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Easy Blackened Salmon with Homemade Cajun Spice Blend

Close-up of a juicy, flaky piece of blackened salmon showing the dark spice crust and moist interior.
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You can make restaurant-style blackened salmon at home tonight. This recipe uses a simple homemade Cajun spice blend to create a bold, smoky crust on tender salmon fillets. It is a quick, healthy salmon dinner perfect for any weeknight.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • For the Blackening Spice Blend:
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the spice blend: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and basil. Mix well.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels. This step helps create a better crust.
  3. Brush the salmon fillets lightly on all sides with olive oil or melted butter.
  4. Generously coat each fillet with the prepared blackening spice blend, pressing the spices onto the fish so they adhere well.
  5. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it is very hot. A cast iron skillet is best for achieving the proper crust.
  6. Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets into the hot skillet. If using skin-on, place skin-side down first.
  7. Sear for 4 to 5 minutes without moving the fish to develop the blackened crust.
  8. Flip the salmon gently and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillet and your desired doneness. The internal temperature should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
  9. Remove the blackened salmon from the skillet and let it rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For an extra crispy skin salmon, ensure your skillet is smoking hot before adding the fish.
  • If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper in the spice blend or omit it entirely.
  • Serve this spicy seared salmon over rice or alongside roasted asparagus for a complete, keto salmon recipe option.
  • If you want a creamy dill sauce variation, whisk together 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon fresh dill, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Nutrition

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