Description
Make flavorful, restaurant-style blackened salmon quickly using a simple homemade seasoning blend and pan-searing technique. This recipe yields a spicy, dark crust while keeping the fish moist.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 (6 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This is your blackened seasoning.
- Pat the salmon fillets completely dry using paper towels. This step helps create a better crust.
- Generously coat all sides of each salmon fillet with the seasoning blend, pressing it lightly so it adheres.
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat until it shimmers slightly.
- Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets into the hot skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Sear the salmon for 4 to 5 minutes without moving it, allowing the crust to form.
- Flip the fillets gently. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the salmon from the skillet and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, use a higher smoke point oil like avocado oil instead of olive oil.
- If you prefer oven baking, place seasoned fillets on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Serve this salmon with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 37
- Cholesterol: 95