Blackened Salmon Recipe
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This easy Blackened Salmon Recipe is packed with bold Cajun flavor, buttery garlic, and has a perfect smoky crust. Ready in 20 minutes for the ultimate weeknight dinner.
If you love this recipe, you should try my Baked Blackened Cod, Blackened Shrimp, and Fish Tacos.
Quick Look: Blackened Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free, high protein, low carb
- Method: Pan-seared
- Technique: Blackening
- Flavor/Texture: Smoky, buttery, bold, flaky, juicy
Why You’ll Love This Easy Salmon Recipe!
This Blackened Salmon Recipe gives you everything you want in one bite – crispy edges, tender flaky salmon, bold smoky spices, and buttery garlic flavor. It tastes restaurant-worthy, but comes together quickly in one skillet. The crust is deeply flavorful without overpowering the salmon, and the inside stays juicy every single time.
If you love salmon, try my Oven Baked Salmon Steaks and Baked Salmon with Pesto next.
Made With Amore,
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
Bold, smoky, and perfectly seasoned, this blackened salmon comes together with simple ingredients that let the spice and flavor shine.
- Salmon Fillets: Rich, flaky fish that holds up beautifully to high-heat searing and bold seasoning
- Olive Oil: Helps the spice crust form while keeping the salmon from sticking and drying out
- Butter and Garlic: Add richness, depth, and balance to the smoky blackened flavor
- Blackening Seasoning: A bold, smoky spice blend that creates the signature crust and deep flavor
- Fresh Parsley and Lemon: Brighten the finished dish and cut through the richness with freshness and acidity
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations & Substitutions
- Protein Variations: Swap salmon for shrimp, cod, mahi mahi, halibut, or trout for a different protein base. Try my Blackened Chicken!
- Cooking Methods: Make it in the oven at 425°F or air fryer at 400°F for an easy hands-off option.
- Flavor Variations: Drizzle with lemon cream sauce or Lemon Garlic Aioli for a richer, more indulgent finish.
- Citrus Variations: Swap lemon for lime or orange for a different bright citrus flavor profile.
How to Make Blackened Salmon
Crispy on the outside and tender inside, this blackened salmon is packed with seasoned flavor and comes together in minutes for an easy, impressive meal. Follow the step-by step photos and see the recipe card at the bottom for a printable version.
- In a small bowl, add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
- Whisk until combined.
- Pat the salmon fillets very dry with paper towels. This is important for creating a dark crust.
- Drizzle the salmon with olive oil.
- Then, generously coat all sides with the blackening seasoning. Heat a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a little olive oil.
- Place the salmon fillets in the skillet presentation-side down first. Cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes, depending on thickness, until a dark crust forms. Flip and cook another 3-5 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches your desired doneness. Lower the heat slightly.
- Add the butter and chopped garlic to the skillet.
- Spoon the melted garlic butter over the salmon for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and optional drizzle of honey. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Blackened Salmon Recipe FAQs
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in a 300°F oven until heated through. Avoid microwaving too long so the salmon stays tender.
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning to help the crust form properly.
It has a mild to medium heat depending on the amount of cayenne used, but you can easily adjust it to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This blackened salmon pairs beautifully with both hearty sides and fresh, vibrant flavors that balance its spice. I love serving it with Roasted Asparagus and Creamy Italian Polenta for a filling meal. For something lighter, it also works really well with a crisp Caesar salad or mango salsa to brighten each bite. You can also add Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes or Spaghetti Aglio e Olio for a more hearty spread.
Leftovers are also amazing flaked into tacos with Creamy Avocado Coleslaw for an easy next-day dinner. For more ideas, check out my post on What to Serve with Salmon (70+ Best Sides)
My Pro Tips
Recipe Tips
- Bring your salmon to room temperature as it cooks more evenly
- Use thicker center-cut salmon fillets
- The darker crust is flavor, not burning
- Make sure to add garlic at the end to prevent bitterness
- Add fresh lemon at the end to brighten all the flavors
More Salmon Recipes You’ll Love
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Blackened Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each, skin on or off
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
Blackening Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼-½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices
- drizzle honey or maple syrup, optional
Instructions
- Make the Blackening Seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper until combined.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets very dry with paper towels. This is important for creating a dark crust. Drizzle the salmon with olive oil, then generously coat all sides with the blackening seasoning.
- Heat the Skillet: Heat a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a little olive oil.
- Cook the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the skillet presentation-side down first. Cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes, depending on thickness, until a dark crust forms. Carefully flip and cook another 3-5 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches your desired doneness.
- Add Garlic Butter: Lower the heat slightly. Add the butter and chopped garlic to the skillet. Spoon the melted garlic butter over the salmon for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and optional drizzle of honey. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Bring your salmon to room temperature as it cooks more evenly
- Use thicker center-cut salmon fillets
- The darker crust is flavor, not burning
- Make sure to add garlic at the end to prevent bitterness
- Add fresh lemon at the end to brighten all the flavors
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
