Blackened Salmon (How-to + recipe) (2024)

This blackened salmon recipe explains how to make blackened salmon and what sides pair well with it. This recipe comes together in 15 minutes and is a great weeknight dinner meal!

We are nearly through with salmon season and what better way to finish it than with a blackened salmon recipe. I have been eating salmon since I was in college. My dad doesn't care for salmon all that much, but we did eat a lot of walleye growing up. Blackened salmon is one of my favorite ways to cook salmon and you can adjust the spices based on how "blackened" you want it.

It is no surprise how good salmon is for you! It is full of omega 3 fatty acids and protein. But did you know that it also has SO much vitamin D!? Great to get in some vitamin D for the winter months ahead. It is also high in vitamin B12, which is an antioxidant.

Other health benefits of salmon include:

• Joint health
• Decreased risk of cancer
• Eye health
• Improved cognition
• Improved mood
• Heart health benefits

What is Blackened Salmon?

Blackened salmon is a style of cooking with spices over high heat. This method is traditionally done on the stovetop in a frying pan with butter. However, for this recipe we will be using avocado oil or another high heat cooking oil.

What You Will Need

You will need a pan, preferably nonstick. A seasoned cast iron skillet will work here too. I prefer to use avocado oil for cooking at high heat because it has a higher melting point than other oils. This means that the fat in the oil will not become saturated as quickly as other oils. If you do not have avocado oil, grapeseed, walnut, olive or canola oil will still get the job done.

I used a filet of salmon with the skin-on. Leaving the skin on makes the salmon skin get nice and crispy. I always peel or cut it away before eating though. If you buy a filet with the skin-off it makes it a little easier.

How to Cook Blackened Salmon

To cook blackened salmon you will need a small dish to make up the blackening spice blend. Once you have the spice blend mixed. Pat the salmon dry and sprinkle the seasoning over one side of the salmon filet. If you have a skin-on piece of salmon it will be the flesh side.

First, pour the oil into the frying pan and set the heat to medium/high. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon, flesh or spice side down. Sear for two minutes and flip the salmon filet over and cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the salmon is cooked to your liking.

Some people like a medium-done piece of salmon. Others like it fully cooked through, so if you have a meat thermometer make sure the internal temperature reaches 145F.

What Sides go with Blackened Salmon?

The possibilities are endless here. Most blackened seasoning goes well with tropical flavors, such as pineapple or creole blends. I love to do a simple potato recipe and a roasted green vegetable.

Some ideas might include:

• Cauliflower mash with roasted asparagus
• Brown rice/quinoa with roasted broccoli or green beans
• Blackened salmon tacos with pineapple guacamole

What Wines go with Blackened Salmon?

Most seafood is paired with white wines. Pinot Noir and Zinfandel are great red wine pairings if you are partial to reds.

Check out this video for how to make blackened salmon!

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If you love salmon check out my other salmon recipes:

• Salmon Burger with a dill caper aioli
• Maple Salmon Sheet pan Salmon Dinner
• Salmon Orzo Salad