Easy Blackened Salmon Recipe

Short description

A bold, richly seasoned salmon fillet pan-seared to form a crisp, flavorful crust, optionally finished with a lemon butter sauce—ready in just 15 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & effortless: Ready in about 15 minutes, ideal for busy evenings.

• Flavor-packed: The Cajun-style spice blend forms a delicious, smoky crust.

• Versatile: Perfect for salads, grain bowls, tacos, or served solo with your favorite sides.

• Healthy and satisfying: High in protein and omega-3s with minimal prep required.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Salmon fillets

• Olive oil or butter

• Paprika

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Dried oregano

• Dried thyme

• Cayenne pepper

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Optional: lemon, shallots, and butter for sauce

directions

1. Mix all spices together to create your blackened seasoning.

2. Pat the salmon fillets dry and brush with olive oil or butter.

3. Generously coat each fillet with the spice mix on all sides.

4. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add oil or butter.

5. Place salmon fillets flesh-side down in the hot skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until a dark crust forms.

6. Flip and cook an additional 2–5 minutes, depending on thickness, until cooked through.

7. Optional: Remove the salmon and sauté shallots in butter, then add lemon juice to make a light sauce.

8. Serve warm with lemon wedges or your favorite sides.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 4

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Use brown sugar in the spice rub for a hint of sweetness.

• Swap cayenne with smoked paprika for less heat and more smokiness.

• Cook in an air fryer at 400°F for 8–10 minutes instead of pan-searing.

• Finish in the oven to reduce smoke in the kitchen.

storage/reheating

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Freeze for up to 3 months; wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.

• Reheat in a 350°F oven for 4–5 minutes or microwave gently until warm.

FAQs

1. What is blackened salmon?

Blackened salmon is salmon coated in a spice rub and seared at high heat to form a dark, flavorful crust.

2. Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning.

3. Is blackened salmon spicy?

It can be mildly spicy depending on how much cayenne pepper you use, but you can adjust the heat level to your liking.

4. Can I grill blackened salmon?

Yes, grilling works well. Cook on medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side.

5. Do I need a cast-iron skillet?

A cast-iron skillet works best, but any heavy-bottomed pan that holds high heat will do.

6. What should I serve with blackened salmon?

Great side options include rice, roasted vegetables, salad, or mashed potatoes.

7. Can I make the spice rub ahead of time?

Yes, mix and store it in an airtight container for up to several weeks.

8. How can I prevent the fish from sticking?

Ensure your pan is hot and well-oiled before adding the salmon, and avoid moving it until the crust forms.

9. How do I know when the salmon is done?

The internal temperature should reach 145°F and the flesh should flake easily with a fork.

10. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use olive oil instead of butter and skip the lemon butter sauce.

Conclusion

This easy blackened salmon recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a flavorful, protein-rich meal in under 20 minutes. With bold spices and a crisp sear, it’s delicious on its own or with a zesty lemon sauce. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting dinner, it’s a versatile and reliable go-to dish.