Blackened Salmon is a quick, flavorful dish that’s bursting with spice and full of bold flavors. This recipe features salmon fillets coated in a blend of Cajun spices, seared to perfection in a hot pan. It’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that you can whip up in just minutes. Serve it with a side of rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad!
📋 Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each) 🐟
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 🛢️
- 1 tablespoon paprika 🌶️
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
- 1 teaspoon onion powder 🌿
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme 🌿
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 🌶️
- 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 🧂
- Lemon wedges, for serving 🍋
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) 🌿
📝 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spice Mix:
- Mix spices:
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the blackened seasoning.
2. Season the Salmon:
- Pat dry:
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Coat with seasoning:
- Rub the spice mix generously over both sides of each salmon fillet, pressing it in so the seasoning sticks to the fish.
3. Cook the Salmon:
- Heat the oil:
- In a large cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until hot.
- Cook the salmon:
- Add the seasoned salmon fillets to the pan, skin side up. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the outside is nicely blackened and the salmon is cooked through to your desired doneness. The salmon should flake easily with a fork.
4. Serve:
- Garnish:
- Remove the salmon from the pan and transfer to a serving plate. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately:
- Serve the Blackened Salmon with your favorite sides, like rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
⏱️ Preparation Time: 5 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 8 minutes
⏱️ Total Time: 13 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4 servings
🔥 Calories: Approximately 300-350 kcal per serving
This Blackened Salmon is spicy, smoky, and absolutely delicious. It’s a healthy, quick dinner option that’s sure to impress. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice preference and enjoy this flavorful dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon for a zesty finish! 🌶️🍋🐟