Blackened Salmon Recipe
This easy and pan seared blackened salmon recipe uses a homemade spice blend for crispy, flavorful fish. Make this 15 minute recipe for a delicious dinner!
If you are looking for more salmon recipes, please try these ones too: How to Cook Salmon in the Oven, Easy Broiled Salmon Recipe, Spicy Salmon Sweet Potato Skillet and Broiled Salmon with Cabbage and Green Beans.
Quick and easy recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or full weekends. Being busy shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying a healthy meal that’s full of flavor.
Because salmon is simple to make and is rich in healthy fats, it’s a great choice for any meal!
What are blackening spices?
Blackening 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 smoky flavour on the outside of the food.
What you’ll need to make blackened salmon recipe:
This particular blackened salmon recipe is fairly mild in flavor. To boost the spice level, add some cayenne pepper to the spice blend.
- Salmon fillets
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley
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.
- 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 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 flakey.
- Baste and serve: Then, melt the lemon spice butter in the pan and spoon over the fish. Top with parsley before serving.
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 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 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.
Other Salmon recipes to try:
All of these recipes are just as easy to make as the blackened salmon recipe, and there are a variety of flavors to choose from!
- Simple Garlic Butter Salmon
- Dijon Mustard Salmon
- Pomegranate Glazed Salmon
- Easy Chopped Salmon Salad
Blackened Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 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.
- Pour ½ tablespoon of olive oil on top of salmon fillets.
- Sprinkle the spice mix on top of the salmon. Using your fingers, tap the spicy mix on top of the salmon.
- 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 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!
Video
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