Make restaurant-quality blackened salmon quickly using a simple spice mix and skillet cooking method for a flavorful crust.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:5 min
Cook Time:10 min
Total Time:15 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Dinner
Method:Pan Searing
Cuisine:American
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
4 (6 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
2 tablespoons avocado oil or other high-heat oil
2 tablespoons homemade blackened seasoning (see notes)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Mix the salt and pepper into your blackened seasoning blend.
Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This helps create a good crust.
Generously coat all sides of each salmon fillet with the seasoning mixture, pressing it gently onto the fish.
Heat the avocado oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers.
Carefully place the salmon fillets presentation-side down (usually the top side) into the hot skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
Sear for 3 to 4 minutes until a dark crust forms.
Flip the salmon fillets gently. Reduce the heat to medium.
Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Remove from the skillet and serve immediately.
Notes
To make a quick homemade blackened seasoning: Mix 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat), and 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin.
For a lower-heat method, you can bake the seasoned salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes after briefly searing in the pan.
This dish pairs well with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a simple dill sauce.