Description
This Blackened Salmon recipe features perfectly seasoned salmon fillets crusted with a bold blend of spices and cooked in a skillet until the exterior is charred and flavorful while the interior remains tender and flaky. The dish is finished with melted butter, a squeeze of fresh lemon, and a sprinkle of parsley for a delightful, restaurant-quality meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon Fillets
- 4 (4-ounce) salmon fillet portions
Spice Mix
- 1½ teaspoons light brown sugar
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Flat leaf parsley, minced (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin side down on a plate and pat them dry to ensure the seasoning sticks well.
- Make the Spice Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, ground ginger, sea salt, and cayenne pepper, mixing until evenly blended.
- Season the Salmon: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil over the salmon fillets, then rub the spice mixture all over each fillet, making sure they are completely coated with the seasoning.
- Heat the Skillet: Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it glistens, indicating it is hot and ready for cooking.
- Cook the Salmon (First Side): Place the salmon fillets flesh-side down in the hot skillet and cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes until the surface becomes blackened and crisp.
- Add Butter and Flip: Add the melted butter to the pan, then carefully flip the salmon fillets to skin side down. Continue cooking over medium heat for another 5-6 minutes until the skin is crispy and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Occasionally tilt the pan to spoon the melted butter over the top of the salmon for extra flavor.
- Serve: Transfer the blackened salmon to serving plates, squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the top, and garnish with minced flat leaf parsley if desired.
Notes
- Patting the salmon dry before seasoning helps the spice mix stick better and creates a better crust.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount for desired heat level; add more for extra spiciness or less for milder flavor.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan for best blackening results.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the pan to allow proper searing of each fillet.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (4 ounces)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
