Irresistible Candied Jalapeño Salmon Tacos with Strawberry Avocado Salsa: A Culinary Revelation
Could a simple meal at a bowling alley truly inspire one of my all-time favorite recipes? Absolutely! These Candied Jalapeño Salmon Tacos, brilliantly paired with a vibrant Strawberry Avocado Salsa, have quickly become a staple in my kitchen – a delicious concept born in the most unexpected of places.
The Unlikely Genesis: From Bowling Lane to Flavorful Craze
My childhood in the Midwest painted a very specific picture of bowling alley cuisine: greasy hot dogs, stale nachos, or perhaps a bag of vending machine chips if you were feeling adventurous. The notion of a gourmet meal felt utterly foreign in such a setting. However, everything truly is bigger and often newer in Texas. Our local entertainment complexes boast full-fledged restaurants, elevating the dining experience far beyond arcade snacks. It was during a recent bowling outing that this culinary adventure began. I ordered fish tacos, expecting the usual, but they arrived with an intriguing, unexpected topping: fresh strawberries. My initial thought was, “Strawberries? On fish tacos?” Yet, curiosity won, and I took a bite. The surprising combination was nothing short of a revelation – a genuine “WOW!” moment that immediately sparked my culinary imagination.
Shortly after achieving my first (and quite rare) strike of the day, my mind, which is almost perpetually fixated on food, made another exciting connection. I remembered a fresh jar of candied jalapeños patiently waiting in my pantry, eager for their moment to shine. Yes, my brain works in wonderfully weird ways, but I wouldn’t have it any other way, especially when it leads to such incredible discoveries. These salmon tacos, featuring the sweet heat of candied jalapeños perfectly complemented by a bright strawberry avocado salsa, quickly ascended to the top of my “favorite tacos ever” list. For this recipe, I highly recommend “Li’l Gems” by Red Kitchen Foods, which are truly exceptional. Of course, feel free to use your preferred brand of candied jalapeños. (Note: This is not a sponsored post; just a genuine recommendation!)
A Symphony of Flavors: Sweet Heat Meets Fresh Creaminess
The flavor combination in these tacos might sound unconventional at first glance, but I assure you, it is nothing short of divine. The candied jalapeños bring a delightful balance of sweet and spicy, offering a gentle warmth that enhances the rich, flaky salmon without overpowering it. This unique heat contrasts beautifully with the refreshing and creamy elements of the strawberry avocado salsa. Imagine the sweetness of ripe strawberries, the buttery texture of avocado, a touch of zesty lime, and a hint of red onion, all coming together in a medley that dances on your palate. Even my daughter, who recently returned home from college, enthusiastically devoured several of these tacos, declaring her absolute approval of this unexpected yet harmonious blend. It’s a truly addictive flavor profile that you simply must experience to believe.
Effortless & Efficient: Your New Go-To Healthy Meal
Beyond their spectacular taste, these salmon tacos are incredibly easy and quick to prepare, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or a relaxed weekend meal. The salmon requires only 10-13 minutes in the oven, depending on its thickness, allowing ample time to chop and assemble the vibrant salsa ingredients. While the salmon bakes to perfection, you can effortlessly prepare the fresh salsa, ensuring both components are ready simultaneously. Whether you prefer the satisfying crunch of hard taco shells or the soft embrace of warm corn tortillas, this recipe is adaptable. I personally opt for organic yellow corn shells, which crisp up beautifully in just two minutes in the same oven as the salmon. Simply pop them in a few minutes before the salmon is done, or immediately after, and you’re moments away from a delicious meal.
Health-Conscious and Flavor-Rich: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free & Soy-Free
One of the many appealing aspects of these salmon tacos is their inherent healthfulness and dietary friendliness. They are naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free, catering to a wide range of dietary needs without compromising on flavor or satisfaction. Salmon itself is a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins, contributing to heart health and overall well-being. Coupled with fresh, antioxidant-rich strawberries, healthy fats from avocado, and the subtle benefits of jalapeños, this meal is as good for you as it tastes. You truly won’t miss a thing with this recipe, I promise! The combination of fresh ingredients and robust flavors ensures that every bite is not only delicious but also contributes positively to a balanced diet.
Ingredients Spotlight: Making the Best Choices
- **Salmon**: Opt for fresh salmon, preferably with the skin on, as it helps keep the fish moist and flavorful during baking.
- **Candied Jalapeños**: While any brand works, I can’t recommend “Li’l Gems” by Red Kitchen Foods enough. Their balance of sweetness and heat is perfect. Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference – use a bit less if you prefer a milder kick.
- **Strawberries & Avocados**: Choose ripe, firm strawberries and avocados. For the avocado, a gentle squeeze should yield slightly; avoid overly soft or hard ones.
- **Onions**: Red onions add a beautiful color and a sharper, fresher taste to the salsa, which complements the other ingredients well.
- **Fresh Lemon Juice**: Always opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice for the salsa. It brightens the flavors and helps prevent the avocado from browning.
Crafting Your Candied Jalapeño Salmon Tacos: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these tacos is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Let’s walk through it:
- **Preheat Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to a robust 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the salmon cook quickly and evenly, ensuring a flaky texture.
- **Prepare Salmon**: Lightly coat the bottom of a cast-iron skillet or baking pan with olive oil. Place the salmon, skin-side down, on the prepared pan. Drizzle the top of the salmon with ½ tablespoon of olive oil, then season generously with a dash of salt and pepper. Finally, arrange the sliced candied jalapeños evenly over the salmon.
- **Roast Salmon**: Roast the salmon in the preheated oven for 10-13 minutes. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillet and the efficiency of your oven. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done.
- **Prepare Salsa (While Salmon Cooks)**: This is your multitasking window! While the salmon is in the oven, combine your quartered cherry tomatoes, diced red onions, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice, ⅛ teaspoon sea salt, and 1 tablespoon of finely diced candied jalapeños (from the jar, separate from the salmon topping). Add a dash of pepper and garlic powder to taste. Gently mix all ingredients in a bowl. The fresh lemon juice is crucial here to brighten the flavors and prevent the avocado from oxidizing.
- **Flake Salmon**: Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven. Carefully remove the skin (if present) and transfer the cooked salmon and the roasted jalapeños into a bowl. Use a fork to gently flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces, ensuring the jalapeños are evenly distributed throughout the fish.
- **Warm Taco Shells**: Following the package instructions, warm your soft corn tortillas or crispy taco shells. If using corn shells, warming them in the oven for a couple of minutes before serving will enhance their flavor and texture.
- **Assemble and Serve**: Fill your warmed tortillas or taco shells with a generous portion of the flaked salmon mixture. Top with a dollop of the fresh Strawberry Avocado Salsa. For an extra touch of freshness and color, garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Serving Suggestions and Customizations
These tacos are fantastic on their own, but you can elevate the meal further with a few additions. A side of black beans and rice would make it a heartier meal. For an extra layer of crunch, consider adding some shredded cabbage to your tacos. If you’re a fan of extra tang, a drizzle of a simple lime crema (dairy-free, if preferred) could be a delicious addition. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and ease of customization to suit your preferences.
Looking for More Delicious Salmon Recipes?
If you loved these unique salmon tacos, be sure to explore more of my salmon creations:
- Salmon Piccata Pasta (dairy-free, gluten-free)
- Candied Jalapeno Salmon Tacos with Strawberry Avocado Salsa (another link to this delicious recipe!)
- Harissa Salmon Patties
- One Pan Pistachio Salmon
- Jamie Oliver-Inspired Tomato Chorizo Salmon
Don’t forget to pin this recipe and save it for later! I’d love to hear your thoughts and any questions you might have in the comments below.
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 (for salmon)
- 1/3 cup sliced candied jalapenos (for salmon topping, reduce to 1/4 if you prefer it less spicy)
- dash of salt and pepper (for salmon)
- 1/2 cup quartered cherry tomatoes (for salsa)
- 1/2 cup diced onions (red, preferably, for salsa)
- 1 cup sliced strawberries (for salsa)
- 1 large avocado, diced (for salsa)
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice (fresh, preferably, for salsa)
- 1/8 tsp sea salt (for salsa)
- 1 Tbsp diced candied jalapenos (for salsa, dice them into really small pieces)
- dash of pepper and garlic powder (for salsa)
- soft or crispy taco shells (4-8 depending on size/preference)
- chopped cilantro and lime for garnishing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220°C).
- Coat the bottom of a cast iron or other oven-safe 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 evenly top with the 1/3 cup of sliced candied jalapenos. Roast at 425°F for 10-13 minutes or until done (the required time will depend on the thickness of your salmon and your specific oven).
- While the salmon is cooking, prepare the fresh Strawberry Avocado Salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the quartered cherry tomatoes, diced red onions, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice, 1/8 tsp sea salt, and 1 Tbsp of finely diced candied jalapenos. Add a dash of pepper and garlic powder, then gently mix everything together.
- Once the salmon is cooked, transfer the baked salmon and roasted jalapenos (discard the skin if desired) into a clean bowl. Use a fork to flake the salmon into pieces, ensuring the jalapenos are evenly mixed throughout.
- Heat your soft corn tortillas or crispy corn taco shells according to the package’s instructions. Fill each taco with the delicious flaked salmon and candied jalapeno mixture, then generously top with the prepared Strawberry Avocado Salsa. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime for extra zest. Enjoy your incredibly flavorful and easy salmon tacos!
Notes
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