Craving a quick and easy weeknight dinner solution? Try blackened salmon tacos with homemade avocado crema for a delicious family favorite, save for later

Blackened Salmon Tacos with Avocado Crema: Quick and Easy Dinner Recipe!

Introduction

Imagine a dinner that’s not only quick and easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and creativity, using everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Look no further than the Blackened Salmon Tacos with Avocado Crema, a recipe that combines the richness of salmon, the creaminess of avocado, and the crunch of fresh vegetables, all wrapped up in a warm taco shell. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, as it’s both impressive and effortless to make. The best part? It’s highly customizable, so you can tailor it to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of blackened salmon, avocado crema, and fresh toppings creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist. Plus, the ingredients are easily accessible at most grocery stores.
Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive presentation, this dish is incredibly easy to prepare. The salmon can be cooked in under 10 minutes, and the avocado crema is a simple mix of a few ingredients.
Impressive results with minimal effort: The blackening seasoning adds a deep, smoky flavor to the salmon, while the avocado crema provides a cool and creamy contrast. The result is a dish that looks and tastes like it was made in a high-end restaurant, but requires minimal effort and expertise.

Key Ingredients

The star of the show is the blackened salmon, which is made by seasoning salmon fillets with a blend of spices and then searing them in a hot skillet. You’ll also need some ripe avocados to make the creamy avocado crema, which is a perfect accompaniment to the spicy salmon. Other key ingredients include taco shells, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and diced tomatoes. If you don’t have blackening seasoning, you can make your own by mixing together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. For the avocado crema, you can substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream if you don’t have Mexican crema.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preparing the ingredients. Chop the cilantro, dice the tomatoes, and slice the lime. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit. Season the salmon fillets with the blackening seasoning, making sure to coat them evenly.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Sear the salmon fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re cooked through and flake easily with a fork.
Step 3: While the salmon is cooking, mix together the avocado crema ingredients in a bowl. Mash the avocados with a fork until they’re mostly smooth, then stir in the crema, lime juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Step 4: Warm the taco shells according to the package instructions. Assemble the tacos by placing a piece of blackened salmon in each shell, followed by a spoonful of avocado crema, some diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Handy Tips

Make sure to not overcook the salmon, as it can become dry and tough. Use a thermometer to check for doneness, and aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.
Don’t overmix the avocado crema, as it can become too thick and sticky. Stop stirring as soon as the ingredients are combined, and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination. Some ideas include diced onions, shredded lettuce, diced bell peppers, and sliced radishes.

Heat Control

When cooking the salmon, it’s essential to control the heat to achieve the perfect sear. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re cooked through and flake easily with a fork. Use a thermometer to check for doneness, and aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the fresh toppings, such as diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro. You can also add some crunchy elements like diced onions or sliced radishes to give the tacos some extra texture. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure to chop the toppings just before serving, so they retain their freshness and texture.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use a cast-iron skillet to cook the salmon, as it retains heat well and can achieve a perfect sear.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet, as this can lower the temperature and prevent the salmon from cooking evenly. Cook the fillets one or two at a time, depending on the size of your skillet.
Make the avocado crema ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the crema to chill and thicken.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Reheat the salmon in the microwave or oven until it’s warmed through, then assemble the tacos with fresh toppings.
Freeze the cooked salmon for up to two months, then thaw and reheat as needed. You can also freeze the avocado crema for up to a month, then thaw and stir in some fresh lime juice and salt to revive it.
Use glass or plastic containers to store the leftovers, as they’re airtight and can be reheated safely. Avoid using metal containers, as they can react with the acidic ingredients and impart a metallic flavor.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While this dish is best served fresh, you can package the individual components as gifts for friends and family. Consider gifting a jar of homemade blackening seasoning, a container of avocado crema, or a batch of freshly baked taco shells. You can also put together a taco kit with all the fixings, including seasoned salmon, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. Wrap the kit in a colorful towel or place it in a gift basket, and you’ve got a thoughtful and delicious present.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Different spices: Experiment with different spice blends to find your favorite flavor combination. Some ideas include fajita seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or a homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
🌟 Creative toppings: Add some creative toppings to give the tacos some extra flavor and texture. Some ideas include diced onions, shredded lettuce, diced bell peppers, and sliced radishes.
🌟 Ingredient swaps: Swap out the salmon for other proteins like chicken, steak, or tofu. You can also use different types of fish, such as tilapia or mahi-mahi, or experiment with vegetarian options like roasted vegetables or beans.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the salmon is overcooked, it can become dry and tough. To avoid this, use a thermometer to check for doneness, and aim for an internal temperature of 145°F. If the avocado crema is too thick, stir in some extra lime juice or crema to thin it out.
Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have blackening seasoning, you can make your own by mixing together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. If you don’t have Mexican crema, you can substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Over/undercooking signs: If the salmon is undercooked, it will be pink and flaky in the center. If it’s overcooked, it will be dry and tough. Use a thermometer to check for doneness, and aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked salmon for up to two months, then thaw and reheat as needed. You can also freeze the avocado crema for up to a month, then thaw and stir in some fresh lime juice and salt to revive it.
Is it gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Just be sure to check the ingredients of the taco shells and blackening seasoning to ensure they’re gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and ingredient quantities accordingly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Blackened Salmon Tacos with Avocado Crema is a quick and easy dinner recipe that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion. With its rich and creamy avocado crema, spicy blackened salmon, and crunchy fresh toppings, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. So go ahead and give it a try, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Happy cooking!