This Blackened Salmon is a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s absolutely bursting with flavor! Serve with a carb and a veggie for a complete, healthy dinner.
I love salmon, but I often get stuck in a rut with making it exactly the same way every time. This blackened salmon recipe will spice up your standard salmon dinner, I promise!
What is blackened salmon?
Blackened salmon is a simple dish made by coating salmon in a blackened seasoning blend then seared in a hot pan with butter and oil until cooked.
Ingredients
You’re only 5 ingredients away from this easy weeknight meal!
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Butter – used to sear and cook the salmon. Both help to prevent the salmon from sticking to the pan. Butter adds a rich, delicious flavor and extra virgin olive oil raises the smoke point of the butter, so you can cook the salmon at a higher temperature – which helps the blackening effect – without the risk of burning.
- Salmon – you’ll need 2 (6 oz) filets. There are many varieties of salmon: farm vs wild, fresh vs frozen, organic vs non-organic, sockeye vs Atlantic, etc. Use whatever works best for you. There are pros and cons (health, cost, etc.) to every variety. If using frozen, be sure to thaw according to package directions before proceeding with the recipe.
- Blackened Seasoning – our homemade blend of spices and herbs that is rubbed over the salmon filets to season and flavor them.
- Lemon Juice – balances out the spice and smokiness from the spice rub with a tart, bright flavor!
How to make
- Rub salmon filets evenly with the blackened seasoning and set aside.
- Heat oil and butter in a pan over medium heat until the butter is melted and hot, then place in salmon.
- Cook on both sides until the salmon flakes easily with a fork, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove from the pan, taste and season with salt and lemon juice, and enjoy!
What to serve with blackened salmon
I love serving salmon with a carb, a veggie, and some fruit to create a perfect, healthy, well-rounded meal!
- Mashed Potatoes
- Rhodes Rolls
- Instant Pot Basmati Rice
- Air Fryer Broccoli
- Pear, Blue Cheese, Candied Pecan Salad
- Fruit Salad
How to serve
I love to serve this salmon as-is with the side dishes listed above, but if you’re looking to turn this into something different, here are some ideas:
- Blackened Salmon Tacos. Cook the salmon according to directions, then serve in your tortilla of choice with guacamole and other favorite taco fixings!
- Blackened Salmon Pasta. Make a batch of my alfredo sauce, toss with pasta of choice, then top with your cooked salmon!
Is blackened fish healthy?
Absolutely! Salmon is full of healthy fats, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. It’s been shown that eating salmon has great benefits for both the heart and brain.
How to store
Although best eaten immediately, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
– Jennifer
Blackened Salmon
Equipment for this recipe
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz) filets skin-on salmon patted dry
- 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- Salt to taste
- Lemon juice to taste
Instructions
- Rub salmon filets evenly with the blackened seasoning and set aside.
- Place oil and butter into a large skillet and heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and hot (it should be lightly sizzling).
- Once hot, add in salmon, skin side up, and cook without moving the filets, until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes*.
- Carefully flip the fillets, cover, and continue cooking until the salmon flakes easily with a fork**, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from the pan, taste and season with salt and lemon juice, and enjoy!
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Notes
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Nutrition Information
*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.