Blackened Salmon – an absolutely delicious, flavorful blackened salmon recipe that is so easy to make! Perfect with dill sauce or in a salad! An easy weeknight dinner your whole family will love.
The BEST Blackened Salmon Recipe
If you are at all on the fence about making salmon at home, you have to try this recipe! It is so simple and delicious – a dish I just keep coming back to. First, you will coat them in an amazing seasoning mixture, give them a quick sear, and then finish cooking them in the oven. In a matter of minutes you will have restaurant-quality salmon!
It is seriously SO good and the flavor is insane – you can eat it anyway you want – by itself with or without some yummy dill sauce, in a blackened salmon tacos or on a salad.
If you love this recipe then definitely try our Blackened Chicken!
What You Will Need
- salmon fillets – we love using fresh salmon fillets with the skin on the bottom. You could also use frozen salmon but you will want to make sure it is fully thawed before prepping.
- blackened seasoning – we love this blackened seasoning that is super easy to throw together – such an amazing blend of spice that tastes amazing!
- olive oil – a little on the salmon and a little in the pan to give your fillets that perfect sear.
How Should I Cook Blackened Salmon
In this recipe we seared the fillets in a cast iron skillet and then transferred the skillet to the oven to finish cooking the salmon at 400 degrees F. Another great option would be to grill the salmon. If you prefer that option, simply prepare the salmon as-directed and then grill following the directions in this post!
How Do You Know If Salmon Is Done
The best way to know if your salmon is done cooking is to gently press down on the top of the fillet with a fork to see if the salmon flakes, meaning that the flesh easily separates from each other at the white lines that run across the fillet. You could also use a meat thermometer to check the temp. Cooked salmon should be about 125-130 degrees F. when fully cooked for a medium finish or 145 degrees F. for a well-done finish.
Should You Eat The Skin On Salmon
This is totally up to you! It is completely safe to eat the skin. Some people eat it and some people choose not to eat it. We like to cook it with the skin on, but then we remove it from the skin when eating. You could also cut the skin off the salmon fillet before cooking, if you want.
How Should I Serve Blackened Salmon
We love serving this with a nice dollop of salmon dill sauce, jasmine rice, and some roasted broccolini – you could use cauliflower rice if you prefer too! It would also be great on top of a Salmon Caesar Salad or in these Blackened Salmon Tacos!
How To Cook Blackened Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
Mix up your blackened seasoning ingredients.
Cover your salmon fillets in the seasoning.
Drizzle a little olive oil on top of the fillets.
Give the fillets a quick rub to make sure they are fully covered in seasoning and olive oil.
Place your fillets (skin-side up) in a hot cast iron skillet to give them a quick sear – this creates an amazing crust!
Flip the fillets over and place the skillet in the oven at 400 degrees F.
Cook them for about 10-14 minutes, or until fully cooked.
Enjoy!
Don’t forget that yummy Dill Sauce!!!!
Love serving this with some brown rice and a nice little salad!
Recipe FAQ
- Serving Suggestions: we love using this in a Salmon Caesar Salad! Otherwise, serve with roasted broccolini and baked potato or some brown rice OR in a Blackened Salmon Taco.
- Grill: if you would prefer to grill your salmon simply prepare the salmon as-directed and then grill following the directions in this post!
- Spice: feel free to add a bit more cayenne pepper if you want it extra spicy.
- *Internal temp of salmon: fully cooked salmon should reach 145 degrees F. at it’s thickest part (per USDA). If you want a medium finish to your fish then look for a temperature between 125-130 degrees F.
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Other Recipes You Might Like
Grilled Salmon Salad
Teriyaki Salmon Bowl
Smoked Salmon Salad
Salmon Poke Bowl
Blackened Salmon (+ Dill Sauce)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner/Entree
- Method: Stove Top + Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
Blackened Salmon – an absolutely delicious blackened salmon recipe that is so easy to make! Perfect with dill sauce or in a salad!
Ingredients
Blackened Salmon:
- 4–6 6oz salmon fillets, skin-on
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper*
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Dill Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream (regular or dairy-free)
- 1/4 cup mayo (regular or paleo)
- 3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine the Salmon Dill Sauce ingredients in a small bowl; stir to combine. Taste and adjust any flavors, as necessary. Store in fridge.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Pat salmon dry with clean paper towel.
- Combine blackened seasoning: paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, chipotle pepper, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper.
- Rub salmon all over with blackened seasoning
- Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over seasoned salmon; rub into salmon.
- Bring a large cast iron skillet to medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil; swirl to coat the pan.
- Sear salmon (skin-side up) for approx. 1-3 minutes (or until there is a good char).
- Flip salmon over so skin side is down and place in the oven (middle rack and uncovered).
- Let cook 10-14 minutes or until fully cooked (it should flake apart easily with a fork).*
- Remove from oven and serve immediately with the Dill Sauce.
Notes
- Serving Suggestions: we love using this in a Salmon Caesar Salad! Otherwise, serve with roasted broccolini and baked potato or some brown rice OR in a Blackened Salmon Taco.
- Grill: if you would prefer to grill your salmon simply prepare the salmon as-directed and then grill following the directions in this post!
- Spice: feel free to add a bit more cayenne pepper if you want it extra spicy.
- *Internal temp of salmon: fully cooked salmon should reach 145 degrees F. at it’s thickest part (per USDA). If you want a medium finish to your fish then look for a temperature between 125-130 degrees F.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with dill sauce
- Calories: 396
- Sugar: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 468.2 mg
- Fat: 24.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 4.8 g
- Protein: 40.2 g
- Cholesterol: 97.5 mg
Kim Robinson says
This was really good – a bit too spicy for my (I’m a bit of a spice wimp) but my husband thought it was perfect! The dill sauce was an excellent addition! This will go in regular rotation! I served this with roasted butternut squash and green beans! 👩🍳
Hannah Chapman says
This is hands-down my favorite Wooden Skillet recipe! It’s easy to follow, the ingredients are simple, and it is DELICIOUS! The way the salmon crisps up in the oven gives those yummy Cajun spices just the right amount punch. Pair it with the creamy dill sauce and you’re set. So good.
Eileen says
We made this for the third time last night. I just wanted to thank you for the recipe! It’s so good and so easy! The sauce is yummy too.
Jenny says
This salmon is SO GOOD!! I cook my steaks & chicken using this method with a cast iron skillet, not sure why I didn’t think to try salmon. Plus, the seasoning is great, it’s a winner!!
Erin says
So awesome to hear, Jenny!
Doris says
This recipe is so good!