I didn’t always love salmon. There, I said it. But one bite of blackened salmon—crispy, spicy, utterly transformative—and I was hooked.
It’s like the salmon decided to wear its best party dress and show up to impress. Now, I can’t imagine a week without it gracing my plate, especially when paired with a squeeze of lemon or a side of buttery asparagus. And who would’ve thought, right?
Steps
- Gather all the necessary ingredients for the recipe.
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, white and black pepper, thyme, basil, and oregano.
- Brush both sides of the salmon fillets with 1/4 cup melted butter and coat them evenly with the spice mixture.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of melted butter in a large, heavy skillet over high heat. Place the salmon in the skillet and cook for 2 to 5 minutes until the first side is blackened.
- Turn the fillets over, add the remaining melted butter to the skillet, and cook the other side for 3 to 5 minutes until blackened and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 salmon fillets, skinless and boneless
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Nutritional Values
Total Nutritional Values for Entire Recipe: 2044 Calories | 152g Fat | 20g Carbs | 148g Protein | 68g Saturated Fat | 664mg Cholesterol | 4992mg Sodium | 8g Dietary Fiber | 4g Total Sugars | 16mg Vitamin C | 152mg Calcium | 8mg Iron | 3208mg Potassium
FAQ
- What is blackened salmon?
- Blackened salmon is a cooking technique where salmon fillets are coated in a blend of spices and then cooked at high heat until the exterior is slightly charred, creating a flavorful crust.
- How spicy is blackened salmon?
- The level of spiciness can vary based on the amount of cayenne pepper used. In this recipe, a tablespoon of cayenne pepper is included, which provides a noticeable kick. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.
- Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
- Yes, other firm fish like cod or snapper can be used as substitutes. Just ensure the fillets are of similar thickness to achieve even cooking.
- What should I serve with blackened salmon?
- Blackened salmon pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad to balance the spicy flavors.
- How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?
- The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Cooking times can vary, but typically it takes about 3 to 5 minutes on each side in a hot skillet.
Tips
- Ensure your skillet is fully heated before adding the salmon to achieve the desired blackened crust.
- Allow the salmon to rest at room temperature for a few minutes before cooking to promote even cooking.
- Use a fish spatula for flipping the fillets to prevent them from breaking apart.
- If you prefer a milder spice level, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix.
Equipment
- Heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) – essential for achieving the blackened effect on the salmon.
