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If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and a touch of Southern charm, this Blackened Salmon Recipe is absolutely the way to go. It’s a dazzling combination of spices that form a perfectly crisp crust on tender, flaky salmon, delivering a mouthwatering balance of smoky, spicy, and buttery notes. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this recipe brings excitement and deliciousness to your plate with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Blackened Salmon Recipe plays an essential role in crafting that iconic crust and rich flavor profile. From the aromatic herbs to the zing of cayenne pepper, these simple staples work together to transform salmon into a gourmet experience.
- 1 lb. salmon: Fresh, skin-on salmon fillets are perfect for locking in moisture as they cook, ensuring juicy results.
- 2 Tbsp. salted butter: Adds richness and helps create that irresistible sear in the pan.
- 1 lemon (cut into wedges): Brightens the dish with a fresh squeeze just before serving.
- 1 tsp. paprika: Provides a smoky base flavor and vibrant color to the seasoning mix.
- 1 tsp. garlic powder: Infuses a savory depth that’s gentle but unmistakable.
- 1 tsp. onion powder: Rounds out the flavor with subtle sweetness.
- 1 tsp. black pepper: Adds pungent heat and a kick to the crust.
- ½ tsp. dried oregano: Brings an earthy herbaceous note to the seasoning blend.
- ½ tsp. dried thyme: Contributes delicate floral tones to balance the spices.
- ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper (plus more to taste): The signature element that gives the blackened crust its fiery personality.
- ¾ tsp. salt (plus more to taste): Enhances all the flavors, making sure every bite pops.
How to Make Blackened Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Start by cutting your salmon into 4 fillets, keeping the skin on to help maintain moisture during cooking. Setting them aside now makes room to focus on creating the bold blackened seasoning that will coat each fillet beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Blackened Seasoning
In a small bowl, whisk together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, and salt. This combination is the star of the show — it’s fragrant, spicy, and perfectly balanced to complement the natural richness of the salmon.
Step 3: Season the Salmon
Generously sprinkle the blackened seasoning mix over each salmon fillet. Be sure to press gently but firmly so those spices adhere well and form that signature crust during cooking.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Heat the salted butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s melted and shimmering. Lay the salmon fillets flesh side down, letting them sizzle undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes. Then flip and cook the other side for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork. That crisp, blackened exterior pairs beautifully with the tender center.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Once cooked, serve the salmon hot from the pan with fresh lemon wedges on the side. A quick squeeze of lemon juice adds a refreshing brightness that perfectly balances the spicy, smoky flavors of this Blackened Salmon Recipe.
How to Serve Blackened Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top. These herbs add a fresh, green pop that contrasts beautifully with the deep tones of the blackened crust. A few extra lemon wedges also give your guests the option to customize brightness to their liking.
Side Dishes
Blackened salmon pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as creamy mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or even a light quinoa salad tossed with fresh veggies. The richness and spice of the salmon balance well with simple, fresh accompaniments that don’t overpower the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping meal, serve your salmon on a bed of colorful grilled vegetables or beside a tropical mango salsa to introduce a sweet contrast. Alternatively, flake the blackened salmon and toss it into a warm grain bowl with avocado, black beans, and corn for a vibrant twist on this Blackened Salmon Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, let the blackened salmon cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 2 days without losing its bold flavor.
Freezing
Freezing cooked blackened salmon is definitely possible, though the texture may soften slightly upon thawing. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To best preserve the crispy seasoning, reheat your blackened salmon in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of butter or oil. This helps maintain texture and flavor much better than microwaving, which can make it a bit soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! This Blackened Salmon Recipe works wonderfully with other firm fish like mahi-mahi, cod, or even trout. Just adjust cooking times based on the thickness of your fillets to avoid overcooking.
How spicy is this blackened seasoning?
The cayenne pepper provides a moderate, pleasant heat that’s easily adjusted. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne or omit it entirely, and if you love spice, feel free to add a touch more for that fiery kick.
Is cast-iron skillet necessary for blackening?
While a cast-iron skillet is ideal because it gets very hot and distributes heat evenly to create the perfect crust, you can use a heavy-bottomed stainless steel or non-stick pan if that’s what you have available. Just make sure the pan is hot enough before cooking.
Should I remove the skin before eating?
The skin is edible and crisps nicely when cooking the salmon skin-on, adding texture and flavor. However, it’s completely fine to eat it or leave it behind, depending on your preference.
Can I make the blackened seasoning mix ahead of time?
Yes, the seasoning mix can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for weeks. This makes weeknight dinners quicker since you just need to season and cook the salmon when ready.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Blackened Salmon Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that brings warmth, bold flavor, and effortless elegance to your table. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every spicy, buttery, flaky bite!
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Blackened Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and spicy blackened salmon recipe that combines a blend of paprika, garlic, onion, and herbs to create a crispy, savory crust on tender salmon fillets, cooked perfectly in a cast-iron skillet and complemented by a fresh squeeze of lemon.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 lb. salmon (cut into 4 fillets, skin on)
- 2 Tbsp. salted butter
- 1 lemon (cut into wedges)
Blackened Seasoning Mix
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- ½ tsp. dried oregano
- ½ tsp. dried thyme
- ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper (plus more to taste)
- ¾ tsp. salt (plus more to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Salmon: Cut the salmon into four fillets with the skin left on. Set aside the fillets as you prepare the seasoning.
- Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and salt until well combined to make the blackened seasoning.
- Season Salmon: Generously sprinkle the blackened seasoning over each salmon fillet and press gently to ensure the seasoning adheres to the surface of the fish.
- Cook Salmon: Heat the salted butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, place the salmon fillets skin side down in the skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes without moving them to develop a blackened crust. Carefully flip the fillets and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the skillet and serve immediately. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the fillets to brighten the flavors before serving.
Notes
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the salmon to achieve the best blackened crust.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Leaving the skin on helps hold the fillets together during cooking and adds flavor.
- Serve with your favorite sides such as steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Use fresh lemon wedges to enhance the flavor right before eating.
