Zesty, smoky salmon with a Tex-Mex twist
If you love tacos and salmon, this Taco-Seasoned Salmon recipe is about to be your new obsession. 🌮🐟✨ Coated in a smoky, zesty taco seasoning rub, the salmon fillets bake (or pan-sear) in under 20 minutes for a flavorful, protein-packed meal. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner, taco-night twist, or even a fun meal-prep option. Serve it in tacos with fresh salsa, over rice bowls with avocado, or alongside roasted veggies for a healthy yet indulgent dish. Quick, bold, and full of Tex-Mex flavor, this salmon is as easy as it is delicious.
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients List
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra depth)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro & lime wedges, for garnish
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Baking sheet or large skillet
- Parchment paper (if baking)
- Measuring spoons
- Small bowl (for seasoning mix)
- Tongs or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven: Heat to 400°F (200°C) if baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Season salmon: Pat salmon dry. Rub with olive oil, then coat evenly with taco seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Drizzle lime juice on top. 🌮🐟
- Cook salmon:
- Baked: Roast salmon for 12–15 minutes, until flaky.
- Pan-seared: Heat skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, cook salmon 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Serve hot: Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges. Pair with tortillas, rice, or roasted veggies. ✨
Pro Tips
- Make It Crispy: For extra-crispy edges, broil salmon for 2 minutes after baking.
- Taco Night Upgrade: Flake salmon into tortillas and top with pico de gallo, avocado, and crema.
- Meal Prep: Store leftovers in the fridge for 2 days; reheat gently to keep salmon moist.
- DIY Seasoning: Mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper for homemade taco seasoning.
Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 fillet | 320 | 28g | 2g | 21g | 0g | 0g |