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Classic Blackened Salmon with Homemade Spice Blend

Close-up of a perfectly cooked piece of blackened salmon showing its flaky, moist interior.
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You can make restaurant-style blackened salmon at home quickly. This recipe uses a simple, robust spice blend seared in a hot skillet to create a flavorful crust while keeping the salmon tender and flaky inside. It is a healthy, quick salmon dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or other high-heat oil
  • For the Blackened Seasoning:
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

  1. Prepare the spice blend: In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and cumin. This is your best blackened salmon seasoning.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels. This step helps create a better crust.
  3. Generously coat all sides of each salmon fillet with the spice blend, pressing the seasoning firmly onto the fish.
  4. Heat the avocado oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering and almost smoking. A hot skillet is key for a good pan seared salmon crust.
  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 on the first side until a dark, blackened crust forms.
  7. Flip the fillets gently and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
  8. Remove the blackened salmon from the skillet and serve immediately. This makes a great low carb salmon dinner.

Notes

  • For an oven baked blackened salmon variation, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Sear the seasoned fillets in the hot skillet for 2 minutes per side, then transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes.
  • If you prefer an air fryer blackened fish method, preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray the seasoned fillets with oil and air fry for 10 to 12 minutes.
  • Serve this spicy seared fish with a side of fresh avocado corn salsa or a simple dill sauce for contrast.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mdlatdmm.com/blackened-salmon-quick-skillet-recipe/