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A perfectly cooked piece of blackened salmon with a dark, spiced crust.

Proven way to grow a perfect Blackened Salmon meal

This recipe guides you through preparing a delicious blackened salmon, perfectly seasoned and cooked to achieve a crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior. A quick and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Blackened Salmon Ingredients
  • 2 filets salmon fillets
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp dried thyme
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper or more, to taste
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • Paper towels
  • Small bowl
  • Pastry brush
  • Heavy-bottomed cast-iron skillet

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin. This step is crucial for achieving the desired blackened effect and prevents steaming.
  2. In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create your blackening seasoning blend. Ensure all spices are evenly mixed for consistent flavor.
  3. Brush both sides of each salmon fillet with melted butter, then generously coat the fillets with the prepared blackening seasoning. Press the seasoning into the fish to ensure it adheres well.
Cooking
  1. Heat a heavy-bottomed cast-iron skillet over high heat until it is smoking. This high heat is essential for creating the blackened crust on the salmon.
  2. Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets, skin-side down (if applicable), into the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving them to allow a dark crust to form.
  3. Flip the salmon fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Serving
  1. Remove the blackened salmon from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
  2. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as lemon wedges, rice, or a fresh salad. The vibrant flavors pair well with a variety of accompaniments.

Notes

For best results, use a well-ventilated kitchen as blackening can produce a lot of smoke. Adjust cayenne pepper to your spice preference. If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, a heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan can be used, but cast iron gives the best crust.