Description

This Easy Blackened Salmon recipe delivers perfectly seasoned, crispy-skinned salmon fillets with a bold, smoky flavor. Using a homemade or store-bought blackened seasoning, the salmon is cooked in a hot cast iron skillet for a deliciously blackened crust while keeping the flesh tender and juicy. Garnished with fresh herbs and brightened with fresh lemon zest and juice, this dish is a quick and impressive weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon

3 tablespoons canola or light olive oil
1 teaspoon fine sea salt or kosher salt
2-3 tablespoons Homemade Blackened Seasoning (or store bought)
4 6-ounce salmon fillets, skin on, bones removed
4 sprigs fresh thyme (leaves only)
1 teaspoon fresh oregano leaves
1 lemon (zest & juice)

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Instructions

Heat the Oil: Heat the canola or light olive oil in a cast iron or similar heavy skillet over medium heat until it begins to smoke lightly, signaling that it’s hot enough for blackening the salmon.
Season the Salmon: While the oil heats, sprinkle the flesh side of each salmon fillet evenly with salt. Spread your blackened seasoning on a plate and firmly press the flesh side of each fillet into the seasoning, coating it heavily and evenly to build that signature blackened crust.
Cook the Salmon – Flesh Side: Remove the hot skillet from heat briefly, then carefully press the salmon fillets flesh side down into the oil one at a time. Return the skillet to medium heat and cook the salmon for 2-3 minutes, allowing the seasoning to blacken but not burn, creating a flavorful crust.
Cook the Salmon – Skin Side: Flip the salmon fillets carefully and continue cooking skin side down for 4-6 minutes. This step crisps the skin to a delightful texture while finishing the cooking process through the fillet.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the cooked fillets to a serving platter. Sprinkle freshly grated lemon zest and lemon juice over the top along with fresh thyme and oregano leaves to add brightness and herbal notes. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Enjoy: Relish your perfectly blackened salmon served fresh as an impressive and healthful meal.

Notes

Use a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even heating and a good sear.
Adjust cooking times depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets.
You can prepare your own blackened seasoning with a blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Ensure the skillet is hot before adding salmon to prevent sticking.
Serve with lemon wedges or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.