Salmon

Blackened Salmon

Name: Blackened Salmon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets, 6 oz (170g) each; 2 tbsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp lemon juice

By Noelle Ashford · June 19, 2026 · Salmon

Prep15 min

Cook12 min

Total27 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had blackened salmon at a seafood restaurant. The combination of the crispy crust and the tender fish was love at first bite. As a home cook, I was determined to recreate this dish in my own kitchen. After some trial and error, I finally perfected my blackened salmon recipe, and I'm excited to share it with you.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to cook seafood but is intimidated by the process. The key to making great blackened salmon is to use fresh and high-quality ingredients, and to not be afraid to get a little creative with the spices. With this recipe, you'll be able to impress your friends and family with a delicious and impressive dish that's sure to become a favorite.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's incredibly versatile. You can serve it with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to quinoa or rice. You can also customize the spice blend to suit your taste preferences. Whether you like a little heat or a lot, this recipe is adaptable to your needs.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make perfect blackened salmon. From preparing the fish to cooking it to perfection, I'll share my tips and tricks for getting the best results. So, let's get started and make some delicious blackened salmon!

As a coastal home cook, I'm passionate about sharing my love of seafood with others. I believe that cooking seafood should be approachable and fun, not intimidating or overwhelming. With this recipe, I hope to inspire you to get into the kitchen and start cooking with confidence. So, let's dive in and make some amazing blackened salmon!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
The spice blend is customizable to suit your taste preferences
The dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion
The recipe is foolproof and forgiving, making it perfect for beginners
The blackened salmon is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside
The dish is packed with flavor and aroma
The recipe is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great blackened salmon is to use a combination of spices that complement the natural flavor of the fish. In this recipe, we're using a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme to create a delicious and aromatic crust. The paprika adds a smoky flavor, while the garlic and onion powder add a savory depth. The thyme adds a subtle herbal note that complements the fish perfectly.

Another important factor in making great blackened salmon is to cook the fish at the right temperature. We're using a hot skillet to sear the fish, which helps to create a crispy crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and moist. By cooking the fish to an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C), we can ensure that it's cooked to perfection.

Finally, the key to making blackened salmon that's truly exceptional is to not be afraid to get a little creative with the spices. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of spices to find the one that works best for you. And don't be afraid to add a little extra spice or seasoning to give the dish an extra boost of flavor.

By following these tips and using the right ingredients, you'll be able to make blackened salmon that's truly exceptional. So, let's get started and make some delicious blackened salmon!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious blackened salmon, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The most important ingredient is the salmon itself, which should be fresh and of high quality. You'll also need a blend of spices, including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Additionally, you'll need some olive oil, butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to complete the dish.

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to choose a salmon fillet that's wild-caught and sustainably sourced. You can also use frozen salmon, but be sure to thaw it first before using. For the spices, you can use either fresh or dried herbs, depending on your preference. Fresh herbs will give the dish a brighter, more vibrant flavor, while dried herbs will provide a deeper, more muted flavor.

4 salmon fillets, 6 oz (170g) eachLook for wild-caught and sustainably sourced salmon. You can also use frozen salmon, but be sure to thaw it first before using. Make sure to pat the salmon dry with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture.
2 tbsp paprikaPaprika adds a smoky flavor to the dish. You can use either sweet or smoked paprika, depending on your preference. Sweet paprika will give the dish a milder flavor, while smoked paprika will provide a deeper, more robust flavor.
1 tsp garlic powderGarlic powder adds a savory depth to the dish. You can adjust the amount to your taste, but be careful not to add too much or it will overpower the other flavors.
1 tsp onion powderOnion powder adds a sweet and savory flavor to the dish. You can use either white or yellow onion powder, depending on your preference. White onion powder will give the dish a milder flavor, while yellow onion powder will provide a deeper, more robust flavor.
1 tsp dried thymeThyme adds a subtle herbal note to the dish. You can use either fresh or dried thyme, depending on your preference. Fresh thyme will give the dish a brighter, more vibrant flavor, while dried thyme will provide a deeper, more muted flavor.
1/2 tsp saltSalt enhances the flavor of the dish and helps to bring out the natural flavors of the salmon. You can use either kosher salt or sea salt, depending on your preference. Kosher salt will give the dish a milder flavor, while sea salt will provide a deeper, more robust flavor.
1/4 tsp black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp and peppery flavor to the dish. You can adjust the amount to your taste, but be careful not to add too much or it will overpower the other flavors.
2 tbsp olive oilOlive oil is used to cook the salmon and add flavor to the dish. You can use either extra virgin or regular olive oil, depending on your preference. Extra virgin olive oil will give the dish a brighter, more vibrant flavor, while regular olive oil will provide a deeper, more muted flavor.
2 tbsp unsalted butterButter is used to add flavor and moisture to the dish. You can use either salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference. Unsalted butter will give the dish a milder flavor, while salted butter will provide a deeper, more robust flavor.
2 tbsp lemon juiceLemon juice adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the dish. You can use either freshly squeezed or bottled lemon juice, depending on your preference. Freshly squeezed lemon juice will give the dish a brighter, more vibrant flavor, while bottled lemon juice will provide a deeper, more muted flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet or sauté panInstant-read thermometerTongs or spatulaCutting boardSharp knifeMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Blackened Salmon

1
Preheat the skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
2
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. This will be the spice blend for the blackened salmon.
3
Place the salmon fillets on a cutting board and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the spice blend adhere to the fish.
4
Sprinkle the spice blend evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets, making sure to coat them completely.
5
Add the salmon fillets to the preheated pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, or until they develop a crispy crust. You may see a few flakes of the spice blend fall off, but this is normal.
6
Flip the salmon fillets over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the fish.
7
Remove the salmon fillets from the pan and place them on a plate. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.
8
Add the unsalted butter to the pan and let it melt, stirring occasionally. This will add flavor and moisture to the dish.
9
Add the lemon juice to the pan and stir to combine with the melted butter. This will add a bright and citrusy flavor to the dish.
10
Return the salmon fillets to the pan and spoon some of the butter and lemon juice mixture over the top of each fillet. This will help keep the fish moist and add flavor.
11
Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the salmon fillets are coated in the butter and lemon juice mixture. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
12
Serve the blackened salmon hot, garnished with fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired. You can also serve with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or quinoa.

Expert Tips

Make sure to pat the salmon dry with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture. This will help the spice blend adhere to the fish.
Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the salmon. Cook in batches if necessary, to ensure that each fillet has enough room to cook evenly.
Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. This will ensure that the fish is cooked to a safe temperature and is also tender and moist.
Don't overcook the salmon. It should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C), but it should still be moist and tender.
Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices to redistribute and the fish to stay moist.
Experiment with different spice blends to find the one that works best for you. You can also add other ingredients, such as garlic or herbs, to the spice blend to give it more flavor.
Use high-quality ingredients, including fresh and sustainable salmon, to ensure that the dish is not only delicious but also sustainable.
Don't be afraid to get creative with the recipe. You can serve the blackened salmon with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables or quinoa, and you can also add other ingredients, such as citrus or herbs, to the dish to give it more flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not patting the salmon dry with paper towels before cooking. This can cause the spice blend to not adhere to the fish and can also make the fish steam instead of sear.
Overcrowding the pan when cooking the salmon. This can cause the fish to cook unevenly and can also make it difficult to get a good sear on the outside.
Not using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. This can cause the fish to be undercooked or overcooked, which can be unsafe and unappetizing.
Not letting the salmon rest before serving. This can cause the juices to run out of the fish and can make it dry and tough.
Not using high-quality ingredients, including fresh and sustainable salmon. This can affect the flavor and texture of the dish and can also make it less sustainable.
Not experimenting with different spice blends and ingredients. This can make the dish boring and uninteresting, and can also prevent you from finding the combination that works best for you.

Variations and Substitutions

Try using different types of fish, such as tilapia or mahi-mahi, to change up the flavor and texture of the dish.
Add some heat to the spice blend by including ingredients such as cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Use different types of citrus, such as lime or orange, to give the dish a unique flavor.
Add some aromatics, such as garlic or onion, to the pan when cooking the salmon to give it more flavor.
Try using different types of oil, such as avocado or grapeseed, to change up the flavor and texture of the dish.
Add some fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, to the dish to give it a bright and fresh flavor.
Use different types of acid, such as vinegar or wine, to add depth and complexity to the dish.

What to Serve With Blackened Salmon

The blackened salmon is best served hot, garnished with fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired. You can also serve it with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables or quinoa, to round out the meal.

Some other ideas for serving the blackened salmon include serving it on top of a salad, such as a mixed green or spinach salad, or serving it with a side of rice or roasted potatoes. You can also serve it with a variety of sauces, such as tartar sauce or cocktail sauce, to add extra flavor to the dish.

Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sproutsQuinoa or riceSalad, such as a mixed green or spinach saladTartar sauce or cocktail sauceLemon wedges or fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The blackened salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store, place the cooked salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze.

To reheat, simply place the salmon in the oven at 350 F (180 C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat the fish.

It's also a good idea to make the spice blend ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months. This will save you time when you're ready to make the dish and will also ensure that the spice blend is fresh and flavorful.

In addition to storing the cooked salmon, you can also make the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply cook the salmon as directed, then let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing. This will make it easy to reheat and serve the dish when you're ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of salmon should I use for this recipe?

You can use either wild-caught or farmed salmon for this recipe. Wild-caught salmon will have a more robust flavor and texture, while farmed salmon will be milder and more tender.

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of fish for this recipe, such as tilapia or mahi-mahi. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature according to the type of fish you're using.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

The salmon is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C). You can check the temperature by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the fish.

Can I make the spice blend ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the spice blend ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.

How do I store the cooked salmon?

You can store the cooked salmon in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. To store, place the cooked salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze.

Can I reheat the cooked salmon?

Yes, you can reheat the cooked salmon in the oven or microwave. Simply place the salmon in the oven at 350 F (180 C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat the fish.

What are some good sides to serve with the blackened salmon?

Some good sides to serve with the blackened salmon include roasted vegetables, quinoa, rice, or a salad. You can also serve it with a variety of sauces, such as tartar sauce or cocktail sauce, to add extra flavor to the dish.

Can I make the dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply cook the salmon as directed, then let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.

The Full Recipe

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