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Easy 20-Minute Blackened Salmon with Homemade Cajun Spice Blend

Two perfectly cooked fillets of blackened salmon resting on a light plate, showing a dark, spicy crust.
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Make restaurant-style blackened salmon at home in under 20 minutes. This easy blackened salmon recipe uses a bold, homemade Cajun spice blend to create a smoky, spicy crust while keeping the inside perfectly flaky. It is a quick weeknight seafood meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

  1. Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and cumin in a small bowl. Mix well to create your blackened fish seasoning blend.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry using paper towels. This step helps achieve a crispy skin or crust.
  3. Brush both sides of each salmon fillet lightly with olive oil.
  4. Generously coat all sides of the salmon fillets with the prepared Cajun salmon recipe seasoning blend, pressing the spices firmly onto the fish.
  5. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it is very hot. A cast iron skillet is best for achieving a good sear.
  6. Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets into the hot, dry skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
  7. Sear the salmon for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side without moving it to build a dark, smoky crust.
  8. Flip the salmon fillets and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
  9. Remove the spicy seared salmon from the pan and serve immediately. This is a great healthy salmon dinner idea.

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, use a high smoke point oil like avocado oil and ensure your pan is ripping hot before adding the fish.
  • If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper in the seasoning blend.
  • Serve this bold flavor salmon over rice, with roasted asparagus, or flaked into tacos for a fresh twist.
  • If you want a lemon butter blackened salmon finish, drizzle melted butter and fresh lemon juice over the fillets after they come out of the pan.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/blackened-salmon-easy-20-minute-recipe/