This Pan-Seared Blackened Salmon is made with a homemade spice blend that creates a crispy, flavorful crust on the fish. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s the perfect quick and delicious dinner that packs a punch of flavor in every bite!
We’re big fans of salmon recipes, so if you’re interested in more, give these a try as well: Salmon Steak, Pan Seared Salmon, Air Fryer Salmon, and Maple Mustard Salmon.
Quick and easy recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or full weekends. Being busy shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying a wholesome meal that’s full of flavor.
This blackened salmon recipe really ticks all the boxes as it uses spices that are pantry staples, and it takes only 15 minutes to make.
Salmon is such a simple protein to make and is rich in good fats, making it a great choice for any meal! Salmon is also an excellent source of protein. Even better, if you have cut fillets frozen in your freezer, it doesn’t take long to thaw them in cold water if you’ve forgotten to put them in the fridge the night before!
If you are looking for more salmon recipes, please try these ones too: How to Cook Salmon in the Oven, Easy Broiled Salmon Recipe, Air Fryer Salmon, and Garlic Butter Baked Salmon.
What are blackening spices?
Blackening Seasoning is a specific seasoning blend, similar to Cajun or Creole seasoning. The spices used will vary by recipe, but the overall flavors are savory with a bit of heat.
However, the term blackening ALSO refers to the cooking process that is used to make the dish.
To blacken food is to cook it over high heat after applying the blackening spices. Essentially, the spices are burned, creating a black crust with a smoky flavor on the outside of the food.
This particular blackened salmon recipe is fairly mild in flavor. To boost the spice level, add some cayenne pepper to the spice blend.
For this recipe, you’ll need just salmon fillets, olive oil, and your favorite spices.
How to make blackened salmon
Coat the fish in oil and spices, then sear over high heat to form a nice crust. Then, cook until the fish is cooked through and serve with your favorite sides.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Make the spice blend: Combine all of the spices in a small bowl and mix together well. Be sure to measure them all out so the flavor balance is just right. This spice mixture will make your salmon very flavorful.
- Prep the fish: Next, pour oil over the fillets and coat one side with the blackening spices. Gently pat the fish with your fingers so that the fish is evenly covered.
- Cook the salmon: Heat oil in the pan until it’s shimmering and hot. Add the fish with the spice side down and sear until the spices are blackened. Then, reduce heat, flip, and cook until opaque and flaky. Top with parsley and fresh lemon wedges (optional) before serving. If you wish, squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top of the salmon before serving.
- If you wish, squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top of the salmon.
Recipe notes
- Proper tools – It’s important to use a good spatula to flip the salmon so it doesn’t break apart. Fish spatulas are designed specifically for this purpose, but a wide flat spatula will work just as well.
- Cooking pans – Because of the high temperature needed, a large cast-iron skillet is the best pan to use. If you don’t have one, stainless steel is the next best choice. Non-stick pans can be used, but the fish won’t get as black as with the other pans.
- Storage – Transfer leftover salmon fillets to an airtight glass container and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Or, portion them out into meal prep containers to have for lunches throughout the week.
- Reheating – For best results, heat in a pan on the stove so the blackened salmon stays crispy. You can also heat in the microwave along with some sides for a full meal at once.
Ways to use this blackened salmon recipe
If you have leftover salmon and want to change things up, here are some ways to enjoy the salmon:
- Salmon tacos: shred the salmon up and serve it in a taco with a delicious salad on the side.
- Salmon pasta: Roughly chop up the salmon and add it to the pasta. Pour some olive oil on top of your salmon pasta, and it will be amazing.
- Salmon salad: break up the salmon and toss it in a leafy salad or Greek salad. This Salmon Chopped Salad and Easy Salmon Salad Recipe is also really good.
- Salmon fried rice: Break up the salmon and toss it in some fried rice.
- You can make salmon meal prep for your lunch week since salmon stays good in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- You can also make salmon patties. These are delicious and easy to make.
- You can swap the spicy salmon for this blackened one in this Spicy Salmon Sweet Potato Skillet.
Other Salmon recipes to try:
Blackened Salmon Recipe
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Video
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish chopped
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried, salt and pepper. Mix all together well.
- Brush ½ tablespoon of olive oil on top of salmon fillets.
- Sprinkle the spice mix on the flesh side of the salmon only. Using your fingers, tap the spicy mix on top of the salmon (on the flesh side).
- In a non-stick skillet or cast iron skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Wait 2 minutes and then add the salmon fillets (skin side down) and cook for about 3-5 minutes. Time will depend on the thickness of the salmon fillets. Reduce the heat to medium-low and flip the salmon fillets over and cook for more 3-4 minutes.
- Before serve, garnish with parsley. Serve it with steamed broccoli, mashed cauliflower or roasted veggies. Enjoy!
Tips
- Click HERE to watch the web story.
- Make sure the pat dry the salmon before cooking so you get a nice sear.
- Keep the skin on the salmon so it’s easier to flip.
- I love the sear I get from using my cast iron skillet. I highly recommend buying one if you don’t already have one.
- To store: Store leftover salmon in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: You can reheat salmon on the stovetop or microwave.
- To freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe bag once the salmon fillets have reached room temperature. Freeze for up to 4 months.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.
Watch the Web Story HERE.
Scott says
Very easy and very tasty. Both myself and my family love it.
Olivia Ribas says
Amazing!!!
Pat says
Made this today, without the dill sauce and it was delicious blackened salmon. The blackening recipe was perfect!
Olivia Ribas says
Thank you. Happy you liked it.
BARBARA Anita FREELAND says
Very easy recipe. Salmon is delicious
Olivia Ribas says
Awesome! Happy you liked it!
Mark David Thompson says
Great recipe everyone loved it
Olivia Ribas says
Happy you liked it 😉
Gordon says
What I did was close (misread some instructions). Still excellent!
My comment is that on closer reading of whole web page I see to cook with skin side first, which means no spices are cooking for the first side–very interesting and useful. HOWEVER the print instructions don’t make this clear and a few words change could fix that. i.e. 4. “…add the salmon fillets [skin side down] and cook…”.
Olivia Ribas says
Thank you for your feedback and for giving the recipe a try! I’ve already updated the recipe card to clarify that the salmon should be cooked with the skin side down first. I appreciate your suggestion and am glad you found the dish excellent!
Betty Griffith says
Made this tonight. It turned out delicious.
Olivia Ribas says
Amazing! Happy to hear this 😉