Citrus Brown Butter Salmon Tacos: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Craving a vibrant and flavorful meal that's both impressive and surprisingly simple? Look no further than these Citrus Brown Butter Salmon Tacos! This recipe elevates the classic fish taco, transforming tender salmon fillets into a delightful centerpiece with a nutty, browned butter base infused with the bright zest of citrus fruits. The combination of rich, savory butter and the juicy sweetness of the salmon creates an unforgettable taste sensation. Forget complicated cooking techniques – this recipe is surprisingly accessible, even for beginner cooks.

The beautiful balance of flavors and textures will have you reaching for seconds. Imagine flaky salmon nestled in warm tortillas, topped with a refreshing citrus slaw and a creamy avocado crema. Ready to create this culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the easy step-by-step instructions to make these irresistible Citrus Brown Butter Salmon Tacos.

Tools Needed

  • Baking pan
  • Light colored pot
  • Heatproof bowl
  • Oven
  • Fork

Ingredients

  • Salmon fillets (skin on or off)
  • Honey
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Butter
  • Orange juice
  • Lime juice
  • Lemon juice
  • Garlic powder
  • Flour tortillas
  • Lettuce
  • White or red onions
  • Tomatoes
  • Cilantro
  • Avocados
  • Sweet corn
  • Black beans (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Salmon and Citrus Brown Butter Sauce

  • Pat salmon fillets dry and brush generously with honey. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place in a baking pan.
  • Melt butter in a light colored pot over medium heat, stirring until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and pour into a heatproof bowl.
  • Add orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a little honey (optional) to the brown butter sauce. Stir well.
  • Pour the Citrus brown butter sauce over the salmon fillets.
Pat salmon fillets dry and brush generously with honey. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place in a baking pan.Prepare brown butter sauce: Melt butter in a light colored pot over medium heat, stirring until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and pour into a heatproof bowl.Add orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a little honey (optional) to the brown butter sauce. Stir well.Pour the Citrus brown butter sauce over the salmon fillets.
Prepare the Salmon and Citrus Brown Butter Sauce

Step 2. Bake and Prepare the Salmon Filling

  • Bake salmon at 400°F for 12 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes until cooked through and flaky.
  • Mash the cooked salmon with a fork.
Bake salmon at 400°F for 12 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes until cooked through and flaky.Mash the cooked salmon with a fork.
Bake and Prepare the Salmon Filling

Step 3. Warm the Tortillas

  • bake until slightly crisp).
Warm tortillas (optional: bake until slightly crisp).
Warm the Tortillas

Step 4. Assemble and Serve the Tacos

  • Fill tortillas with salmon, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, avocados, sweet corn, and black beans (optional). Drizzle with leftover Citrus brown butter sauce.
Assemble tacos: Fill tortillas with salmon, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, avocados, sweet corn, and black beans (optional). Drizzle with leftover Citrus brown butter sauce.
Assemble and Serve the Tacos

Read more: Juicy Birria Quesa Tacos Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Use a light colored pot to monitor the butter's color while making brown butter sauce.
  • Remove brown butter from heat as soon as it turns golden brown and smells fragrant to prevent burning.
  • The honey on the salmon is optional; you can adjust to your preference.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 600-750
  • Fat: 35-45g
  • Carbs: 50-65g
  • Protein: 30-40g

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of fish instead of salmon?

Yes! Cod, halibut, or even mahi-mahi would work well as substitutes. Adjust cooking time as needed depending on the thickness of the fish.

2. What can I use if I don't have brown butter?

While brown butter adds a fantastic nutty flavor, you can substitute with regular melted butter. The tacos will still be delicious, just without that signature browned butter taste.


These Citrus Brown Butter Salmon Tacos are a perfect weeknight dinner or a show-stopping appetizer for your next gathering. The vibrant flavors and ease of preparation make them a recipe you'll return to time and again. Enjoy the deliciousness!