Smoky Salmon & Charred Corn Tacos

Sweet late-season Washington corn and juicy tomatoes keep these smoky salmon tacos bright, light, and weeknight-friendly.

  • Total time: 50 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $7
  • Calories per serving: 580 cal
  • Stovetop

Ingredients

  • Frozen Alaskan salmon
    12 oz, thawed
  • Fresh sweet corn on the cob
    2 ears $1.25
  • Fresh Roma tomatoes
    8 oz $1.99
  • Green onions
    2 $1.50
  • Organic lime
    1 $1.50
  • Small corn tortillas
    6
  • Olive oil
    2 tsp
  • Morton kosher salt
    1 7/8 tsp total
  • Smoked paprika
    1/2 tsp
  • Ground cumin
    1/2 tsp
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling Washington White Wine
    1 bottle $9.99

Instructions

  1. If still frozen, seal 12 oz Alaskan salmon in a leakproof bag and submerge it in cold water for 25–30 minutes, changing the water halfway through, until pliable. While it thaws, shuck 2 ears sweet corn and cut the kernels from the cobs.

  2. Make the tomato salsa by combining:

    • 8 oz Roma tomatoes, diced
    • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
    • 1 lime, juiced
    • 1/2 tsp Morton kosher salt

    Set aside while you cook.

  3. Pat the salmon dry. Season it with:

    • 7/8 tsp Morton kosher salt
    • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
    • 1/2 tsp ground cumin

    Press the seasonings gently onto both sides.

  4. Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and 1/2 tsp Morton kosher salt; cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred. Transfer to a bowl.

  5. Add 1 tsp olive oil to the skillet. Cook the seasoned salmon over medium heat for about 4 minutes per side, until the thickest part reaches 125°F. Transfer to a plate and rest for 3 minutes, then break into large pieces.

  6. While the salmon rests, warm 6 small corn tortillas in the dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side. Divide the salmon, charred corn, and tomato salsa among the tortillas and serve.

Drink pairing: A dry Riesling brings crisp acidity to the sweet corn and smoky salmon.

Wine picks:

  • Chateau Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling Washington White Wine $9.99 1 bottle
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle Eroica Riesling Washington White Wine $25.99 1 bottle

Why it works: A dry Riesling is ideal here: its lively acidity cuts through the salmon while complementing sweet charred corn, and its citrus-mineral character echoes the lime and bright tomato salsa. The Washington bottling also suits the Pacific Northwest ingredients.