Blackened Salmon
Blackened salmon is a culinary delight that combines bold flavors with a crispy, smoky exterior and tender, flaky inner flesh. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish is both quick to prepare and sure to impress your family and friends. With its aromatic blend of spices and a zesty squeeze of lemon, blackened salmon transforms any meal into a gourmet experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 fresh skin-on salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling.
- Coat each salmon fillet generously with melted butter and sprinkle the spice mixture evenly on both sides.
- Place the salmon skin-side down in the hot skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes until a dark crust forms.
- Carefully flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until opaque but moist inside.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (170g)
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider using a Cajun spice blend or incorporating citrus zest into the spice mix. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently to preserve texture.