Name: Blackened Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
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)

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.

4 blackened salmon fillets in a cast iron skillet

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.

overhead image: 4 raw fish fillets and 6 small prep bowls with spices to make a blackened salmon recipe

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.

overhead image: blackening spice blend in a small glass prep bowl

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.

My Favorite Cast Iron Skillet

Why I love my cast iron skillet:

It is great for cooking on high heat.
It’s tough and super durable.
Cast iron skillets retain heat evenly, which is great to cook perfectly any meal.

get yours now!

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.
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:

four blackened salmon fillets in a cast iron skillet

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