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.
Made this recipe and loved it?! We would love it if you would take a minute and leave a star rating and review – it is also helpful if you made any substitutions or changes to the recipe to share that as well. THANK YOU!
Don’t forget to check out my Instagram account for some behind-the-scenes action! Or give me a follow on Facebook or see what I am pinning on Pinterest!
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
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!
Erin says
I never leave reviews but this salmon and dill sauce was seriously amazing. I served mine over rice and made a little salsa of cucumber, pickled red onion and avocado – so good!!
Erin says
So happy to hear that, Erin!!
Mindi says
Made this tonight with fresh wild caught sockeye salmon. Omg, soooo delicious!!!
Mitch M. says
So so good! And easy too! Didn’t have fill on hand, so used fennel leaves instead. Also used dairy-free sour cream and it was amazing. Def recommend!
Sara says
Easy and absolutely delicious!
Marisa says
We love salmon, but got tired of cooking it the same way with the same seasoning. I saw this recipe and knew I wanted to try it! It is incredibly simple but gives such a punch of flavor! This recipe will be one of our go-to’s now! We didn’t have the dill sauce, and were probably missing out but it is incredible without it.
Meg says
Tried the recipe this week it was soooo good! The dill sauce is to die for and it pairs perfectly with the salmon!
Erin says
So glad you enjoyed this one, Meg!! Thanks for coming back to leave a review!
S Marevka says
My husband won’t stop talking about this recipe! He loved it so much that he wants to make it a permanent recipe in our rotation. So GOOD!! Thank you
Erin says
That makes me so happy to hear! Thanks for coming back and leaving a review!
Sarah says
So easy and delicious! I tend to lean towards the same ole salmon recipe, but saw this and so glad I tried a new way of fixing salmon!
Erin says
So glad you tried a new recipe too! Yay!
Erica Sands says
My family doesn’t normally like salmon and this recipe changed everything. It is crispy and delicious on the outside and flaky and soft in the middle.
Erin says
Yay!! That’s awesome to hear, Erica!
Keri says
So good, can’t wait to make again!
Erin says
Yay! So glad you enjoyed it, Keri!!
Carol says
This Blackened Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce was easy to make; easy follow directions and not time consuming.
The outcome was so very delicious! I have made this recipe a few times for my husband and I and it’s a hit every time. Definitely a favorite and has a spot in my cookbook pages of recipes.
Erin says
So happy to hear that, Carol! This is one of my favorite recipes as well 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to leave a review – I really appreciate it!
Linda says
I have been wanting to make this recipe since I first saw it. Finally did on Valentine’s Day for my husband -who if you’ve seen my comments before doesn’t like fish very much- and he loved it! He has liked all of Erin’s salmon recipes but I think this was his fav. So good ! Try her other recipes too – I love them all- Teriyaki and baked with thyme . Hard to pick which I like the best. Love your recipes Erin!
Erin says
So glad you enjoyed it!!
Tanya Ghantous says
I often make salmon and quite often the same way. I saw this recipe on Instagram and decided to try something new. Not only did I have all the spices in my cabinet but it was so easy to prepare and quick! The result was a beyond mouthwatering, savory and crispy meal . My fiancé immediately exclaimed it had to be a do-over so it will take priority in our rotation! I’m looking forward to it! Pan seared and exactly 10 minutes in the oven at 400 served with vegetables from our garden. I cannot wait to tell my 25 year old son about it as he has discovered cooking fish with his girlfriend is fun and nutritious. I used fresh Atlantic Salmon from my home country Canada from Trader Joes.
Erin says
So happy to hear that, Tanya!! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review + feedback – I really appreciate it!
April says
Easy, delicious dish! My whole family loved it even the toddlers.
Erin says
So glad everyone enjoyed it, April! And thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review 🙂 I really appreciate it!