Easy Blackened Salmon Recipe

The Best Blackened Salmon

Spicy food loving friends, here is another recipe that will not only satisfy that spice-loving craving, but is also super quick and easy to whip together.

You don't need many ingredients on hand other than readily available seasonings, a few salmon fillets, and some butter. We're talking Blackened Salmon, and it is one of my favorite recipes.

Have you ever had blackened salmon? If you've ever visited the American south, you may have enjoyed it in restaurants. If you've ever thought salmon was boring or might not satisfy your hunger, this recipe is going to change your mind.

What is Blackened Salmon?

Blackened salmon is salmon that has been dipped in or brushed with butter and seasoned with a mixture of piquant seasonings, called "Blackened Seasoning" or "Blackening Seasoning", then pan seared over high heat, usually in a cast iron skillet.

The combination of butter, high heat, and seasoning develops a dark crust on the salmon that gives it its characteristic charred look and spicy flavor.

You can also achieve this on the grill or in an oven, usually with the broiler, but a cast iron skillet or very hot pan is really the best tool for blackening foods.

Blackened Seasoning for Salmon

Blackening seasoning is very similar to a Cajun Seasoning Spice Blend or Creole Seasoning Blend. It is sort of a balance between the two. It is a mixture of chili powders, bold spices and herbs. 

You can make your own blend to fit your own personal tastes. See my Homemade Blackened Seasoning Recipe to start from.

Ingredients Needed

• Blackened Seasoning. You can use your favorite store bought brand, or try my homemade blackening seasoning, which is filled with lots of bold spices, and easy to customize.
• Salmon. Use skinless salmon fillets. Wild caught salmon is great.
• Butter. For cooking or "blackening" the salmon in the pan. You can use olive oil, but butter is so much more flavorful.

How to Make Blackened Salmon - Step by Step

Mix the Blackening Seasoning. First, make your blackened seasoning by mixing together in a small bowl the paprika (regular or smoked), cayenne pepper (if desired for a spicier version), onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, sea salt and pepper, dried basil, dried oregano and dried thyme.

Butter the Salmon. Next, brush one side of each salmon fillet generously with melted butter.

Season the Salmon. Generously spoon on the spice mixture of the blackening seasoning, coating the salmon.

Blacken the Salmon. Next, heat a large cast iron skillet to high heat and add the salmon fillets, buttery-seasoned side down.

Cook salmon 3-5 minutes to blacken.

Brush or drizzle on the remaining butter, then generously add more of the seasoning.

Flip the salmon and cook another 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily. The fillets will be crusted on the outside and moist on the inside. Internal temperature for salmon should be 145°F (63°C).

Look at that gorgeous color. 

Serve Them Up! Serve them up once they're cooked through!

For me, I like to sprinkle the salmon filets with extra red pepper flakes. Toss on fresh herbs in the end. A squeeze of lemon juice or lime juice would be a great way to finish off the dish.

You can store any extra blackening seasoning in airtight containers and use as needed. Be sure to save it! It's great on so many foods.

Serving Ideas

I usually serve blackened salmon as the main course with a simple veggie side. Lately, I’ve been tossing jalapenos and chopped spinach into the hot pan right after removing the salmon. They soak up the leftover butter and seasoning beautifully.

It’s also great with grilled veggies like squash or zucchini, or sliced thin for blackened salmon tacos or sandwiches.

Drizzle on some homemade Cajun Remoulade Sauce.

That's it, my friends! I hope you enjoy your blackened salmon. It's a spicy food lover's dream meal!

Try These Other Popular Salmon Recipes

• Szechuan Salmon with Chili-Basil Rice
• Szechuan Salmon Tacos
• Grilled Salmon with Honey-Sriracha Sauce
• Cajun Baked Salmon with Cajun Rice
• Jerk Salmon
• Salmon Marinade
• Try my Blackened Fish Recipe

Also try my blackened shrimp recipe!