Coconut Curry Salmon Tacos with Pickled Cabbage Slaw
Looking for a flavorful, protein‑packed dinner that takes under 30 minutes? These coconut curry salmon tacos combine silky salmon, aromatic curry, and zesty pickled cabbage for a satisfying, wholesome bite. Perfect for busy weekdays or a quick weekend feast.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh salmon fillets, skin removed
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp unsweetened almond butter
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup coconut milk (full‑fat)
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Napa cabbage
- 1/2 cup julienned carrots
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- Fresh lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- 1. Cut salmon into 4 bite‑sized pieces and set aside.
- 2. In a small bowl, whisk together almond butter, garam masala, coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, lime juice, coconut milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- 3. Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add salmon pieces, searing 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
- 4. Pour the curry sauce into the same skillet, whisking to deglaze any browned bits. Reduce heat to medium and stir for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- 5. Toss the seared salmon back into the skillet, coating thoroughly. Remove from heat and let the flavors meld for 30 seconds.
- 6. While the salmon rests, prepare the pickled slaw. In a bowl, combine rice vinegar, honey, sea salt, black pepper, cabbage, carrots, and cilantro. Mix well and let sit for 10 minutes.
- 7. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for ~20 seconds. Spoon a generous amount of coconut curry salmon onto each tortilla.
- 8. Top with pickled cabbage slaw, garnish with extra cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
Chef's Note
For a crispier slaw, add a splash of sparkling water to the pickling liquid. Let it sit longer for deeper flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
Pickled slaw can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and stored in the fridge; salmon stays fresh for 1 day in the refrigerator.
Substitutions
Use cod for a milder flavor; substitute coconut milk with light cream for lower fat. Swap corn tortillas for flour tortillas if desired.