Blackened Salmon – This perfectly seared salmon fillets coated in a smoky, spicy blend of Cajun-inspired seasonings. This deliciously crisp, flavorful crust while staying tender and juicy inside is perfect for a weeknight dinner pairs wonderfully with fresh veggies, rice, or a cool, tangy slaw.
What Is Blackened Salmon?
Blackened salmon is a dish where a filet of salmon is coated in a rich blend of spices and then seared over high heat. This method of cooking creates a dark, crispy crust while keeping the fish inside tender and juicy. The blackening process involves using butter or oil and a hot skillet to char the spice coating, giving the salmon a smoky, slightly spicy flavor.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Blackened Salmon
- Use Fresh Salmon: The fresher the salmon, the better the flavor. If you can’t get fresh salmon, frozen is a good alternative—just make sure to thaw it properly.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Customize the seasoning to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper.
- Use a Well-Seasoned Cast-Iron Skillet: This is essential for getting that perfect crust and even heat distribution.
- Don’t Move the Salmon While Cooking: Letting the salmon sit undisturbed in the pan ensures a crispy, blackened crust.
Variations to Try
- Blackened Salmon Tacos: Flake the cooked salmon and serve it in warm tortillas with slaw and a squeeze of lime.
- Blackened Salmon Salad: Top a fresh, vibrant salad with blackened salmon for a healthy and flavorful meal.
- Honey-Glazed Blackened Salmon: Add a drizzle of honey to the salmon during the last minute of cooking for a sweet and spicy twist.
How to Serve Blackened Salmon
Blackened salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some serving ideas:
- Vegetable Sides: Roasted asparagus, garlic green beans, or a simple side salad.
- Grains: Serve with fluffy rice, quinoa, or creamy mashed potatoes.
- Sauces: A cooling sauce like lemon-dill yogurt or a zesty avocado crema balances the heat of the spices.
How to Store and Reheat Blackened Salmon
- Refrigerate: Store leftover blackened salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the salmon for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
- Reheating Tip: To maintain the crispy crust, avoid microwaving. Instead, reheat on the stovetop or in the oven.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! Blackening seasoning works well with other fish like tilapia, red snapper, or even mahi-mahi.
What’s the difference between blackened and grilled salmon?
Blackened salmon is seared in a skillet with spices, creating a crispy crust, while grilled salmon is cooked over direct heat on a grill, often with a milder flavor.
Is blackened salmon healthy?
Yes! Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential nutrients. The blackening spices add flavor without the need for heavy sauces, making it a nutritious option.
Can I make this recipe without a cast-iron skillet?
Yes, but a cast-iron skillet provides the best crust. If you use a nonstick pan, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Blackened Salmon
Blackened Salmon - This perfectly seared salmon fillets coated in a smoky, spicy blend of Cajun-inspired seasonings. This deliciously crisp, flavorful crust while staying tender and juicy inside is perfect for a weeknight dinner pairs wonderfully with fresh veggies, rice, or a cool, tangy slaw.
Ingredients
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin-on
- 1 tbsp paprika
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp light or dark brown sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ tsp onion powder
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for serving)
Instructions
- Place your salmon fillets on a plate, flesh-side up, and give them a good pat dry. This helps with seasoning adhesion!
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, brown sugar, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme. This flavorful mix will give your salmon that signature blackened crust.
- Melt the butter in a separate bowl. Brush it over the flesh side of each salmon fillet. Generously sprinkle your spice blend over the top, pressing lightly so it sticks.
- Grab a large cast-iron skillet and heat it over medium. Trust me, you’ll want the pan hot for that perfect sear! Make sure your exhaust fan is on—things might get smoky.
- Once the skillet is hot (a drop of water should dance across the surface), place your salmon fillets flesh-side down. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the spices are blackened and crusty. Carefully flip.
- Let the salmon cook skin-side down for another 5-6 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the fish reaches 145°F internally. The flesh should flake easily with a fork.
- Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the salmon and sprinkle with chopped parsley or thyme. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 71Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 15mgSodium 318mgCarbohydrates 5gFiber 2gSugar 2gProtein 1g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Blackened salmon is a versatile, healthy, and flavor-packed dish that’s easy to make at home. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try, and don’t forget to experiment with different sides and sauces to make it your own.
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