Salmon Tacos and Citrus Salsa

I absolutely love what ancho powder does to salmon. It’s a really robust heat that doesn’t melt your face. It plays nice, honest. I also love the way it looks. That smokey red hue goes great with the pink of salmon [how unintentionally Valentine-y of me]. It’s a nice contrast. I don’t know why I thought salmon tacos were going to be a good idea, but they were. I usually only eat [or make] fish tacos with a white fish like tilapia or halibut. This is a nice change. It’s richer than what you expect from a fish taco, but that’s where the citrus salsa comes in.

It’s a bright, fresh addition. While the citrus salsa is delicious [and spicy, tread lightly with that chile if you’re not a spice fan], cutting it up was a pain. My pith removing skills are weak. I don’t do it often, so I have hardly any experience. I’m sure it gets easier with time, but I am just not all that interested.

Cilantro crema is also a nice addition but totally not necessary. As I’ve gotten older my love for sour cream has dwindled [although now I’m craving a bean and cheese burrito with sour cream something fierce!]. I’ll eat it if it comes standard on or in something, but I’ll hardly ever ask for it. I really don’t buy it unless I’m making some sort of coffee cake or something. Guacamole is my favorite topping, but not something I’d think to throw on these tacos. Next time I’d probably drop the crema and just top with cilantro.

Fish tacos are something I can eat an abundance of. Well, tacos I can eat an abundance of, but fish are extra special. Something about them seems lighter and as such I tend to inhale them at an even faster rate. These were no exception. I’m glad we made a pound of salmon because we definitely ate all of them in one setting because who likes leftover fish tacos? No one.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• olive oil
• 1lb salmon fillets, cut into four pieces
• salt and pepper
• 8 corn tortillas
• 3 oranges
• 2 limes
• 1 teaspoon chopped cilantro
• 1 serrano pepper, minced
• 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• cilantro, sour cream, or hot sauce for serving

Preparation

In a small bowl, whisk together two tablespoons of olive oil, the ancho chili powder, and tablespoon of lime juice. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Brush liberally on the flesh of the salmon. Set aside while you make the citrus salsa and slaw.

For the salsa, use a knife to peel the oranges and limes and remove all of the white pith from them. Good luck. This took me forever. Coarsely chop and put into a bowl. Add the teaspoon of cilantro, serrano  pepper, and 2 teaspoons of rice vinegar. Stir to incorporate. Taste for salt. Put in the fridge until ready.

For the slaw, toss together the cabbage, bell pepper, and red onion. Whisk together the 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the remaining 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar. Pour into the cabbage mixture and stir to incorporate. Place this in the fridge until ready to use.

Preheat the grill the medium-high. Grill the salmon skin side down [spray your grates if necessary] for about 8 minutes. Remove the grill and slice each piece in half lengthwise to get your 8 pieces. Remove the skin. Serve in the corn tortillas topped with salsa and slaw.