This blackened salmon is bold, cozy, and weeknight-simple. A quick spice rub and a hot skillet create a flavorful crust with tender, flaky fish inside. It’s perfect with rice, salad, or tucked into tacos.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on or off
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
- Brush salmon on both sides with olive oil, then coat evenly with the spice mixture.
- Heat a large cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until very hot.
- Place salmon in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until blackened on the outside and just cooked through.
- Remove from heat and rest for 2 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.
Tip: For extra crust, avoid moving the salmon while it cooks and make sure the skillet is fully heated before adding the fish.
This blackened salmon is fast, flavorful, and endlessly versatile, save it now for an easy dinner win later.
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Blackened Salmon
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Bold, skillet-cooked blackened salmon with a smoky spice crust and tender flaky center.
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on or off
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
3/4 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, mix paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
3. Brush salmon on both sides with olive oil, then coat evenly with the spice mixture.
4. Heat a large cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until very hot.
5. Place salmon in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until blackened on the outside and just cooked through.
6. Remove from heat and rest for 2 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
For best results, preheat the skillet fully and avoid moving the salmon while cooking to form a good crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American