
The blackened spice combination we use on the salmon is next level – so much flavor without a lot of heat. Of course, you have they option to crank the spice up the notch if you want! When you combine this crisp and flavorful salmon with cool toppings like purple cabbage, avocado, fresh cilantro, and cilantro lime crema – it’s pure magic!
If your Taco Tuesday is in need of more taco inspiration, we also have these great options: Steak Tacos, Easy Tilapia Fish Tacos, & Pulled Pork Tacos.
Key Ingredients + Substitutions
- blackened seasoning – simply mix together the most amazing combination of spices – feel free to make it more or less spicy depending on your preferences.
- cilantro lime crema – this is a MUST – it is the perfect topping for these tacos.
- salmon fillets, skin-on – option to make: stove top blackened salmon or grilled salmon!
- street taco tortillas – any taco tortillas would work – flour, corn, gluten-free, etc.
- purple cabbage – you can shred this yourself or, for extra ease, you can buy it already shredded.
- avocado & fresh cilantro – everything is better with some avocado & fresh cilantro on top!
Best Way To Cook The Blackened Salmon For Tacos
We love to either cook the salmon in a cast iron skillet on the stove top or on the grill. Either way is simple and delicious! To learn more about making blackened salmon on the stove top you can checkout our post on Blackened Salmon. And if you prefer using the grill, take a look at our tutorial on How to Grill Salmon.
Toppings For Blackened Salmon Tacos
For these tacos we used shredded purple cabbage, avocado, fresh cilantro, and cilantro lime crema and they were perfection! Other great topping options could include, lettuce, green cabbage, sour cream, salsa, or some homemade guacamole!
How To Make Blackened Salmon Tacos
You will want to begin by mixing up your cilantro lime crema.

Then, generously season the salmon fillets and drizzle with olive oil.

Next, cook the fillets in a skillet or on the grill.

Once the salmon is done, place it in a tortilla, and top any way you like!

Enjoy!

Love blackened salmon – try our Blackened Salmon Rice Bowls!
Made this recipe and loved it?!
We would love it if you would take a minute and leave a star rating and review – it is also helpful if you made any substitutions or changes to the recipe to share that as well. THANK YOU!
Follow Us on Social

Ingredients
Blackened Salmon:
- 2-3 salmon fillets, skin-on (6oz each)
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon chipotle pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
Cilantro Lime Crema:
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayo
- zest of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- pinch kosher salt and ground black pepper
Other Taco Ingredients:
- street taco tortillas
- purple cabbage, thinly sliced
- avocado, diced
- fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Make Crema: In a small bowl, add ¼ cup sour cream, ¼ cup mayo, zest of 1 lime, 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, 2 teaspoons lime juice, 1 teaspoon garlic, and a pinch kosher salt and ground black pepper. Mix to combine and set aside.
- Prep: Preheat oven to 400℉. Pat 2-3 salmon fillets dry with clean paper towel.
- Season Salmon: In a small bowl, add ½ tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon dried oregano leaves, ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper and ⅛ teaspoon chipotle pepper. Mix to combine. Rub all over the salmon. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over seasoned salmon and rub in.
- Sear: Bring a large cast iron skillet to medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil; swirl to coat the pan. Sear salmon (skin-side up) for approx. 1-3 minutes (or until there is a good char).
- Bake: Flip salmon over so skin side is down and place in the oven (middle rack and uncovered). Let cook 10-14 minutes or until fully cooked (it should flake apart easily with a fork).*
- Rest: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Flake apart into chunks to be used in tacos.
- Serve: Build your tacos by taking your tortillas and adding some purple cabbage, avocado, salmon and then the cilantro lime crema and fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Cayenne Pepper: feel free to omit if you don’t want it spicy or increase if you want it more spicy.
- Grilled Salmon: you can grill your salmon if you prefer – here is our tutorial on How to Grill Salmon.












Leave a Rating & Comment