Blackened Salmon is a flavorful seafood dish known for its flaky texture, smoky aroma, and bold flavors. It is prepared using fresh salmon fillets and bold blackened seasoning.
This unique dish stands out for its charred and flavor-packed profile. It pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as white rice, brown rice, quinoa, simple salads, or roasted and baked vegetables. The best part is that you can prepare it in under 30 minutes, making it a easy option for both lunch and dinner.
In this recipe, I have provided easy step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process of making Blackened Salmon. Additionally, I have included a detailed video that visually demonstrates each step, ensuring clarity in the cooking process.
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What is Blackened Salmon?
Blackened Salmon is a sweet, savory and spicy seafood dish known for its bold flavors and contrasting textures. It is usually made with salmon fillets, and special blackened seasoning. Blackened Salmon is often associated with Cajun and Creole cuisine, where the blend of spices and herbs adds a distinct Southern flair. It pairs with side dishes like rice, quinoa, roasted or baked vegetables, sauteed dishes, or a refreshing salad.
The blackening cooking technique is what sets Blackened Salmon apart and contributes to its popularity. This method involves coating the salmon with a bold spice blend and then searing it in a hot skillet until the surface turns blackened and slightly charred.
The high heat creates a beautiful crust while sealing in the moisture of the fish, resulting in a juicy and succulent interior. This technique originated in Louisiana and gained widespread recognition due to its unique and robust taste profile.
Blackened Salmon is an excellent choice for a quick and flavorful healthy dinner or lunch. Whether you're looking for a weeknight dinner or a delightful lunch option, Blackened Salmon is sure to impress.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The ingredients you will need for making Blackened Salmon are basic pantry seasonings and some fresh salmon fillets. So let's see what are they below.
- Salmon Fillets: Delicate and mildly sweet, with a rich buttery flavor. It is also a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids
- Garlic powder: Adds a pungent and savory taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish
- Onion powder: Imparts a mild yet distinct onion flavor, providing depth to the seasoning blend
- Paprika: Depending on whether you use regular or smoked paprika, it can contribute a mild sweetness or a smoky element to the dish
- Black pepper powder: Provides a mild heat and sharpness, balancing the flavors and adding a touch of spiciness
- Brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory flavors, creating a pleasant taste
- Dried herbs: Dried herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, add a touch of freshness and herbaceousness to the dish. They also help to balance out the richness of the salmon
- Olive oil: Imparts a fruity and slightly peppery taste, contributing richness and a smooth texture to the salmon
- Butter: Butter adds a touch of richness and creaminess to the dish. It also helps to enhance the flavor of the salmon
For a spicy kick, you can add cayenne pepper to the dish. Cayenne pepper has a strong, spicy flavor that can add a bit of heat to the dish. You can also use smoked paprika, which has a slightly smoky flavor that can add depth and complexity to the dish
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to Make Blackened Salmon at Home?
The recipe I have shared here is Blackened Salmon, a flavorful dish featuring salmon fillets coated in a bold blackening seasoning. The salmon is then cooked in a hot skillet until the skin turns crispy and the surface is blackened, resulting in a delicious and aromatic dish that pairs well with various sides.
Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below
- Prep Blackened Seasoning: Add onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, brown sugar, dried thyme, rosemary, and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir well to combine
- Marinate the salmon: Place the salmon fillets on a plate and coat them evenly with olive oil. Sprinkle the seasoning generously on both sides of the salmon, ensuring an equal division of seasoning for each side. Thoroughly coat both sides of the salmon with the seasoning
- Pre-heat the skillet: Heat a well-seasoned cast iron skillet over medium heat and add a teaspoon of olive oil, allowing it to heat up
- Fry the salmon: Carefully place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet with the skin side down and fry them for approximately 3 to 4 minutes until the skin becomes crispy
- Add Butter: To add some extra flavor to your salmon, you can add a teaspoon of butter to the skillet before flipping the fillets. The butter will enhance the richness and provide a delicious taste to the dish
- Flip the salmon: Flip the salmon fillets using a spatula and fry the flesh side for an additional 4 to 5 minutes or until the surface achieves a desirable blackened appearance. To ensure doneness, check the salmon's internal temperature with a kitchen thermometer (145°F, FDA recommended) or test for flakiness with a fork
- Remove and enjoy: Remove the perfectly cooked salmon from the skillet. It is now ready to enjoy
Tips
- Choose fresh salmon: Always use fresh salmon fillets with firm flesh and vibrant color. This ensures the best taste and texture in the final dish
- Season generously: Coat the salmon fillets generously with the blackening seasoning on both sides. This ensures a flavorful and well-seasoned crust
- Preheat the skillet: Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet and preheat it over medium heat before adding the salmon. This helps in achieving a crispy exterior. If you don't have a cast iron skillet, you can opt for a good quality nonstick pan for best results
- Use high-heat oil: Opt for an oil with a high smoke point, such as olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying the salmon. These oils can withstand the high heat required for blackening without burning
- Add a touch of butter: To elevate the flavor of your Blackened Salmon, consider adding a teaspoon of butter to the skillet before flipping the fillets. This addition will infuse the salmon with a rich and buttery taste, enhancing the overall experience of the dish
- Monitor cooking time: Pay attention to the cooking time to avoid overcooking the salmon. Blackened salmon typically cooks in about 3 to 4 minutes on the skin side and 4 to 5 minutes on the flesh side. However, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets
- Check doneness: Always check the doneness of the salmon to ensure it is cooked through. You can use a kitchen thermometer to measure the internal temperature, which should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Another method is to check if the fish flakes easily when pierced with a fork
- Adjust seasoning to taste: You can adjust the blackening seasoning according to your personal taste. Feel free to adjust the spices to achieve the desired level of heat and flavor. If you are a spice lover try incorporating a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick
Storage Suggestions
Blackened Salmon stays fresh when stored in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. It's always important to consume salmon within this period to maintain its quality and taste. Remember to check refrigerated leftovers for any signs of spoilage, such as an off odor or unusual texture. If any doubt arises regarding the salmon's freshness, I recommend discarding it for food safety.
Serving Suggestions
When serving Blackened Salmon, you can pair its bold flavors with a variety of delicious side dishes. Here are some options to consider:
- Rice Dishes: Serve the salmon over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice or jasmine rice. You can also cook the rice with some herbs or spices to add extra flavor
- Quinoa: For a more nutritious alternative to rice, try serving the salmon with cooked quinoa. Quinoa is packed with protein and nutrients, and it pairs well with the rich flavors of Blackened Salmon
- Roasted Vegetables: Roast a colorful assortment of vegetables such as asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. The caramelized flavors and tender texture of the vegetables will pair with the salmon nicely
- Sauteed Dishes: Lightly sauteed vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, or green beans provide a fresh and vibrant contrast to the spiciness of salmon
- Salad: Prepare a crisp and refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. The salad can serve as a light and refreshing side to the salmon
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a classic side dish that goes well with salmon. Brush the corn with some butter and sprinkle it with salt and pepper for added flavor
- Coleslaw: A creamy and tangy coleslaw can balance the flavors of the Blackened Salmon. Choose a traditional coleslaw or try a variation with carrots, apples, or cranberries
Related Recipes
You could also find similar salmon recipes below and more at seafood recipes and fish recipes.
- Pan-Fried Salmon
- Grilled Salmon
- Pan Seared Salmon
- Teriyaki Salmon
- Honey Garlic Salmon
- Oven Baked Salmon
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- Salmon Pasta
- Salmon Patties
- Salmon Tandoori
Blackened Salmon Recipe Video
I have also shared a detailed video of this Blackened Salmon recipe below that I hope will help you make a flavorful dish at home. You can also find this recipe in a story format.
📖 Recipe
Blackened Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 fillets Salmon
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tbsp Paprika, regular or smoked
- ¾ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ½ tsp Dried Thyme
- ½ tsp Dried Rosemary
- 1 tsp Brown Sugar
- Salt, to taste
- 3 tsp Olive Oil, 2 tsp for coating+ 1 tsp for pan frying
- 1 tsp Butter, unsalted
Instructions
To make Blackened Salmon
- In a bowl, add the following ingredients: onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, brown sugar, dried thyme, rosemary, and salt. Mix thoroughly
- Place the salmon fillets on a plate and coat them evenly with olive oil. Sprinkle a generous amount of the prepared seasoning on both sides of the salmon. Make sure to use all the seasoning, dividing it equally between both sides
- Coat the salmon fillets thoroughly with the seasoning, ensuring it covers both sides of the fish
- Heat a well-seasoned cast iron skillet over medium heat and add a teaspoon of olive oil. Allow it to heat up, Once the cast iron skillet is hot enough, place the salmon fillets in the pan with the skin side down. Fry them for 3 to 4 minutes until the skin becomes crisp. To add some extra flavor to your salmon, you can add a teaspoon of butter to the skillet before flipping the fillets. The butter will enhance the richness and provide a delicious taste to the dish
- Carefully flip the salmon fillets using a spatula and fry the flesh side for an additional 4 to 5 minutes or until the surface is blackened. Always check the doneness of the fish using a kitchen thermometer. The internal temperature should read 145 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the safest temperature recommended by the FDA for consuming fish. Alternatively, you can check the doneness by using a fork. If the flesh easily flakes apart when probed with a fork, it indicates that the fish is cooked thoroughly
- Remove the Blackened Salmon from the skillet. It is now ready to be enjoyed
To Serve
- Serve this flavor-packed Blackened Salmon with white rice, brown rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad of your choice
Video
Notes
- Choose fresh salmon: Always use fresh salmon fillets with firm flesh and vibrant color. This ensures the best taste and texture in the final dish
- Season generously: Coat the salmon fillets generously with the blackening seasoning on both sides. This ensures a flavorful and well-seasoned crust
- Preheat the skillet: Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet and preheat it over medium heat before adding the salmon. This helps in achieving a crispy exterior. If you don't have a cast iron skillet, you can opt for a good quality nonstick pan for best results
- Use high-heat oil: Opt for an oil with a high smoke point, such as olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying the salmon. These oils can withstand the high heat required for blackening without burning
- Add a touch of butter: To elevate the flavor of your Blackened Salmon, consider adding a teaspoon of butter to the skillet before flipping the fillets. This addition will infuse the salmon with a rich and buttery taste, enhancing the overall experience of the dish
- Monitor cooking time: Pay attention to the cooking time to avoid overcooking the salmon. Blackened salmon is typically cooked for about 3 to 4 minutes on the skin side and 4 to 5 minutes on the flesh side. However, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets
- Check doneness: Always check the doneness of the salmon to ensure it is cooked through. You can use a kitchen thermometer to measure the internal temperature, which should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Another method is to check if the fish flakes easily when pierced with a fork
- Adjust seasoning to taste: The blackening seasoning can be adjusted according to your personal taste. Feel free to adjust the spices to achieve the desired level of heat and flavor. If you are a spice lover try incorporating a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick
Nutrition
FAQ
Blackened Salmon can have a mild to moderate level of spiciness, depending on the specific spice blend used and individual choice. The spice blend typically includes ingredients like paprika, black pepper, and sometimes cayenne pepper, which can contribute to the spiciness of the dish. However, the level of spiciness can be adjusted according to personal taste by altering or skipping the spicier ingredients.
The cooking time for salmon in a cast iron skillet can vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and the desired level of doneness. As a general guideline, you can cook salmon in a preheated cast iron skillet for about 4-6 minutes per side. This timing will ensure that the salmon is cooked through while maintaining its moistness and achieving a desirable level of browning or blackening on the surface.
Blackened Salmon gets its black color from the Maillard reaction, which occurs when the spices on the surface of the fish react with high heat. The reaction creates a flavorful crust while keeping the interior moist and tender. The blackened appearance adds visual appeal and hints at the intense flavors that await.
I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
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