Valentina's Corner
Elevating the culinary experience of salmon to new heights by trying the blackened salmon which offers a tantalizing twist on the seafood classic.
Similar to pan-seared salmon, the fish comes out flaky and delicious. However, it differs because of its delectable crispy crust, achieved through a skillful coating of flavorful seasonings. This dish promises a unique and unforgettable dining adventure.
Blackened salmon is a delicious seafood dish that features a filet of salmon coated in a flavorful spice rub. Much like with our grilled salmon, a lot of flavor comes from the charring process.
The salmon is seared in a hot skillet to create a crispy outside while keeping the inside tender and moist resulting in a smoky, slightly spicy flavor that perfectly completets the taste of the salmon.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make. The recipe comes together in about 20 minutes, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknight dinners.
- So flavorful. The blackened spice rub adds so much flavor to the classic salmon.
- Crispy texture. Perfect crispiness on the outside, tender moistness on the inside- what better pairing is there when it comes to salmon?
- Versatile. You can pair blackened salmon with a variety of sides, from rice to vegetables or a fresh salad, allowing you to customize the meal to your liking.
Ingredients for Blackened Salmon
The ingredients to make the perfect, restaurant-style blackened salmon.
- Salmon – rich in omega-3s, potassium, and fatty acids, salmon is a staple meal in many homes.
- Spices – the perfect blend of spice for the perfect crisp exterior consists of paprika, garlic and onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Lemon/Lime – add some zest to your salmon.
For a full list of ingredients and quantities, see the recipe card below.
Substitutions and Variations
- Spice rub: Easily purchase a prepackaged spice rub or even use our chicken seasoning blend or cajun seasoning.
- Cooking: Instead of using a skillet, try cooking the salmon on the grill for a smokier flavor.
- Heat levels: Adjust the spice level of your salmon by experimenting with the amount of paprika you add.
How to Make Blackened Salmon
This salmon comes together in just 20 minutes so be sure to get your side dish started!
Step 1 – Prepare rub: Mix the ground paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt in a bowl.
Step 2 – Prep the salmon: Pat the salmon dry using paper towels. Coat both sides of the salmon with the spice rub.
Step 3 – Cook: Over high heat, melt oil and butter, coating the pan evenly. Add the fillet of salmon, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side, until a dark crust is formed.
Step 4 – Serve: Remove the salmon from the stove and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Serve with your desired sides.
Serving Suggestions
The salmon may be served so many different sides.
- As bowl: Serve it as a bowl like our salmon rice bowl.
- With side: with classic white rice, pasta or baked potato.
- With salad: a side of grilled vegetables or classic Caesar salad.
Store & Reheat
- Storage. Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheat. The best way to reheat salmon without drying it out is using an oven, but a stove can be used. Oven: Preheat to 275°F, wrap salmon in foil, and warm in the oven for 15 minutes. Skillet: Gently heat the salmon on medium-high heat, until the salmon is just heated through.
- Freeze. Cool completely and store in a sealed, airtight container for up to 3 months.
Recipe FAQs
Blackened Salmon is not burnt. The black coloring comes from the crispy crust of the spice rub.
You can use a heavy-bottomed skillet and oil or butter to cook your salmon.
With grilling, the spices you use to season are up to you, but with blackened salmon, spices are needed to create the crispy exterior of the salmon.
More Fish Recipes
If you enjoyed this salmon recipe, be sure to try our other popular seafood recipes, here are some favorites:
If you tried this Blackened Salmon Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below!
Easy Blackened Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds salmon fillet
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 Tbsp lime or lemon juice
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, salt, garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning to create the blackening spice rub.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then generously coat both sides of each fillet with the spice rub, pressing it into the flesh for maximum flavor.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until it’s hot. Add the oil and butter, swirling to coat the pan evenly.
- Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets into the hot skillet, skin-side down. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the spice rub forms a dark, flavorful crust.
- Carefully flip the salmon fillets using a spatula and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side, or until the salmon is cooked to your desired level of doneness. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
- Remove the blackened salmon from the skillet and let it rest for a minute or two.
- Serve the blackened salmon hot with a squeeze of lemon or lime on top along with your choice of side dishes, such as rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover salmon refrigerated in an air-tight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: You can reheat in the oven to 275°F to get the crispy crust again or on a skillet over low heat until warmed.
- Skillet: A cast-iron pan will give the best results, but you can still achieve a great result with a heavy bottom skillet.