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    Home » What We're Eating » Blackened Salmon {Just 5 Ingredients!}

    Blackened Salmon {Just 5 Ingredients!}

    Published: Jan 31, 2021 by Blair Lonergan

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    The best blackened salmon recipe in a cast iron skillet with text title overlay
    Overhead shot of a piece of blackened salmon on a plate with sides and text title overlay
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    Spice up your next healthy seafood dinner with this easy 5-Ingredient Blackened Salmon recipe, which comes together with just 5 minutes of prep! It's a classic Southern favorite that's crispy on the outside, moist and buttery on the inside, and loaded with zesty Cajun flavor. Pair it with some rice or biscuits and a side of veggies for a quick weeknight meal.

    Process shot showing how to pan blacken salmon

    How to Make Blackened Salmon | 1-Minute Video

    Healthy Blackened Salmon

    We all know that salmon is full of protein, healthy fats, and other good-for-you nutrients, but sometimes the same old piece of fish gets boring. Instead, kick your salmon up a notch with a flavorful Cajun blackened seasoning rub. This healthy salmon recipe is ready for the skillet in about 5 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.

    What does it mean when fish is blackened?

    Salmon is "blackened" when it's rubbed with a special seasoning of herbs and spices, and then cooked in a hot cast iron skillet. This dish is typically associated with Cajun cooking, and became popular in the 1980's as a way to replicate the taste of charcoal grilling in a commercial kitchen (source). The end result is salmon with a crispy "blackened" exterior and a tender, buttery inside. While it may appear burnt, the dark colored (and deeply flavored) seared crust is a result of the charred spices on the outside of the fish. It does not taste burned at all!

    Overhead shot of a plate of healthy blackened salmon with a side of rice

    The Seasoning

    There is no single recipe for a classic blackened salmon seasoning, but most blends include some or all of the following ingredients: thyme, oregano, paprika, cayenne, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

    Is Blackened Salmon Spicy?

    Blackened salmon that's served in restaurants is often pretty spicy. The benefit of making your own seasoning at home is that you can pick the flavors that you like most, and you can control the amount of spice in your dish. Keep the heat relatively mild by cutting the cayenne in half. For a spicier piece of fish, increase the cayenne in your seasoning blend. As written, this blackened salmon recipe tastes zesty and slightly smoky (thanks to the cumin and smoked paprika), and spicy -- but not too spicy.

    Bowl of blackened salmon seasoning

    Ingredients

    I consider this a 5-ingredient recipe (not counting the salt, pepper or olive oil). Here is an overview of the ingredients that you'll need, but as always, the full set of measurements and specific cooking instructions are included in the recipe box at the bottom of this post.

    • Cumin: adds depth to the seasoning blend with its rich, hearty, earthy, warm profile and an edge of citrus.
    • Smoked paprika: there are many varieties of paprika available, from sweet to spicy. It's important to use smoked paprika in this dry rub to give your fish that extra-special unique, smoky flavor!
    • Cayenne: this is the ingredient that makes a blackened seasoning rub spicy. You can increase the cayenne for a really spicy dish, or cut it in half for a more mild piece of fish. If you don't like any spicy food at all, just omit the cayenne.
    • Garlic powder: delicious savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the salmon.
    • Kosher Salt: another essential ingredient! Not only does the salt add flavor, but it also pulls moisture from the outer layer of the fish, helping to achieve a seared crust and tender, buttery inside.
    • Black pepper: adds more flavor and a little bit of zesty "kick."
    • Olive oil: to help sear the salmon, giving it that great blackened crust, and to prevent it from sticking to the skillet.
    • Salmon: a skin-on fillet that's cut into individual pieces is easiest to cook in the cast iron skillet; fresh or frozen (and thawed) is fine.

    How to Make Blackened Salmon

    This easy recipe only requires about 5 minutes of prep and less than 10 minutes to pan blacken the salmon in a hot cast iron skillet! Dinner will be on the table before you know it...

    Process shot showing how to make blackened salmon
    1. Stir together the blackened salmon seasoning by combining cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
    2. Rub the seasoning all over the top of the fish.
    3. Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet over a medium flame.
    4. Cook the salmon, flesh-side down, in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes (or until it achieves that "blackened" sear). Then flip the fish over and continue cooking for 5-6 more minutes, or until the skin becomes crispy and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
    Cast iron salmon recipe with lemon wedges and fresh herbs

    What to Serve with Blackened Salmon

    There are a variety of ways to enjoy this healthy blackened salmon. For instance, add the flaked salmon to tacos and top with mango salsa. The Cajun-flavored fish is also delicious in Blackened Salmon Pasta with Alfredo sauce, or on toasted sandwich rolls with a creamy remoulade or tartar sauce, lettuce and tomato.

    Blackened Salmon Sides

    Here are a few easy side dishes that also pair well with the zesty fish:

    • Charleston Red Rice, Rice Pilaf, cauliflower rice, or buttered noodles
    • Grits
    • Mashed potatoes
    • Buttermilk biscuits, cheddar bay biscuits, or easy drop biscuits
    • Green beans
    • Baked Potato Wedges
    • Caesar salad or Wedge Salad
    • A simple green salad dressed in buttermilk dressing
    • Coleslaw
    • Fried Okra
    • Skillet Cornbread or Corn Muffins
    • Arkansas Green Beans with Bacon
    • Collard Greens
    • Creamed Peas
    • Southern Macaroni Salad
    • Potato Salad
    Front shot of a piece of blackened salmon on a plate with green beans and rice

    Storage

    Leftover salmon will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The cooked salmon can be frozen for four to six months, too. Thaw cooked salmon in the refrigerator or immersed in cold water. Use cooked, thawed salmon in salads or as a substitute for canned salmon in casseroles, pasta dishes, sandwiches or wraps. I love to use the leftover blackened salmon to make salmon salad with mayonnaise, finely-diced celery, pickle relish and salt. It's delicious scooped with crackers or tucked inside sandwiches!

    Recipe Variations

    • Cooking just for two? You can cut the ingredients in half and just cook two salmon fillets. The cooking process remains the same. If you prepare a full recipe of seasoning, just save the extra spice for another meal.
    • If you're serving picky kids, you can omit the blackened seasoning from their individual pieces of fish. Instead, season the kids' salmon with salt, pepper and garlic powder, then sear in the skillet according to the recipe instructions. There's no extra work for you, and everyone's happy!
    • Instead of making your own spice mixture, you can purchase a prepared blackened seasoning at the grocery store.
    • Use the same seasoning blend to make blackened chicken.
    Horizontal overhead shot of a plate of blackened salmon

    Tips for the Best Blackened Salmon Recipe

    • Control the level of heat in your seasoning rub by increasing, decreasing or omitting the cayenne pepper.
    • Use fresh salmon or frozen salmon for this recipe. If starting with frozen salmon, make sure that it's completely thawed before using. You can thaw salmon in the refrigerator overnight or quickly thaw it by placing the salmon in a large Ziploc bag and submerging it in a bowl of cold water.
    • Skin-on salmon works best because the skin provides a safety layer between the fish's flesh and the hot skillet, helping the salmon retain its juices and cook evenly. The skin also holds the fish together, making it easier to flip without the flesh falling apart. In a pinch, you can certainly use salmon with the skin already removed -- just be carefully when turning it in the pan!
    • Garnish the fish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, lime juice, lemon wedges, or lime wedges for a bright, acidic finishing touch.
    Overhead shot of a plate of the best blackened salmon recipe

    More Dinner Ideas Using Salmon

    • Teriyaki Salmon
    • Salmon Patties {Salmon Croquettes}
    • Perfect 15-Minute Grilled Salmon
    • Salmon Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce
    • Baked Salmon Fillet
    • Salmon Burgers
    • Salmon Pie
    • Parmesan Herb Baked Salmon Fillet
    • Salmon with Dill Sauce
    Process shot showing how to pan blacken salmon
    Print Pin
    5 from 19 votes

    Blackened Salmon

    Spice up your next healthy seafood dinner with this easy 5-Ingredient Blackened Salmon recipe, which comes together with just 5 minutes of prep!
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine Southern
    Keyword blackened salmon, blackened salmon seasoning, healthy blackened salmon
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    0 minutes
    Total Time 15 minutes
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 283kcal
    Author Blair Lonergan

    Ingredients

    • 4 salmon fillets, skin-on (about 5-6 ounces each)
    • 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon cayenne (omit or decrease for a mild flavor)
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper
    • Olive oil
    • Optional for serving: lemon wedges and fresh chopped herbs such as thyme, oregano, or parsley

    Instructions

    • In a shallow bowl, mix together cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
    • Pat seasoning mixture onto the flesh side of each piece of salmon.
    • In a large skillet, heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
    • Place salmon, flesh-side down, in the hot oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, and then flip salmon with a spatula. Cook for about 5-6 more minutes, or until skin becomes crispy and fish flakes easily with a fork.

    Video

    Notes

    • Control the level of heat in your seasoning rub by increasing, decreasing or omitting the cayenne.
    • If you're serving picky kids, you can omit the blackened seasoning from their individual pieces of fish. Instead, season the kids' salmon with salt, pepper and garlic powder, then sear in the skillet according to the recipe instructions. There's no extra work for you, and everyone's happy!
    • Cooking just for two? You can cut the ingredients in half and just cook two salmon fillets. The cooking process remains the same. If you prepare a full recipe of seasoning, just save the extra spice for another meal.
    • Use fresh salmon or frozen salmon for this recipe. If starting with frozen salmon, make sure that it's completely thawed before using. You can thaw salmon in the refrigerator overnight or quickly thaw it by placing the salmon in a large Ziploc bag and submerging it in a bowl of cold water.
    • Skin-on salmon works best because the skin provides a safety layer between the fish's flesh and the hot skillet, helping the salmon retain its juices and cook evenly. The skin also holds the fish together, making it easier to flip without the flesh falling apart. In a pinch, you can certainly use salmon with the skin already removed -- just be carefully when turning it in the pan! 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1fillet (6 ounces of salmon) | Calories: 283kcal | Protein: 43.5g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1.7g | Cholesterol: 114mg | Sodium: 437mg

    This post was originally published in August, 2017. It was updated in January, 2021.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice

      August 16, 2017 at 6:32 am

      You are so right, salmon is anything but boring! I make it all the time for my husband and I, so I've got to try this version! Love how easy it is, Blair!

      Reply
      • Blair

        August 16, 2017 at 6:56 am

        Thanks, Gayle! It's definitely a must-try if you get tired of your go-to salmon recipes! 🙂

        Reply
        • Tracy Dalton

          December 04, 2020 at 4:24 am

          5 stars
          So so amazing, healthy and easy!!!

          Reply
          • Blair

            December 04, 2020 at 5:10 pm

            Thanks, Tracy!

            Reply
    2. Jeanette Venn

      August 16, 2017 at 9:13 pm

      I have never been a salmon girl. I am a big seafood person. I will have sandwiches out of a can but a filet no. I have picked off everyone's plate for a taste in very expensive places. Have been sick recently & have been "receiving Meals On Wheels". You never know what you are getting. Salmon turns up not so impressed. Well I loved it???????? So Blair look forward to trying this.

      Reply
      • Blair

        August 17, 2017 at 4:39 am

        That's awesome, Jeanette! It's never too late for our tastebuds to change!! So glad that you've been treated to some homemade meals while you're recovering, too!

        Reply
    3. Barbara

      August 17, 2017 at 7:18 am

      i dont eat fish is there a substitute for this recipe

      Reply
      • Blair

        August 17, 2017 at 1:40 pm

        Hi, Barbara! Yes, Blackened Chicken is also delicious! Just use the same seasoning and sear the chicken in your skillet until it's cooked through. 🙂

        Reply
    4. Denise Carberry

      August 19, 2017 at 1:22 am

      I'm up in my summer house in Alaska with a freezer full of Salmon that was given to me. Bless my neighbors Heart. I didn't even have to clean it. LOL. This recipe looks so amazing that I have to try it. I love Salamon and am always looking for new ways to prepare it.. Thanks so much Blair for all you fabulous recipes.

      Reply
      • Blair

        August 19, 2017 at 5:03 am

        Wow -- lucky you! Salmon is one of our favorite foods, so I can only imagine how delicious the fresh-caught version is! I hope that you enjoy this easy recipe, and have a great vacation!

        Reply
    5. Mimi

      April 15, 2018 at 5:46 pm

      5 stars
      This was a quick, delicious dish. It only took me about 20 minutes to prep 4 small salmon portions and throw in green beans as a side. Oh, I sprinkled parmesan cheese om mine for a good zest and texture! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Blair

        April 15, 2018 at 7:18 pm

        Excellent! So glad that you enjoyed it, Mimi! Thank you for letting me know. 🙂

        Reply
    6. tina

      September 12, 2018 at 5:33 am

      This is the recipe that I've been dreaming of finding - delicious. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Blair

        September 12, 2018 at 3:05 pm

        Awesome! Enjoy, Tina!

        Reply
      • Thelma Locke

        December 24, 2019 at 3:54 pm

        I’m making this for Christmas dinner! My DILis Haitian and my son And her love spicy. I’m sure this is going to wow them!! Thank you

        Reply
        • Blair

          December 25, 2019 at 5:32 am

          Perfect, Thelma! I hope that your family loves it! 🙂

          Reply
    7. Amy Decker

      October 19, 2018 at 11:45 pm

      5 stars
      Simple and delicious! Alaskan sockeye salmon is my favorite! The sous vide method is yummy too, just sear it afterward in a cast iron pan.

      Reply
      • Blair

        October 20, 2018 at 6:53 pm

        Thanks, Amy!

        Reply
    8. Tania

      March 02, 2019 at 10:43 am

      Hi Blair can I make this recipe in the oven as well.

      Reply
      • Blair

        March 02, 2019 at 2:22 pm

        Hi, Tania! Yes, you can definitely bake the salmon in the oven. Here's a link to a baked salmon recipe in case you need specific instructions. Enjoy!

        Reply
        • Janie

          February 13, 2020 at 12:18 pm

          Oven baked recipe directions,can I us veg oil.

          Reply
          • Blair

            February 13, 2020 at 2:18 pm

            Yep, vegetable oil is fine too! It has a high smoke point, so that's great.

            Reply
    9. Kari

      June 26, 2019 at 12:28 am

      This took 15 minutes. I'm confused. False advertising.

      Reply
      • Blair

        June 26, 2019 at 5:49 am

        Hey, Kari! The recipe says that the prep time is 5 minutes and that the total time is 15 minutes. Sorry if you were confused by that, but I hope you enjoyed the meal! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Donna

      July 28, 2019 at 6:08 pm

      Made this recipe today. Salmon was very tender and delicious. I cut the cayenne in half but I think it’s still too much so next time, I will omit it.

      Reply
    11. Ericka

      August 01, 2019 at 6:49 pm

      My goodness!! This recipe is AWESOME AWEDOME AWESOME!!!!!!!

      Reply
      • Blair

        August 01, 2019 at 7:55 pm

        Thanks, Ericka! I'm so glad that you enjoyed it! 🙂

        Reply
      • Tori

        March 23, 2020 at 5:36 pm

        5 stars
        Omg! I just finished eat this and all I can say is wow! That was by far the best fish I have ever eaten in my entire life! I didn’t mix everything in a bowl, I just sprinkled all of the seasons over the fillet and then pat it in well. Turned out AMAZING! Thanks for the recipe! This will be my go to fish seasoning.

        Reply
        • Blair

          March 24, 2020 at 5:38 am

          That's wonderful, Tori! Thanks for taking the time to leave me a note. So glad that you loved it!

          Reply
    12. Rubén Rodríguez

      September 17, 2019 at 8:09 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent Recipe! Good job!

      Reply
      • Blair

        September 18, 2019 at 5:34 am

        Thanks, Rubén!

        Reply
    13. rissa

      October 14, 2019 at 4:58 pm

      What heat about should i put the fleshy side on 2-3 min ?? medium ? sort of high heat? i truly want that crispyness. i love that part!

      Reply
      • Blair

        October 15, 2019 at 5:16 am

        Hi, Rissa! Leaving it on medium heat should do the trick, but if you really want an even crispier sear you can certainly turn up the heat to medium-high. Enjoy!

        Reply
    14. john

      December 02, 2019 at 10:31 pm

      5 stars
      Just tried it, came out really well. Thanks!!

      Reply
    15. Lisa

      January 09, 2020 at 6:28 pm

      5 stars
      Quick, easy & delicious. Omitted cayenne, as I didn’t have any on hand. Thanks for posting.

      Reply
      • Blair

        January 09, 2020 at 8:07 pm

        Thanks, Lisa! 🙂

        Reply
    16. Laurie

      April 16, 2020 at 7:20 pm

      Blair , what do you suggest if my salmon is skinless? Blacken both sides?

      Reply
      • Blair

        April 17, 2020 at 5:48 am

        Hi, Laurie! Yep, I would season both sides. Enjoy! 🙂

        Reply
    17. Carmela

      April 19, 2020 at 1:21 pm

      5 stars
      Made it for dinner last night for my boyfriend and he loved it. I used fresh, skinless salmon and the crust made from searing the spices was great..
      It's a healthy, delicious salmon dish that's not plain and boring. I will definitely make this again!

      Reply
      • Blair

        April 19, 2020 at 6:06 pm

        Thanks, Carmela! So glad that you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    18. Ina M Neal

      May 03, 2020 at 1:59 pm

      Hi Blair,
      I have never eaten salmon. My husband it’s eat every time we go out to eat. It just don’t look like something I would enjoy. After seeing yours, I decided to try your recipe. OMG! This was amazing! I made extra seasoning, so maybe we will have more tomorrow. Thanks

      Reply
      • Blair

        May 03, 2020 at 4:07 pm

        That's amazing! I'm so glad that this recipe changed your mind about salmon! 🙂 Thanks for letting me know!

        Reply
    19. John B

      May 07, 2020 at 9:21 am

      5 stars
      Absolutely wonderful taste- the cumin came through particularly well. My cayenne pepper is old, so I used chipotle pepper seasoning.
      It's too bad we're limiting shopping now. Otherwise, I'd run back for more.

      Reply
      • Blair

        May 07, 2020 at 2:51 pm

        Thank you, John!! 🙂

        Reply
    20. Johanna

      May 15, 2020 at 6:57 pm

      5 stars
      I’d love the oven version. Excellent recipe for sure!! I LOVE Salmon!!!!!

      Reply
      • Blair

        May 16, 2020 at 5:36 am

        Thanks, Johanna!

        Reply
    21. Sarah

      May 27, 2020 at 2:10 pm

      5 stars
      this turned out amazing!
      Quick question - can cayenne be replaced with chilli powder? I ran out of cayenne for the next time I make this.

      Reply
      • Blair

        May 27, 2020 at 2:48 pm

        Hi, Sarah! Glad you liked it! You can definitely use chili powder here, but it's not nearly as spicy as the cayenne, so the dish will be mild. It will also have a slightly different flavor, but still good. 🙂

        Reply
    22. Norma

      June 21, 2020 at 7:26 am

      5 stars
      Seeing your post today of your Blackened Chicken recipe reminded me that I had intended to comment on this delicious salmon recipe! For years I have been purchasing a popular commercial brand of fish seasoning, which is good but has some ingredients that I prefer not to consume, and it's just one more thing to have to remember to buy and keep on hand. Making my own is so simple and I always have the ingredients in my pantry. This is a great recipe and has become my go-to. I switch around the cumin to paprika ratio because my husband doesn't care for cumin so I have to be sure it's not the dominant flavor, but the rest is the same as you have listed. It's also easy to adjust the spice level--a great advantage when making one's own blends! Perfect and so easy!

      Reply
      • Blair

        June 21, 2020 at 1:48 pm

        Thank you, Norma! I'm so glad that you have been able to tweak the seasoning to suit your husband's preferences. Thanks for taking the time to come back here and leave me a note. 🙂

        Reply
    23. Amber

      July 09, 2020 at 12:39 am

      5 stars
      I made this tonight and it was amazing! I made a sauce from the leftover oil and drippings in the pan and served it over top of the salmon and served the salmon on top of a bed of rice pilaf with a side of baked parmesan asparagus. SO GOOD!!!!

      Reply
      • Blair

        July 09, 2020 at 4:24 pm

        Wow -- that sounds like a delicious meal, Amber! So glad that it was a hit!

        Reply
    24. Abby

      July 23, 2020 at 8:48 pm

      5 stars
      Made this tonight to go on top of a salad and it was fantastic. Just enough spice to give it a kick but not make my nose run. The salmon was cooked perfectly with this recipe as well (and I always overcook salmon). Will be using in the future!

      Reply
      • Blair

        July 24, 2020 at 5:33 am

        Sounds like a delicious meal, Abby. Thank you!

        Reply
    25. Yvonne Casselle Robinson

      July 28, 2020 at 9:19 pm

      5 stars
      This receipt is the BOMB !!!! Awesome and Spicey just like we like it . My hubby and I thought we was eating in New Orleans at our dinner table in New Jersey .

      Reply
      • Blair

        July 29, 2020 at 4:41 am

        Awesome! So glad that it was a hit, Yvonne1 Thanks for letting me know! 🙂

        Reply
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