Delicious Blackened Salmon Recipe Ready in 20 Minutes
As a busy parent, finding quick and tasty dinners for the family can be tough. That’s why I’m excited to share this blackened salmon recipe. It’s not only yummy but also ready in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for an easy salmon dinner or if you’re in the mood for something spicy.
The magic of this dish lies in the homemade blackening seasoning. It makes the salmon crispy and full of flavor. With a few basic ingredients, you can make this seasoning. It turns plain salmon into a meal fit for a restaurant. You can serve it with sides or use it in salads, tacos, and more.
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Understanding Blackened Salmon: A Perfect Weeknight Dinner
Blackened salmon is a tasty choice for dinner any night of the week. It gets its unique look and taste from a special cooking method. This method, from Cajun-Creole cuisine, coats the fish in spices and sears it. This creates a flavorful crust that keeps the salmon’s oils and nutrients inside.
What Makes Salmon “Blackened”
To blacken salmon, you coat the fish in a spice mix and sear it in a hot skillet. The heat makes the spices char, giving the fish a blackened crust. Meanwhile, the inside stays moist and tender.
Benefits of Cooking Blackened Salmon
- Healthier protein option: Cajun salmon is full of omega-3s, good for your heart and brain.
- Quick and easy preparation: Blackening takes only 10-15 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Versatile and flavorful: It goes well with many sides, like salads, grains, and veggies.
- Unique texture and taste: The spice crust and juicy inside make for a great meal.
Blackened seafood blackening seasoning salmon is great for a healthy and tasty dinner. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Essential Ingredients for Blackened Salmon Recipe
Making the perfect blackened salmon dish begins with picking the right ingredients. You’ll need fresh salmon fillets and a homemade spice blend. Each part is key to getting that blackened crust and tasty flavor.
Fresh Salmon Selection Tips
Choose fresh salmon fillets, about 6 oz each, without skin or scales. Go for spring salmon (Chinook or king salmon) or other high-quality fish. Pick what you like best.
Homemade Blackening Seasoning Components
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 3/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
Additional Kitchen Essentials
You’ll also need some extra items for this recipe. Use olive oil or ghee for cooking. A cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan is best. Don’t forget fresh lemon or lime wedges for serving.
With these ingredients and tools, you’re set to make a tasty blackened salmon dish at home.
Creating the Perfect Homemade Blackening Seasoning
If you want to make your spicy fish recipe or seafood blackening seasoning at home better, you’re in the right spot. Homemade blackening seasoning gives your dishes that bold, smoky taste. This is what makes blackened salmon so tasty.
To make the best homemade blackening seasoning, mix these ingredients in a bowl:
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1.5 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon brown sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Once you mix everything well, you have homemade seafood blackening seasoning. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. This seasoning makes your salmon fillets taste amazing, taking your spicy fish recipe to the next level.
The secret to great seasoning is getting the flavors right. Smoked paprika and cayenne pepper add heat. Garlic, onion, and brown sugar bring sweetness. The dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme add a nice earthy flavor.
With this homemade seafood blackening seasoning, making tasty spicy fish recipe is easy. It’s perfect for any meal, whether it’s a quick dinner or a special occasion.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Getting salmon ready for a perfect blackened crust is easy. First, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This removes extra moisture, helping the seasoning stick better. Then, lightly brush the salmon with olive oil or melted ghee for a great sear.
Proper Seasoning Application
Next, coat the salmon with homemade blackening seasoning. Press the seasoning onto the fish to make sure it sticks and forms a tasty crust. Make sure to cover every inch of the salmon with the spice blend.
Cooking Temperature and Timing
- Preheat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.
- Once the pan is hot, carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets into the pan, seasoned side down.
- Cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes, or until a nicely charred crust forms.
- Flip the salmon and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, as recommended by the FDA.
To get that perfect blackened crust, make sure the pan is hot before adding the salmon. This helps the spices sear and caramelize, giving a great flavor. The cooking time might vary based on the salmon’s thickness.
“Blackened salmon is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavor. The key is to get your pan blazing hot before adding the seasoned salmon fillets.”
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Blackened Crust
Getting a delicious blackened crust on your pan seared salmon fillets is crucial. It brings out the bold flavor of blackened salmon. Here are some key tips to help you:
- Make sure your pan is extremely hot before adding the salmon. The fish should sizzle right away when it hits the pan.
- Don’t move the salmon while it’s cooking. Letting it sit still helps the crust form perfectly.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan. They distribute heat evenly, which is important for a great blackened crust.
- Don’t be shy with the blackening seasoning rub. A thick, even layer of spices is needed for a tasty crust.
- Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking. This lets the juices spread, making the fish juicy and tender inside.
By following these steps, you’ll get a perfect blackened crust on your salmon. This will make your blackened salmon recipe truly delicious.
Remember, the secret to a great blackened crust is in how you prepare and cook. With a bit of practice, you’ll make blackened salmon like a pro.
Lime Butter Sauce Enhancement
Make your spicy fish recipe even better with a zesty lime butter sauce. It’s perfect for the easy salmon dinner. This sauce is quick to make and adds a fresh, tangy taste to your salmon.
Ingredients for the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1.5 teaspoons lime zest
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mixing and Application Methods
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, lime zest, and garlic until smooth. Add a bit of salt and black pepper to taste. Once your salmon is cooked, brush the sauce over it. This lets the flavors mix well.
The sauce’s tangy taste goes great with the spicy seasoning. It makes your salmon dinner even more enjoyable. Serve it right away so the sauce can flow down the sides.
This easy sauce can elevate your spicy fish recipe to a restaurant-quality easy salmon dinner. Enjoy it in the comfort of your home.
Nutritional Benefits and Dietary Information
Blackened salmon is not just tasty, but also very healthy. A 6-ounce serving has about 342 calories, 35 grams of protein, 20 grams of fat, and only 4 grams of carbs. It’s perfect for those wanting a healthy fish meal.
Salmon is full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart and brain. It also has lots of vitamin D and B vitamins like B12, niacin, and B6. These vitamins are key for staying healthy.
The blackened seasoning in this recipe is gluten-free. This makes it great for people who can’t eat gluten. You can also make it fit other diets like low-carb or paleo by changing the sides.
If you want to boost your heart health, brain function, or just enjoy a tasty, healthy meal, try this blackened salmon recipe. It’s packed with nutrients and flavor.
Side Dish Pairing Suggestions
There are many ways to pair with your blackened salmon. Roasted veggies like asparagus, broccolini, or green beans are great. They add a crunchy texture and flavor that contrasts well with the spiced salmon.
For grains, you can choose from rice, pasta, or potatoes. Try them baked, mashed, or roasted for different tastes.
Vegetable Options
Vegetables can balance the bold flavors of blackened salmon. Try Cajun Blackened Green Beans or Roasted Broccoli and Potatoes. Kale Slaw with Apples is also a tasty choice.
Grain and Starch Accompaniments
Pair the salmon with grains and starches for a filling meal. A simple green salad or fruit salad can add freshness. For a more complete dinner, serve the salmon in tacos with avocado mango salsa or on a hearty salad.
With so many options, you’ll find the perfect sides for your blackened salmon. Enjoy a delicious and healthy meal.