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Easy Blackened Salmon Recipe

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A quick weeknight salmon rubbed with bold Cajun spices and seared in a hot skillet until smoky and tender.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each), skin on
  • 1 Tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp fine sea salt
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 Tbsp neutral oil (avocado or canola)
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush all over with melted butter.
  2. In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, brown sugar, cayenne, black pepper and salt.
  3. Generously coat the salmon on all sides with the spice mixture, pressing so it adheres.
  4. Heat a large cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add the oil and swirl to coat.
  5. Place salmon in the skillet, skin-side down. Cook undisturbed until the flesh is mostly opaque, 4–5 minutes.
  6. Flip and cook the second side just until the center flakes easily with a fork, about 2–3 minutes more.
  7. Transfer to plates, squeeze fresh lemon over the top and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For less heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
  • Make sure the skillet is fully heated before adding the fish to achieve the classic blackened crust.
  • The same seasoning works well on shrimp or chicken.
  • Leftovers keep in the refrigerator up to 2 days; gently reheat or enjoy cold in salads.

Nutrition

Keywords: blackened salmon, cajun salmon, quick dinner, skillet salmon

Find it online: https://zesticook.com/easy-blackened-salmon-recipe/