Blackened Salmon Fillets Recipe

Blackened Salmon Fillets Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Blackened Salmon Fillets

This delicious blackened salmon recipe is full of flavor with a perfect balance of spices. Simple to prepare and incredibly tasty, it's a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons ground paprika
  • 1 tablespoon ground cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • teaspoon ground white pepper
  • teaspoon ground black pepper
  • teaspoon dried thyme
  • teaspoon dried basil
  • teaspoon dried oregano
  • 4 salmon fillets, skin and bones removed
  • cup unsalted butter, melted

Directions

  1. Gather all the ingredients.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, white and black pepper, thyme, basil, and oregano.
  3. Brush both sides of the salmon fillets with cup of melted butter. Evenly sprinkle the spice mixture over the fillets, making sure they are well-coated.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons of melted butter in a large, heavy skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets to the skillet.
  5. Cook the salmon fillets for 2 to 5 minutes, or until the surface is blackened. Carefully flip the fillets over and add the remaining melted butter to the skillet.
  6. Continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the second side is blackened and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  7. Remove from the skillet and serve immediately. Enjoy your perfectly blackened salmon!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Information Amount
Calories 511
Total Fat 38g (49% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat 17g (86% Daily Value)
Cholesterol 166mg (55% Daily Value)
Sodium 1248mg (54% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate 5g (2% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber 2g (7% Daily Value)
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 37g (75% Daily Value)
Vitamin C 4mg (4% Daily Value)
Calcium 38mg (3% Daily Value)
Iron 2mg (12% Daily Value)
Potassium 802mg (17% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Blackened Salmon Fillets Recipe

Blackened Salmon Fillets

History and Origin of Blackened Salmon

The origins of blackened salmon trace back to the vibrant culinary traditions of Louisiana, particularly influenced by Cajun and Creole cooking. While "blackened" refers to the intense sear achieved through high-heat cooking, the dish itself is credited to chef Paul Prudhomme, who popularized it in the 1980s. The technique involves seasoning fish with a bold mixture of spices and then cooking it in a very hot skillet, often to the point where the spices form a dark, flavorful crust. Though blackened fish was traditionally made with catfish or other white fish, the use of salmon in this method has become equally beloved for its rich flavor and texture.

Regional Variations

While blackened salmon is a favorite in many parts of the United States, its roots lie firmly in the Cajun regions of Louisiana. Cajun cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of locally sourced ingredients, and blackened salmon is no exception. In Louisiana, the seasoning mix can vary slightly from one cook to another, often incorporating a blend of paprika, cayenne, thyme, oregano, and garlic. Some variations may use different herbs or spices, depending on local preferences or available ingredients. In the Pacific Northwest, where fresh salmon is abundant, blackened salmon fillets are often prepared on an outdoor grill, adding a smoky layer to the dish.

How Blackened Salmon Differs from Similar Dishes

What sets blackened salmon apart from other salmon dishes is its cooking method. Traditional grilled or baked salmon is often seasoned simply and cooked at lower temperatures, allowing the delicate flavor of the fish to shine through. In contrast, blackened salmon uses a high-heat technique, which creates a crispy, charred crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. This technique not only intensifies the flavor of the fish but also imparts a smoky, spicy taste that distinguishes it from other preparations, such as pan-seared or roasted salmon. Additionally, the use of a rich spice rub is key to the dishs unique profile, making it more robust than a typical salmon fillet.

Where Blackened Salmon is Typically Served

Blackened salmon is a versatile dish that can be found in a wide range of dining establishments, from casual seafood shacks along the Gulf Coast to upscale restaurants across the United States. It's particularly popular in Cajun or Creole-themed restaurants, where the smoky, spicy flavors are part of the regional cuisine. Blackened salmon can be served as a main course, often accompanied by side dishes like roasted vegetables, rice, or a light salad. It is also a great topping for salads, tacos, or even as part of a po'boy sandwich in New Orleans-style eateries. In the Pacific Northwest, it's frequently served in coastal restaurants where fresh, wild-caught salmon is a highlight of the menu.

Interesting Facts about Blackened Salmon

  • Although blackened salmon is associated with Cajun cuisine, the method itself was popularized by Paul Prudhomme, a chef from New Orleans, in the 1980s.
  • The "blackening" process, which involves cooking the fish at extremely high temperatures, causes the spices to form a crust, giving the fish its signature dark appearance.
  • Blackened fish, including salmon, is often prepared in a cast-iron skillet, which holds and distributes heat evenly for the perfect sear.
  • The use of butter is essential to the blackening process, as it helps the spices stick to the fish while creating a deliciously crispy exterior.
  • In Louisiana, blackened fish is often served with traditional side dishes like jambalaya, cornbread, or collard greens, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

FAQ about Blackened Salmon Fillets Recipe

Store leftover blackened salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be eaten within 2-3 days to ensure it stays fresh and flavorful. You can also freeze the salmon if you want to keep it for longer, but make sure it's wrapped well to avoid freezer burn.

Yes, you can cook the salmon in advance. It's best to store it in the refrigerator after it has cooled, and then reheat it gently when you're ready to serve. To avoid overcooking, reheating in a pan on low heat is preferable.

The best way to reheat blackened salmon is by placing it in a skillet on low heat with a little bit of butter or oil. Heat it for a few minutes until it's warmed through. Alternatively, you can use the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Yes, you can use skin-on salmon fillets. However, the seasoning might not adhere as well to the skin side. If you prefer a crispy skin, you can cook it skin-side down first and then flip it.

Yes, you can bake the salmon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer for a quicker, crispy result.

Blackened salmon pairs well with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a squeeze of lemon or a light sauce to complement the bold flavors.

Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it entirely. You can also adjust the black pepper or other spices to suit your taste.

To prevent the butter from burning, use a combination of butter and oil, such as olive oil, in the pan. This can help raise the smoking point of the fat and prevent it from burning. Also, be sure to cook at medium-high heat instead of high heat to avoid overheating the butter.

Yes, you can make the spice mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to a month. This will allow you to quickly season your salmon when you're ready to cook.

Yes, you can substitute the unsalted butter with olive oil for a healthier option, or use ghee for a richer, nutty flavor. Each will provide a slightly different taste but will work well in the recipe.

Comments

Carolyn Jones

09/10/2022 04:50:15 PM

This spice rub is amazing! I skipped the butter and simply coated the salmon with olive oil before applying the spices. The flavor was still outstanding. I opted to broil it in the oven, cooking for around 3 minutes on each side, and finished it off by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the fish before serving. Delicious!

David Lopez

05/04/2023 12:50:01 AM

I recently came across this recipe and it has become a favorite in my household. I've been making it almost four times a week because it is simply delicious! Through trial and error, I've discovered a few tips to enhance the dish. Firstly, make sure to skin the salmon, as the spices won't stick to the skin side if left on. Secondly, avoid putting melted butter on the salmon right after taking it out of the refrigerator, as the butter may harden and cause the spices to fall off during cooking. Instead, brush the first side with butter, sprinkle with spices, and then cook that side first before buttering and spicing the other side. Shake the pan while cooking the salmon to prevent the spices from sticking to the pan. For thicker salmon fillets, cook over medium-low heat with a lid on for about 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through. Enjoy your meal!

Sharon Rodriguez

03/09/2025 03:18:33 AM

Blackened Salmon is my all-time favorite, and this recipe is fantastic. I opt for olive oil instead of butter and after blackening it on the stove, I transfer the salmon to a baking sheet to finish cooking in the oven.

Mary Robinson

04/30/2025 10:07:15 AM

For those unfamiliar with how to remove the skin from salmon, here's a simple method: Place a rack in a baking dish and position the salmon with the skin side up. Slowly pour boiling water over the skin, causing it to shrivel up. After about a minute, you can easily peel the skin off. I omitted the cayenne pepper as we prefer a milder dish. Despite this adjustment, the meal was still delicious when paired with a baked potato and asparagus.

Nathan Rodriguez

01/19/2025 06:57:38 PM

During golf trips, my friends always ask for this cajun rub. I can't understand why anyone would alter the ingredients - it's crazy good. It pairs perfectly with chicken as well. I prefer using a cast-iron skillet on an outdoor grill, even in winter. This method ensures a super hot skillet with a great smoky flavor. Just be cautious about smoke alarms indoors. For the ultimate blackened salmon, crank up the heat to the max. For extra thick salmon steaks, simply pop them in the oven at 350 for a few minutes after searing in the skillet.

Patricia Walker

05/21/2024 08:43:23 AM

I came across some comments mentioning that the dish was too spicy. I decided to adjust the spice level based on my preferences and used less cayenne pepper, adding more black pepper and reducing the amount of salt. I also included a generous amount of brown sugar for a rich caramelized flavor. Following these tweaks, the dish turned out excellent. I will definitely be making it again! I would have given it a 5-star rating if it weren't for the cayenne pepper, but the helpful suggestions from other reviewers were essential for a successful outcome. Thank you Nikki Fillipone for sharing this recipe.

Diane Hill

12/10/2022 09:37:28 AM

Revised review: I would rate the original recipe a poor 1-2 stars at best without some modifications! The instruction to butter both sides of the salmon and then cook it butter-side down in the pan is not ideal as the butter tends to burn easily. Instead, I suggest heating a cast iron skillet and using a tablespoon of EVOO over medium heat. Cook the salmon skin-side down for 3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Nobody wants their salmon tasting like burnt butter! You can always drizzle melted butter on top after cooking. Additionally, I recommend adding garlic powder and reducing the amount of cayenne for a more balanced flavor. By making these adjustments, you'll end up with perfect blackened salmon.

Julie Evans

12/22/2023 04:13:27 AM

Reduce the amount of Cayenne to half, then sprinkle about two-thirds of the reduced amount on each side of the dish. Use at least half the amount of butter suggested. Prepare this recipe in a cast iron skillet on the grill side burner to prevent smoking up the house.

Stephanie Jones

02/09/2025 05:31:40 PM

I coated the top side of the salmon with ghee and applied the dry rub mixture before cooking it in the air fryer skin side down at 400 degrees for 7 minutes. The result was a delicious, quick, and easy meal. I will definitely be making this dish again soon.

Debra Davis

07/13/2023 10:03:19 PM

My husband declared that this was the finest salmon he has ever tasted! Following the advice from other reviews, I timed the addition of butter and spices perfectly and let it cook a bit longer with the lid on. I opted to reduce the cayenne pepper by half as we prefer milder flavors.

Gregory Torres

11/26/2024 06:40:55 PM

I absolutely adore this recipe! Whenever I make it, I receive compliments. I usually use less butter than the recipe calls for and swap regular salt for garlic salt, but these modifications are minor. The original flavor is simply delicious! Another method I like to use is baking the salmon in a 400°F oven for 15 minutes instead of cooking it on the stovetop. It turns out fantastic every time!

Diane Scott

06/01/2023 09:00:11 AM

Extremely simple and incredibly delicious.

Brandon Walker

04/30/2023 04:36:03 AM

I tried the recipe with skin-on fillets and it was amazing! I swapped out onion powder for garlic powder and used cracked pepper instead of ground pepper since that's what I had available. I skipped the cayenne pepper and basil, but it still turned out delicious. I will definitely be making this again!

Jose Cruz

07/23/2023 03:02:47 AM

Quick and simple recipe that's a breeze to make!

Jose Roberts

06/10/2024 07:24:23 PM

Oh wow, this dish is fantastic! I usually cook salmon but have never been satisfied with how it turns out until now. Leaving the skin on really enhanced the flavors, and the seasoning held up perfectly. I made this two nights ago and I'm already preparing it again because it's just that delicious! I enjoy seafood and am aiming to eat more healthily, so I might experiment with different types of fish and even shrimp using this Cajun seasoning. I never tire of Cajun flavors, and I could honestly eat this dish every day. Mmmmmm.

Victoria Moore

08/05/2023 11:49:11 PM

I really enjoyed this recipe. I reduced the amount of salt in my second attempt, and I also added more red pepper. My apologies to those who found it too spicy.

Rebecca Davis

03/16/2023 09:25:44 PM

Great experience! I was hesitant about trying this dish instead of my usual grilled salmon, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I only used half the amount of red pepper, but followed the rest of the recipe exactly. It was simple to make and turned out incredibly tasty!

Frank Rivera

02/10/2025 12:31:42 PM

Delicious! The spice level was a bit too high for both me and my husband, so we'll reduce it next time. Nonetheless, the dish was super quick to make and tasted great.

Daniel Johnson

03/30/2023 08:36:21 AM

I didn't have white pepper, so I omitted it without using any substitutes.

Dennis Rodriguez

11/08/2023 12:37:13 PM

My husband and I are big fans of blackened salmon, and living in the PNW means we always have a freezer full of it. This recipe is pretty much how I always prepare it, although I use just one tablespoon of butter and a splash of EVOO. I find that medium-high heat works perfectly for me. I make my own blackened seasoning now and will never go back to buying those expensive tiny $5.00 bottles. Seriously, making your own seasoning is the way to go.