This blackened salmon is liberally seasoned and seared to perfection. It is a must try recipe if you love tender and flavorful salmon.
Salmon is an excellent protein to have in your diet. Whether it’s air-fried, baked, or cooked sous vide, it pairs well with a range of dishes and helps put together a wholesome dinner or lunch. This blackened salmon recipe is another great way to cook salmon.
If you’ve tried our blackened tilapia, chicken, or shrimp, there is no doubt this salmon will be a winner too.
Table of Contents
- Why you’ll love this blackened salmon recipe
- Ingredients needed
- How to make blackened salmon
- Baked blackened salmon
- What to serve with this dish
- Tips to make the best recipe
- Storage instructions
- Recommended tools to make this recipe
- More delicious ways to cook salmon
- Frequently asked questions
- Blackened Salmon Recipe
Why you’ll love this blackened salmon recipe
A blend of flavorful spices is used to season the salmon fillets. The fillets are then seared in a piping-hot pan to toast the spices and create a delicious crust. You need to try this for yourself, because:
- Crispy crust and lots of flavors. The generous use of spices and the cooking technique used to prepare blackened fish result in a beautifully crispy crust and a rich flavor (like in tilapia, too!).
- Customizable. You can experiment with the blackening spices and use ones that you enjoy pairing with salmon. You can also make the fish as spicy as you like by using more cayenne pepper.
- Ready in 10 minutes. Like lemon pepper, honey garlic, or stuffed salmon, the best thing about this recipe is that it cooks in less than 10 minutes. No prep work and marinating are needed.
Ingredients needed
Although I make this blackened salmon recipe very often, I still prefer to make the blackened spice mix from scratch. I find the spices hold onto the fish better and are way more fragrant. Here is what you’ll need for this.
- Salmon. Both skinless and skin-on fillets will work. The crispy skin adds more flavor and texture to the blackened fish.
- Blackening spices. A range of spices can be used to make blackened fish. My spices of choice are cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and dried thyme.
- Salt. To taste.
- Butter. Melted butter to brush over the fillets right after searing them. This ingredient is completely optional, but that subtle butter flavor really intensifies the spices.
- Olive oil. To sear the salmon.
- Parsley. Fresh chopped parsley for garnish.
How to make blackened salmon
This perfectly seasoned salmon is both easy and impressive. Even if you’ve never cooked salmon this way before, it’s simple and straightforward.
Step 1- Prep the salmon
Start with mixing all the spices and salt. Sprinkle the spice mix generously on the salmon fillets and press to get them to stick well to the fish.
Step 2- cook the fish
Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet. When the oil is hot, place the salmon filets in the pan with the spice side down. Sear the fillets for 3 minutes per side.
Step 3- season and serve
Once you have removed the fillets from the pan, brush them with melted butter. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve.
Baked blackened salmon
I know cooking salmon on the stove can be a little intimidating (although you should try my seared salmon or cast iron salmon– it proves how easy it is!) so I’ve included an option to bake it in the oven.
- Preheat the oven to 450F degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Season the salmon fillets with the spice mix you have prepared.
- Arrange the salmon fillets on the baking tray with the spice side up and add a cube of butter to each fillet.
- Bake the salmon for 10 minutes.
What to serve with this dish
- Potatoes. You can never go wrong with potatoes, so pair the salmon with a baked potato, French fries, or wedges.
- Grains. Pasta, rice, or even some quinoa.
- Salads. Keep things fresh and tasty with a cucumber, wedge, or Green goddess salad.
- Sauteed vegetables. We enjoy some broccolini, asparagus, eggplant, and cauliflower rice.
Tips to make the best recipe
- Make sure the pan is extra hot. This ensures instant blackening and prevents the salmon from sticking to the pan.
- Don’t move the fillets once they are in the pan. You only need to flip the fish once. Don’t move the fillets while they cook to allow a nice crust to form on them.
- Add a small amount of brown sugar. A teaspoon of brown sugar added to the spice mix will help balance all flavors. The sugar also enhances the brown crust on the fillets.
- Change the spice mixture. The spice mix is super easy to customize, so add onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, chili powder, and Cajun seasoning.
Storage instructions
To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat: To prevent the salmon from drying out, it’s best reheated in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid using the oven or the microwave.
Leftovers idea
Leftover cooked fish are great to flake in a sushi bake, stuff in a quesadilla, or even elevate a grilled cheese sandwich. Like halibut and swordfish, salmon works very well too.
Recommended tools to make this recipe
- Mixing bowls. To make the seasoning mix.
- Cast iron skillet. For the perfectly seared fish.
- Non-stick skillet. No cast iron skillet? This non-stick skillet works a treat.
More delicious ways to cook salmon
Frequently asked questions
Fish is a source of high-quality protein that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Blackened fish is a lot healthier than fried fish though it is not as healthy as steamed fish. Consumed in moderation, blackened fish can be a part of a healthy diet.
While I stand by the ‘fresh is best’ mantra, frozen salmon fillets can be used if that is all you have on hand. Thaw the fillets out and be sure to pat dry each one very well before seasoning it.
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. Anyone with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease can make it and enjoy it.
Blackened Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 salmon fillets skin on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the spice mix until combined.
- Sprinkle the spice mix over the top of the salmon fillets.
- Add the oil to a large non-stick skillet and place over medium heat.
- Place the salmon, spice side down, and sear for 3 minutes. Flip the fish and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Remove the salmon from the pan and brush with melted butter and sprinkle with finely chopped parsley.
Notes
Nutrition
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I made this the other night and we loved it! we have tried several of your recipes and all turned out great. keep on sharing. Thanks.
I agree with the previous comment. This was delicious! My husband and I loved it. I made it in a cast iron skillet – first time doing that but with your great tips, it turned out wonderfully. Thank you!