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
Scale
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.
