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The Ultimate Easy 20-Minute Blackened Salmon

Close-up of two perfectly cooked blackened salmon fillets showing the flaky pink interior and dark spice crust.
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Make restaurant-style blackened salmon quickly with a homemade Cajun spice blend. This recipe yields a flavorful crust and a moist, flaky interior.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to create the spice blend.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This helps create a good crust.
  3. Brush or rub both sides of the salmon fillets evenly with olive oil or melted butter.
  4. Generously coat all sides of the salmon fillets with the prepared spice blend, pressing it gently into the flesh.
  5. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it is very hot, about 5 minutes. Do not add oil to the pan yet.
  6. Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets into the hot, dry skillet. If using skin-on fillets, place them skin-side down first.
  7. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes without moving them to develop the black crust.
  8. Flip the fillets and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness, until the salmon reaches your desired doneness and flakes easily with a fork.
  9. Remove the salmon from the skillet and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For the best crust, use a cast-iron skillet. If you do not have one, use the heaviest skillet you own.
  • If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper to 1/2 teaspoon or omit it entirely.
  • This salmon pairs well with a simple squeeze of fresh lemon juice after cooking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchnkudos.com/blackened-salmon-recipe-easy-20-minute/