Cumin, paprika, oregano and cayenne spices rubbed on salmon fillets and served with a creamy avocado sauce a tangy grapefruit salsa and warm tacos.
Preparation time
less than 30 mins
Cooking time
10 to 30 mins
Serves
Serves 4
By Alexina Anatole
From Saturday Kitchen
This recipe offers a balanced mix of lean protein from salmon, healthy fats from avocado, and various vitamins and minerals from the fresh ingredients. The use of whole foods and minimal added sugars contributes to its high nutritional value.
Equipment
- Baking tray
- Small frying pan
- Heavy-based frying pan
Ingredients
For the salmon
- Salmon fillets: 4 (150–200g/5½–7oz each), skin and bones removed
- Cumin seeds: ½ tbsp
- Hot paprika: 1 tsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Cayenne pepper: ½ tsp (or dried red chilli flakes)
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp
- Maple syrup: 1 tsp
- Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp
- Fine sea salt: ¼ tsp
For the avocado crema
- Lime juice: 1 lime
- Creamed coconut: 30g/1oz (or coconut cream)
- Freshly boiled water: 1 tbsp (omit if using coconut cream)
- Avocado: 1
- Fresh coriander: 20g/¾oz, leaves and stalks
- Green chilli: 1, deseeded
- Fresh root ginger: 1cm/½in piece, peeled and roughly chopped
- Garlic clove: ½ small, grated
- Maple syrup: ½ tsp
- Fine sea salt: ¼ tsp
For the grapefruit salsa
- Red grapefruit: 1, peeled, segmented and roughly chopped
- Radishes: 10, trimmed and quartered
- Cucumber: ½, thinly sliced into half moons
- Sea salt flakes: pinch
To serve
- Tacos: 9–12 (soft or hard, according to preference) or tostadas
- Fresh mint leaves: small handful
- Pumpkin seeds: small handful, lightly toasted
Method
Prepare the Salmon
- Preheat oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4 and line a baking tray with foil.
- Toast cumin seeds in a dry pan, then grind.
- Mix ground cumin with other spices, salt, maple syrup, and oil to form a paste.
- Coat salmon fillets with the spice rub.
Cook the Salmon
- Sear salmon in a hot pan for 45-60 seconds per side.
- Transfer to the oven and cook for 5 minutes, then rest.
Make the Avocado Crema
- Blend all crema ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning and consistency as needed.
Prepare the Grapefruit Salsa
- Combine chopped grapefruit, radishes, cucumber, and salt in a bowl.
Serve
- Warm the tacos.
- Let diners build their own tacos with avocado crema, salsa, and salmon flakes.
- Garnish with mint leaves and toasted pumpkin seeds.
Nutri-score Health Check
This dish has been rated as A: Healthiest. The score considers the high nutritional value of salmon (rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein), avocado (healthy fats), and a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. The use of whole, unprocessed ingredients and minimal added sugars contributes to its high score. The cooking methods (searing and brief oven time) help retain nutrients. While there are some high-calorie ingredients like coconut cream and tacos, the overall balance of nutrients makes this a very healthy meal option. This score has been automatically calculated from the ingredients in the recipe and is only a guide.