Print

15-Minute Restaurant-Quality Blackened Salmon

Two perfectly cooked pieces of blackened salmon with a dark, spicy crust resting on a white plate.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make restaurant-quality Blackened Salmon fast. This easy recipe delivers a spicy, dark crust and a moist, flaky interior using a simple homemade seasoning blend.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6 ounce) salmon fillets, skin removed
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or other high-heat oil
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This is your homemade blackened seasoning.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels. Drying the surface helps create a better crust.
  3. Generously coat all sides of each salmon fillet with the blackened seasoning blend, pressing it gently into the fish.
  4. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat. Add the avocado oil. Heat the oil until it shimmers slightly, just before it smokes.
  5. Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets into the hot skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Sear the salmon for 3 to 4 minutes without moving it. This high heat creates the dark, flavorful crust.
  7. Gently flip the fillets. Reduce the heat slightly to medium and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The interior should remain moist.
  8. Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve your flavorful seafood immediately.

Notes

  • For an oven-baked blackened salmon option, sear the fish for 2 minutes per side in the skillet, then transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes until done.
  • Use a high smoke point oil like avocado oil to prevent burning during the high-heat searing process.
  • This bold crust seasoning works well on chicken or steak too.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/blackened-salmon-recipe-easy-15-minute-skillet/