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Quick & Easy Skillet Blackened Salmon

Close-up of a perfectly cooked fillet of blackened salmon with a dark, flavorful crust on a white plate.
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Make restaurant-quality blackened salmon at home with this fast and easy skillet recipe. You achieve a perfectly seasoned, crispy crust while keeping the inside flaky and tender. This is a great healthy salmon recipe for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6 ounce) salmon fillets, skin removed
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon homemade blackened seasoning (see notes)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the spice blend by mixing the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry using paper towels. This step helps create a better crust.
  3. Generously coat all sides of each salmon fillet with the homemade blackened seasoning blend. Press the seasoning firmly onto the fish.
  4. Heat the avocado oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers.
  5. Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets into the hot skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Sear the salmon for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side until a dark, spicy crust forms.
  7. Gently flip the fillets. Reduce the heat to medium and 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.
  8. Remove the blackened salmon from the skillet and serve immediately with fresh lemon juice or a simple dill sauce.

Notes

  • For the best crust, ensure your skillet is very hot before adding the fish.
  • If you prefer oven baked blackened salmon, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes instead of pan searing.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free salmon.
  • Serve this spicy blackened fish with avocado corn salsa for a fresh contrast.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/quick-easy-blackened-salmon-recipe/