day or two, but it's best enjoyed fresh.
Pairing Possibilities: For a complete meal, consider serving these salmon tacos with a side salad, Mexican rice, or black beans. A classic margarita or Lime Agua Fresca is the apt accompaniment.
Add a Spicy Kick: To infuse a smoky, spicy flavor into your salmon tacos, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne Pepper to your seasoning blend. Be mindful that cayenne Pepper is hot, so start with this amount and adjust to your preferred spice level.

Easy Chipotle Salmon Tacos Recipe