Roasted Salmon Tacos

I'm a movie-aholic, and The Usual Suspects is a perennial favorite–one that never gets stale. Few films stand up to repeat viewings; I typically don't see a movie more than once, even if it’s a favorite. Every time Fenster says something unintelligible, can't help but lose it.

​I’m the same way with food. I don’t like leftovers, with the exception of tacos. For some reason, Don and I can willingly eat tacos several nights in a row and not tire of it. [Ed. Note: Go figure.]

Let me introduce you to the roasted salmon taco. Not only is this super healthy, it only takes 30 minutes to prepare, and you will not tire of it (promise).

The recipe is from Cooking for Jeffrey by Ina Garten (love that woman). The tacos have a bold flavor with the tender spiced salmon, beautifully contrasted by the tangy slaw and kicky creamy avocado.  Everything is fresh and simple and perfect for a weeknight meal. This might be a tad spicy for little kids, or those sensitive to heat, so adjust the chipotle chile powder accordingly. 

Adapted from: Cooking for Jeffrey, by Ina Garten
Number of Servings: 6 (2 tacos per person)
 
Ingredients
For the slaw

• ¾ pound green cabbage, cored and finely shredded
• ½ seedless cucumber, unpeeled, halved lengthwise, seeds removed and very thinly sliced
• ¼ cup good white-wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh dill
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

 
For the salmon

• Olive oil, for greasing the pan
• 1 ¾ pounds center-cut fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
• 2 teaspoons chipotle chile powder
• 1 teaspoon grated lime zest
• Kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, divided
• 12 (6 inch) corn tortillas
• 4 ripe Hass avocados, seeded and peeled
• ¾ teaspoon Sriracha

 
Directions

1. At least an hour before you plan to serve the tacos, toss the cabbage, cucumber, vinegar, dill, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper together in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate, allowing the cabbage to marinate.
2. When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 425 °F. Brush a baking dish with olive oil and place the salmon in it. Mix the chipotle chile powder, lime zest, and 1 ½ teaspoons salt in a small bowl. Brush the salmon with 1 tablespoon of the lime juice and sprinkle with the chipotle seasoning mixture. Roast for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish, until the salmon is just cooked through.
3. Wrap the tortillas in 2 foil packets and place them in the oven with the salmon. Roughly mash the avocados with the remaining 2 tablespoons of lime juice, the Sriracha, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
4. To serve, lay 2 warm tortillas on each of 6 plates. Place a dollop of the avocado mixture on one side of each tortilla, then some large chunks of salmon, and finally, some of the slaw. Fold the tortillas in half over the filling (they will be messy!) and serve warm.