Salmon Tostadas With Citrus Salsa
Updated April 28, 2026
- Ready In
- 30 min
- Rating
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Ingredients
For the salsa
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 to 2 fresh habaneros, stems removed
1 medium white onion, quartered, divided
4 garlic cloves, peeled, divided
¼ cup fresh orange juice (from 1 orange)
¼ cup fresh lime juice (from 2 limes)
For the tostadas
1 bunch cilantro, stems and leaves separated
1 (1½-pound) skinless salmon fillet, cut into 2-inch pieces
Kosher salt
6 tostadas
1 avocado, sliced
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
Lime wedges, for serving
Preparation
- Step 1
Make the salsa: In a large, high-sided skillet, heat oil over medium-high and open the window. Once shimmering, add the habaneros, one white onion quarter and 2 garlic cloves. Cook, undisturbed, until they develop a deep char, about 3 minutes (if you’d rather not char the salsa ingredients, transfer them directly to the blender). Remove from the heat and transfer charred ingredients to the blender. Add orange and lime juice and blend until smooth. Set aside.
- Step 2
Return skillet to medium-low heat. Add 4 cups water and scrape with a spatula to deglaze any charred bits in the pan. Add cilantro stems along with remaining onion and garlic. Once water begins to gently simmer, arrange salmon chunks in a single layer. Poach until just cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes, gently turning the fish occasionally to ensure the fish is cooked evenly.
- Step 3
Using tongs or a spider, transfer salmon to a large bowl (discard the aromatics in the pan). Gently flake the fish apart with the back of a fork. Add ½ cup salsa and gently toss to coat. Salt to taste.
- Step 4
Divide the salmon across the tostadas. Serve with avocado, thinly sliced red onion, remaining salsa and lime wedges.
Private Notes
Comments
We loved this. Perfect Friday dinner but it would be perfect on any night of the week to be honest. The salsa was so good that I will double it or even triple it next time. Salmon was great but most white fish would work well, too, as would shrimp.
The habanero peppers made the salsa unbearably hot. We mixed in plain Greek yogurt and even some honey to try to make it so we could eat some. We are regular eaters of spicy foods but this was next level hot. Recommend one pepper max, or maybe a milder pepper.
This was very good, but I felt like it needed something more. Refried beans maybe, and or thinly sliced cabbage. Salsa was delicious, but I love spicy. It would be way too much heat for people who don’t.
Question, do you make your own tostadas or can you buy them? Tortillas are abundant but I've never seen tostadas. Can anyone tell me how to make them?
You can make habanero peppers milder by removing the seeds, pith and ribs.

