This easy blackened salmon recipe features bold spices for a tasty dinner in just 15 minutes! First, apply a quick dry homemade blackening season blend to each fish fillet, then pan-fry in olive oil until a flavorful dark crust appears on the surface. Weeknight blackened salmon is that simple!
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This easy blackened salmon recipe is my go-to when a seafood craving hits! The dry rub is quick and easy to prepare with minimal effort, and the salmon cooks perfectly in a hot cast-iron skillet. Blackened salmon is one of those dishes you can pair with any side dish to mix up a weeknight dinner. The blackened seasoning rub is a blend of savory, spicy, and sweet seasonings that are generously coated on each fish fillet, adding delicious flavors and textures while it cooks.
The best part of this blackened salmon recipe is that it takes almost no time but feels impressive. Once the salmon is added to a hot pan and cooked on each side for just a few minutes, the taste transforms, making each bite better than the last. The meaty, savory, umami flavors come out, and it will satisfy meat-eaters and fish-haters alike. Fans of spiciness and crispy salmon will devour this dish!
Blackened Salmon Seasoning Rub
Whenever you’re cooking salmon, chicken, or even steak, there are several ways to add extra flavor and retain moisture. Of course, marinades and sauces are a nice option, but sometimes you want to highlight the meaty, savory flavor of the meal without adding extra sauce.
A dry spice rub does the trick when I’m looking to add fast flavor to proteins. So how do you make a blackening seasoning mix? My blackening spice recipe is a mixture of paprika, cumin, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, chili powder, and black pepper. Although I use it here in a blackened salmon recipe, it also works great on other types of fish fillets, chicken, and even pork.
If you’re unfamiliar with the magic of dry rubs, you liberally coat the salmon with spices and seasonings. The balance of heat, savory notes, and sweetness from the spices get enhanced when cooked in olive oil, which helps the fat-soluble flavors intensify. The spice blend takes on deep, nuanced flavors permeating the salmon and highlighting the texture, flavor, and spice level.
When making this blackened salmon recipe, I apply a generous coating of the blackening spice to the flesh side of the salmon fillets. For those who like extra crispy fish, the skin can be left on and fried in the pan. Otherwise, remove the skin and season both sides of the fish fillet with the blackening seasoning blend before you cook the salmon.
Choosing the Right Oil for Blackened Salmon
When making this blackened salmon recipe, I haul out my trusty cast iron pan, which is perfect for pan-searing salmon and adding that ideal crispy finish. Of course, any heavy pan will do, but I highly recommend considering cast iron for this recipe.
I pan-fry the seasoned salmon fillets in a thin layer of olive in my large cast-iron skillet. When you make this salmon recipe, be sure to consider oil smoke points. The frying oil should be hot enough to sear the surface of the salmon quickly but not so hot that it becomes overly smoky and breaks down.
I cook the salmon in the hot skillet for a few minutes on each side to create a crispy outer layer and deep golden colors on the salmon surface. The salmon should flake easily when finished.
Recipe Resources
Salmon fillets cook quickly, making this quite a fast, easy (weeknight-friendly) meal to prepare. The cast-iron skillet gets that high-temperature heat you want for an extra crispy outside. The result of this cooking method is tender and flaky salmon with a boldly spiced crust—it’s irresistible!
I often add limes to the salmon presentation so diners can squeeze a little lime juice on the blackened salmon. It’s quite flavorful, but you can always offer salt and pepper to taste. I like to serve this blackened salmon recipe with grilled corn salad or broccoli rice. Blackened salmon is a simple and tasty recipe—once you master it, you’ll want to put it on repeat and serve this favorite fish weekly at the dinner table.
More favorite salmon recipes
The Secret in the Blackened Salmon Spices
Wondering how to cook blackened salmon so it gets that caramelized texture and flavor without tasting burnt or bitter?
The secret to cooking the best blackened salmon is in the blend of spices. I add a small amount of brown sugar to the blackening spice mixture because it not only adds a hint of sweetness to the salmon (or any protein) but also accelerates the browning on the surface of the fish.
FAQ About Cooking Blackened Salmon
I like to mix my blackening seasoning rub in a small bowl or a mortar. Most spices are already pre-ground, so there’s no need to use the pestle to crush the spices. Just stir them together in the bowl, so they blend well. I use a teaspoon of paprika and cumin, the two flavors I like to highlight. Next, I use a ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Then I go a little lighter on the heat with a ¼ teaspoon of chili powder and black pepper. I also use a teaspoon of brown sugar and blend it together as my rub. You can adjust amounts to suit your taste.
It’s often hard to know how long to cook salmon because it depends on the thickness of your fillets, your pan, and even the type of oil you use for the recipe. I start with a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and then turn it up to medium-high as needed. I watch it carefully until the salmon fillets flake easily with a fork. Typically, it’s a few minutes on each side. The salmon will continue to cook slightly more when you take it off the heat.
I personally prefer cooking with olive oil in many cases. Some people express concerns about the smoke point of olive oil, but extra virgin oil is fine up to 410 degrees. Most home cooks use melted butter, margarine, or vegetable oil for pan-frying because quality olive oil can get a little expensive. That said, this blackened salmon doesn’t need much oil, and I find that the Mediterranean flavors pair well with this easy blackened salmon recipe.
Recipe Science
Sugar helps with blackening the fish
Sugar is composed of two simple sugar molecules, glucose, and fructose. At around 200°F (93°C), the fructose begins to caramelize, and deep brown pigments form on the surface. This is much lower than the 300°F temperature needed for the Maillard Browning reaction to occur on its own. The result is an attractive blackened crust in a short period, which is helpful because the salmon, like most fish, cooks very quickly.
Blackened Salmon
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ pounds salmon fillet, skin removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lime, cut into 4 wedges
- 1 teaspoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Mix Blackening Spice – In a small bowl combine paprika, cumin, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, chili powder, and black pepper.
- Prepare Salmon Filets – Cut salmon fillets into 4 equal pieces, about 6 ounces in weight each. Season each side with 1 teaspoon of the blackening seasoning mix, 2 teaspoons total.
- Cook Salmon – Heat a large stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot add the oil. Place the salmon fillets in the pan and cook until lightly charred and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook until the flesh flakes easily, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Plate & Serve – Transfer to a plate, serve with a lime wedge and sprinkle with parsley.
Recipe Video
Equipment
Notes
- Storing: Blackening seasoning can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Cooked salmon can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Cover and microwave the salmon on high heat in 15 to 30-second increments until hot.
- Make it Whole30 and Keto: Omit the brown sugar. Use sea salt and extra-virgin olive oil.
Nutrition Facts
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000-calorie diet. All nutritional information is based on estimated third-party calculations. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
Melanie D says
This was my first time making blackened fish. It was easy, beautiful, and turned out great! Followed the recipe exactly and used a cast iron skillet to get that crusty exterior. Will definitely make this again! Thanks for the delicious recipe!
Jessica Gavin says
Buttermilk powder when reconstituted will add the tangy flavor but won’t be as thick in consistency. Let me know if you try it that way!
Robert Hicks says
Thank you, Jessica for a great recipe. I used 1-1/2 pounds of skin-on Salmon and cut it lengthwise into 2 pieces. The pieces cooked in the hot pan skin-side down for 4 minutes, undisturbed. I then flipped it (using 2 fish spatulas), cooked it for 3 minutes, sprinkled it with lime juice and added a Tbsp of butter. As the butter melted, I spooned it over the flesh, let it cook for 1 minute and plated the pieces – topped with the lime slices. The exterior was crusty, with a moist, flaky and flavorful inside. Servings were on a bed of cooked long-grain rice. I find that the butter addition with any fish searing, helps to enhance the flavors. I’ve also tried your exact recipe with Swordfish and received the same tasty results. The spice rub works equally well on Catfish and it has become our go-to for any blackened fish recipe.
Jessica Gavin says
I’m thrilled to hear that the blackening spice tastes good with other types of fish, too! I will have to try the butter next time I make this dinner recipe. Thanks, Robert!
Jack says
Jessica,
Can I use this recipe with tilapia?
Jessica Gavin says
Absolutely! The seasoning would be great with tilapia! You might want to double the recipe since tilapia is wider.
Matt says
I found your recipe a couple of years ago and have made it dozens of times. It is a family favorite and a staple in our rotation. Consistently good and timeless. Thanks for sharing
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you, Matt! Thrilled to hear that your family enjoys the blackened salmon recipe.
Shannen Soden says
Ms. Gavin, thank you so much for your recipe. I looked at other recipes and only one other offered exact measurements for the rub mix. I appreciate you giving the measurements and important information along with the instructions. We literally just finished eating and it was so delicious ?. I am so glad that I did your recipe instead of the other persons that I found. We loved it so much that I feel no need to even try the other one out. Part of my to-do list tomorrow, is making up a big quart size mason jar of the rub for my future meals. Thank you again for including the measurements and extras that others did not!
Jessica Gavin says
You’re welcome, Shannen! I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed the salmon recipe. Making a big batch of spice is a great idea for quick meal prep!
Linda Cross says
Made this Blackened Salmon and it was delicious! Loved the spice mixture it is the very best ever. This blackened salmon was the best I have ever eaten.
Jessica Gavin says
Wow, thank you Linda!
Ricardo Flores says
I’ve had this salmon three times, following the recipe in exact detail. It comes out excellent. The seasoning blend is easy and pairs well with the salmon. Have had it with brown rice, rice pilaf and baked potato, always enjoyable. We like salmon for the health benefits. This recipe adds the zing!
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you, Ricardo! I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoy the salmon recipe. I love the healthy side dish pairings!
James Moore says
This is the first time I have tried this recipe. My wife who doesn’t usually like pink fish ate 2 servings. She finished way before me and kept shushing me, so she could enjoy and not have to talk. So I would say that it was a resounding success. Thank you for making it so easy.
Jessica Gavin says
Whoo-hoo sounds like dinner time success! Your comment about your wife shushing you made me laugh, I could imagine it!
Michelle Wilson says
I’ve made this several times now and its a HUGE family favorite! It’s so delicious that it’s hard to believe that it’s that easy to prepare. My daughter has since asked me to make her a BIG bottle of the seasoning because her and her hubby love it so much. Thanks again Jessica!
Jessica Gavin says
Yay, Michelle! So smart to make a big batch of the seasoning so you can just sprinkle and cook.
Kevin W Quinlan says
I’ve been preparing blackened salmon for years, but hadn’t used sugar. Definitely going to include that next time. This dish goes very well with a pinapple salsa (pinapple, red pepper, jalopino, red onion, lime juice).