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Classic Pan-Seared Blackened Salmon with Homemade Spice Blend

Two perfectly cooked fillets of blackened salmon with a dark, spicy crust resting on a white plate.
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Create restaurant-style blackened salmon with a signature spicy crust using this quick, pan-seared recipe. It is a healthy salmon dinner perfect for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

  1. Prepare the seasoning blend: In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and cumin. This is your best salmon spice blend.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry using paper towels. This step helps create a better crust.
  3. Coat the salmon: Sprinkle the seasoning blend generously and evenly over all sides of each salmon fillet, pressing lightly so the spices adhere well.
  4. Heat the skillet: Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil or avocado oil and let it get very hot until it shimmers slightly.
  5. Sear the salmon: Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets presentation-side down (usually the flesh side) into the hot skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Cook the first side: Sear for 3 to 4 minutes without moving the fish. You are looking for a dark, blackened crust to form.
  7. Flip and finish: Gently flip the fillets. Reduce the heat slightly to medium and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillet, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
  8. Serve immediately. This quick seafood recipe pairs well with a squeeze of fresh lemon or a creamy salmon sauce pairing like dill sauce.

Notes

  • For an oven baked blackened salmon alternative, bake at 400°F (200°F) for 12-15 minutes after seasoning.
  • If you prefer air fryer blackened salmon, cook at 380°F (195°C) for 10-12 minutes.
  • To achieve a flakier interior, ensure your skillet is hot before adding the fish.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten free salmon and low carb salmon dinner friendly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://magazinemeal.com/blackened-salmon-recipe-easy-quick-dinner/