Damn Good Salmon Taco Bowls for Two Recipe
Damn Good Salmon Taco Bowls combine tender, wild salmon fillets seasoned with a flavorful homemade taco spice blend, served over aromatic, spiced jasmine or basmati rice. Topped with fresh avocado, Greek yogurt, salsa, cilantro, and lime wedges, this vibrant dish delivers a perfect balance of zest, spice, and freshness, making it an ideal quick and wholesome meal for two.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 2 (6 oz each) wild salmon filets
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ lime, juiced
For the Taco Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- ¾ teaspoon cumin
- ¾ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ⅕ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or just a pinch!)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Rice:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ¼ cup very finely diced yellow onion
- ¼ cup very finely diced green bell pepper
- ¼ cup finely diced cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon coriander
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ¼ cups water
- ¾ cup uncooked jasmine or basmati white rice
For Serving:
- Avocado, sliced
- Greek yogurt
- Salsa or hot sauce
- Cilantro
- Diced green onion or red onion
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare salmon: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease it with olive oil or nonstick cooking spray. Place the salmon filets skin side down on the sheet. Drizzle with ½ tablespoon olive oil and squeeze half a lime over them.
- Make and apply seasoning: In a small bowl, combine coconut sugar, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the salmon and use your fingertips to rub it gently into the flesh for full flavor coverage. Set the salmon aside.
- Cook the rice base: Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add finely diced onion, green bell pepper, cilantro, and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften. Reduce heat to medium-low, then stir in tomato sauce, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Simmer rice: Add 1 ¼ cups water to the pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the uncooked jasmine or basmati rice, cover immediately, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Steam rice after cooking: Remove the pot from heat after 15 minutes of simmering, fluff the rice gently with a fork, then replace the lid and allow it to steam off the heat for another 10 minutes, ensuring a fluffy texture.
- Bake salmon: While the rice is steaming, place the prepared salmon in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Optimal baking time is typically between 16 and 18 minutes for perfectly cooked salmon.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the steamed rice evenly into two bowls. Place a baked salmon fillet alongside the rice. Top each bowl with avocado slices, a dollop of Greek yogurt, salsa or hot sauce, fresh cilantro, diced green or red onion, and lime wedges for squeezing.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the salmon taco bowls immediately while warm, enjoying the combination of savory, tangy, and fresh flavors in every bite.
Notes
- You can substitute coconut sugar with brown sugar if preferred.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice tolerance; a pinch can make it milder.
- Using jasmine or basmati rice provides the best texture, but you can swap with your preferred white rice.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based sour cream or omit it.
- Wild salmon is recommended for optimal flavor and texture, but farmed salmon can be used.
- Ensure the oven is fully preheated to guarantee even cooking of the salmon.
