Blackened Salmon is an easy dinner that is ready in less than 25 minutes. The flavors of my seasoning rub put this recipe over the top!
This is a magical recipe. It will turn fish haters into fish lovers. Beyond that, it is done in less than 30 minutes and is less than 300 calories per serving. Absolute perfection.
What is Blackened Salmon
Blackened refers to the method of cooking the salmon. Despite the deep color, the salmon isn’t burnt. The fish is coated in oil and seasonings and cooked with high heat which blackens the seasonings on the outside of the salmon, giving it a dark brown or black appearance. It creates a delicious flavor that can be eaten as is or in recipes such as with pasta, rice, or on salads.
How to Make Blackened Salmon
This blackened salmon recipe comes together in a few simple steps listed below. For the full recipe and all of the measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Heat the Skillet
Do not add anything to the skillet while it is preheating. It should be smoking when ready; you can see this in the photo below. Again, no oil should be added.
Season the Salmon
Mix the Cajun seasoning with the oil. Rub it all over the salmon filets.
Sear the Salmon
Add the seasoned filets to the hot skillet, cooking for one to two minutes on each side.
Bake the Salmon
Add the seasoned filets to the hot skillet, cooking for one to two minutes on each side.
Blackening Seasoning
I love using the same basic seasonings that I use in my homemade Cajun seasoning when I make blackened shrimp, blackened chicken, or this blackened salmon. It is the perfect combo of spices: paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. I love that I always have these in my pantry.
Tips and Tricks
- Buying salmon by the filet from the fish counter. If you buy frozen salmon, you are likely to get four pieces that are uneven in thickness. This recipe works much better if they are all the same as you see here. Asking your seafood clerk to cut four even pieces is a great option.
- Invest in an instant read thermometer. Cooking fish can be really intimidating. The key is to not over-cook it. Using an instant read thermometer that can stay in the salmon when it goes in the oven can make this effortless.
- Look at the texture. If you don’t have an instant read thermometer, you can tell if salmon is done by its texture. When you push down very gently with a fork, it should flake apart easily.
How to Eat Blackened Salmon
There are so many options for how to enjoy this baked blackened salmon. Try any (or all!) of these delicious combinations.
- In salad: This salmon is delicious by itself or with rice and a fresh chopped salad. Or add this blackened salmon as the protein star to an entree salad like this caesar salad.
- As tacos: Make blackened salmon tacos by putting this delicious meat in tortillas with fresh veggies and the best pico de gallo recipe.
- Over pasta: It would taste delicious in pasta, like with my fettuccine alfredo recipe. The opportunities are endless for this delicious salmon recipe.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This recipe is best when enjoyed fresh out of the oven. If you do want to reheat leftovers, it is best to eat them within 24 hours of making this. Be sure to reheat the salmon in the oven or on the stovetop and not the microwave. Use low heat when reheating. This salmon should be reheated at 250 degrees in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until it reaches 125 degrees. Again, note that salmon reheated will not be as delicious as when it was freshly made, and eating it as cold leftovers in a salad or in tacos is a great option.
What to Serve with Blackened Salmon
If you try this blackened salmon recipe or any of my others, please leave a comment and let me know what you think!
Blackened Salmon
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon see note
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- dash cayenne pepper
- pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until it is smoking. This will take about 5 minutes. Please note that you are not adding anything to this skillet while it is preheating.
- Combine the seasonings together and then mix in the oil. Rub it all over the salmon filets. I like to do this on a plate, pouring a little more than a tablespoon over each filet. It will be messy, and there will be a bit left over. Make sure to rub it on all sides of the salmon.1 pound salmon, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt, 1/2 tablespoon onion powder, 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder, 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, dash cayenne pepper, pinch red pepper flakes
- Add the prepared salmon to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes on each side. (You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet.) Transfer the salmon in the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (see note).
- Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Video
Notes
LEAVE A COMMENT