Salmon Tostadas With Citrus Salsa

Updated April 28, 2026

Media 1 of 1
Ready In
30 min
Rating
4(18)
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Poached salmon is the perfect canvas for a spicy and tangy salsa. Cilantro stems, onion and garlic flavor the fish during its brief simmer. Habaneros and citrus juice synergize to produce an intensely fruity and bright sauce. It’s a popular flavor combination in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. You can cut back to a single habanero but avoid swapping for a milder chile since it won’t have the same fruity flavor. The chiles are charred along with onion and garlic to add a hint of smokiness, but feel free to skip the charring step if you’d like. Tostadas provide crunch to contrast the tender, flaky fish, while a final topping of avocado and thinly sliced red onion add creaminess and freshness.

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Ingredients

Yield:6 tostadas

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

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

35 grams carbs; 93 milligrams cholesterol; 576 calories; 14 grams monosaturated fat; 7 grams polyunsaturated fat; 10 grams saturated fat; 35 grams fat; 3 grams fiber; 814 milligrams sodium; 34 grams protein; 2 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

    1. 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.

    2. 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.

    3. 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.

    4. Step 4

      Divide the salmon across the tostadas. Serve with avocado, thinly sliced red onion, remaining salsa and lime wedges.

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Ratings

4 out of 5
18 user ratings
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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.

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