Blackened Salmon

Need a quick and easy salmon recipe? You’ll love this flavorful blackened salmon that comes together in less than 20 minutes.

Remember my blackened seasoning recipe and this pineapple salsa? We’re bringing things full circle with this recipe because it uses both the seasoning blend AND the salsa to create a flavorful blackened salmon dish that’s served over rice.

I personally love using blackened seasoning rather than a marinade because it takes no time to prep! I don’t have to think about marinating hours ahead of schedule, which is helpful for my brain. Not to mention the fact that it’s such a delicious seasoning for salmon!

Health Benefits of Salmon

I’m sure you’re aware, but salmon is an incredible food to add to your diet. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids which our body can’t create… aka we have to eat them! Salmon is also a great source of protein, vitamins and minerals and studies have shown it reduces inflammation throughout the body. You can cook salmon in a variety of ways – steam, smoke, grill, bake – or even eat it raw if you’re a sushi fan.

How to Make Blackened Salmon

It doesn’t get much easier than this… ready? If you don’t have your blackened seasoning mixed already, mix up the spices in a small bowl. Liberally rub the seasoning on the flesh side of each salmon filet.

Heat oil or butter in a large non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side up in the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes. You know the salmon is ready to flip when the meat releases from the pan easily. Flip so the skin is now on the pan and cook for another 5-7 minutes until salmon is just cooked through. Be sure not to overcook the salmon. Overcooked salmon is super dry and not very tasty.

This blackened salmon is amazing to make ahead of time to enjoy on salads, with roasted veggies, or in a grain bowl – the options are endless. I chose to serve this salmon over regular rice, topped with pineapple salsa. This combo is perfect because the rice and pineapple salsa tame the heat from the blackened salmon and make for such a refreshing meal.

And did I mention that this meal takes only 20 minutes to make if you have your blackened seasoning, pineapple salsa, and rice ready to go? Yup, it’s such an easy dinner recipe for busy weeknights. Want to know my secret (not so secret) time saver? I keep cooked frozen rice from Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods in the freezer at all times for meals like this. It tastes great and takes only 3 minutes to heat up in the microwave. Easy peasy!

Want More Healthy Salmon Recipes?

• Balsamic Salmon
• Teriyaki Salmon Burgers
• Honey Lemon Garlic Salmon
• Pesto Salmon Bowl
• Miso Broiled Salmon
• Mediterranean Salmon Salad
• Superfood Salmon Salad
• Smoked Salmon Dip
• Teriyaki Salmon Bowls
• Pistachio Salmon Salad

Blackened Salmon

5 from 7 votes

Need a quick and easy salmon recipe? You'll love this flavorful blackened salmon that comes together in less than 20 minutes. 

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Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

• 4 6 oz skin-on salmon fillets
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 3 Tablespoons blackened seasoning, or cajun seasoning
• pineapple salsa, for serving
• 2 cups white, brown or cauliflower rice, for serving

Instructions

 

• Make blackened seasoning if needed.
• Liberally rub blackened seasoning on the flesh of each salmon fillet.
• Heat oil or butter in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the fillets to the skillet, skin-side up, and cook until blackened, about 3 minutes. Flip the fillets and continue to cook until they are cooked to your preference, 5 to 7 minutes depending on the thickness of your fillets.
• Serve over rice and top with pineapple salsa.

Nutrition

Serving: 1filet with 1/2 cup white rice Calories: 485kcal Carbohydrates: 30g Protein: 46g Fat: 19g Fiber: 3g Sugar: 2g

Author: Brittany Mullins

Course: Lunch/Dinner

Cuisine: Seafood

Keyword: blackened salmon

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