Sweet & Spicy Salmon Tacos: An Unforgettable Candied Jalapeno & Strawberry Avocado Salsa Recipe
Prepare to have your culinary world rocked by a dish born in the most unexpected of places! These Candied Jalapeno Salmon Tacos with Strawberry Avocado Salsa aren’t just a recipe; they’re a revelation. Inspired by a casual meal at a bowling alley, they’ve quickly ascended to the top of my all-time favorite meals list, proving that true inspiration can strike when and where you least expect it.
From Bowling Alley Bites to Gourmet Delight: The Unexpected Inspiration
My upbringing in the Midwest meant “bowling alley food” typically conjured images of lukewarm hot dogs, soggy nachos, or perhaps a bag of chips from a vending machine. Functional, certainly, but rarely inspiring. Moving to Texas, however, introduced me to a different world. Here, everything truly is bigger and often, newer – including the entertainment complexes that house full-service restaurants within their gleaming walls. It was during a recent family outing to one such establishment that I ordered fish tacos, expecting a standard dish. What arrived, however, was anything but ordinary: a vibrant topping of fresh strawberries.
My initial reaction was a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Strawberries on fish tacos? It sounded like an unconventional pairing, to say the least. But one bite was all it took. The unexpected burst of sweet, tart strawberry perfectly complemented the savory fish, creating a flavor profile that was simply divine. That single bite ignited a spark, a creative culinary flicker in my mind that wouldn’t be extinguished.
The Sweet Heat Revelation: Candied Jalapenos Join the Party
It wasn’t long after that memorable bowling alley strike (one of my few that day, I might add!) that another thought popped into my head. I remembered a new jar of candied jalapenos, patiently waiting in my pantry for just the right moment of inspiration. My mind, which admittedly tends to process almost everything through a culinary lens, works in mysterious (and sometimes quirky) ways. But it’s these quirks that often lead to the most delightful discoveries.
Pairing the sweet and tangy notes of the strawberry with the vibrant, bold flavor of salmon, I knew I needed an element of warmth and a touch of sweetness to tie everything together. The candied jalapenos were the perfect answer. Their unique sweet-and-spicy kick provides a fantastic contrast that elevates the entire dish. For this recipe, I swear by “Li’l Gems” by Red Kitchen Foods – they live up to their name! While they are my personal favorite, feel free to use your preferred brand of candied jalapenos to achieve that irresistible balance of flavors. (Just a quick note: this isn’t a sponsored post; I simply genuinely love their product!)
A Symphony of Flavors: Why This Combination Works
The idea of candied jalapenos, salmon, and strawberries in one taco might sound unconventional to some, perhaps even a little odd. But trust me when I say the resulting combination is nothing short of divine. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, savory, and fresh that creates an explosion of flavors with every bite. The richness of the baked salmon, infused with the gentle heat and sweetness of the candied jalapenos, is perfectly balanced by the bright, refreshing, and slightly creamy strawberry avocado salsa. It’s a taste experience that will leave you wanting more.
Don’t just take my word for it! During a recent visit home from college, my daughter, a discerning food critic in her own right, devoured several of these tacos with an enthusiasm that spoke volumes. Her resounding approval confirmed what I already knew: this recipe is a true winner.
Effortless Elegance: Quick & Easy to Prepare
Beyond their incredible flavor, another reason these salmon tacos have become a staple in my kitchen is their remarkable simplicity and speed of preparation. This isn’t a complicated, multi-step gourmet dish designed for hours in the kitchen. In fact, it’s perfect for a weeknight meal when you crave something healthy, flavorful, and fast.
The salmon itself requires minimal effort, baking to flaky perfection in just 10-13 minutes, depending on its thickness and your oven. While the salmon is cooking, you can swiftly chop and combine the ingredients for the vibrant strawberry avocado salsa. This simultaneous preparation means you’re maximizing your time in the kitchen without sacrificing quality or taste. For the taco shells, whether you prefer soft corn tortillas or crispy yellow corn shells, they typically only need a couple of minutes in the oven. I usually pop mine in towards the end of the salmon’s cooking time or immediately after, ensuring everything is warm and ready to assemble at the same moment. It’s an efficient dance of ingredients that results in a fresh, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.
Wholesome & Inclusive: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free
In addition to being incredibly delicious and easy to make, these Candied Jalapeno Salmon Tacos with Strawberry Avocado Salsa are also designed to accommodate various dietary preferences without compromising on flavor. They are naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free, making them an excellent choice for those with sensitivities or who simply prefer to avoid these ingredients. You might think cutting out these elements would diminish the experience, but I promise you won’t miss a thing. The natural flavors of the fresh salmon, the bold candied jalapenos, and the bright, fruity salsa shine through brilliantly, proving that healthy eating can be truly exciting and satisfying for everyone.
Tips for Perfect Salmon Tacos Every Time
- Choose Quality Salmon: Opt for fresh, wild-caught salmon if possible. Skin-on fillets tend to cook more evenly and retain moisture, plus the skin provides a barrier that prevents the fish from sticking to the pan. If you prefer skinless, that works too, just keep an eye on cooking time.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the amount of candied jalapenos or choose a milder brand. For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salmon before baking.
- Freshness is Key for Salsa: Use ripe, fragrant strawberries and a perfectly ripe avocado for the best salsa texture and flavor. Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a significant difference compared to bottled alternatives.
- Don’t Overcook Salmon: Salmon cooks quickly. It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork. Overcooked salmon can become dry and less enjoyable. The suggested 10-13 minutes is a guideline; adjust based on the thickness of your fillet.
- Serve Warm: While the salsa is best made fresh, assemble and serve the tacos immediately after the salmon is cooked for optimal temperature and texture contrast.
- Make Ahead Components: While the salsa is best fresh, you can chop the onions and tomatoes ahead of time. The candied jalapenos are already ready to go!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of fish?
Absolutely! While salmon is fantastic for its rich flavor and healthy fats, you can easily substitute it with other firm white fish like cod, snapper, or even shrimp for a different take on these delicious tacos. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
What if I don’t have candied jalapenos?
If you can’t find candied jalapenos, you can use regular pickled jalapenos for a spicier kick, or try a sweet chili sauce if you want to maintain the sweet element without the intense heat. You could even try making your own candied jalapenos!
Can I make the strawberry avocado salsa ahead of time?
The salsa is best enjoyed fresh to prevent the avocado from browning. However, you can chop the strawberries, tomatoes, and onions a few hours in advance and store them separately. Combine them with the diced avocado and lemon juice just before serving.
How do I store leftover salmon tacos?
It’s best to store the components separately. Keep any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The salsa should also be stored separately and consumed within a day due to the avocado. Reheat the salmon gently before assembling new tacos.
Looking for More Delicious Salmon Recipes?
If you’ve fallen in love with salmon after trying these tacos, you’re in luck! Salmon is a versatile and healthy protein that can be prepared in countless delicious ways. Here are a few more of my favorite salmon recipes you might enjoy:
- Salmon Piccata Pasta (dairy-free, gluten-free)
- Candied Jalapeno Salmon Tacos with Strawberry Avocado Salsa
- Harissa Salmon Patties
- One Pan Pistachio Salmon
- Jamie Oliver-Inspired Tomato Chorizo Salmon
These Candied Jalapeno Salmon Tacos with Strawberry Avocado Salsa are more than just a meal; they’re an experience. They embody the spirit of culinary adventure, proving that the most memorable dishes can emerge from the most unexpected inspirations. So, go ahead, give this recipe a try. Pin it, save it, and make it part of your regular rotation. I’m confident it will become a new favorite in your home, just as it has in mine. And please, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or comments – I’d love to hear about your experience!
Candied Jalapeno Salmon Tacos with Strawberry Avocado Salsa
Kelly Kirkendoll
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh salmon (skin on, preferably)
- 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup sliced candied jalapenos (reduce to 1/4 if you prefer it less spicy)
- dash of salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced onions (red, preferably)
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice (fresh, preferably)
- 1/8 tsp sea salt
- 1 Tbsp diced candied jalapenos (dice them into really small pieces)
- dash of pepper and garlic powder
- chopped cilantro and lime for garnishing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F
- Coat the bottom of a cast iron or other pan lightly with olive oil; place the salmon skin side down and drizzle the 1/2 Tbsp of olive oil atop the salmon, add a dash of salt and pepper, then top with the sliced candied jalapenos; roast at 425 for 10-13 minutes or until done (time required will depend on how thick your salmon is plus your oven)
- While the salmon is cooking, make the fresh salsa
- When the salmon is done, put the baked salmon and jalapenos (minus the skin) in a bowl and mix until the salmon is flaked into pieces and the jalapenos are evenly mixed
- Heat soft corn tortillas or crispy corn taco shells per the package’s instructions; then fill with the shrimp and top with the salsa; garnish with chopped cilantro and lime. Enjoy!
Notes
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