Blackened Salmon

Name: Blackened Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
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)

By Brittany Mullins

4.7

Published Jul 27, 2022, Updated Sep 12, 2023

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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.

A filet of blackened salmon served over a bed of rice topped with pineapple salsa.

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!

Two salmon filets cooking in a cast iron skillet.

What is Blackened Seasoning?

If you’ve never had blackened chicken, shrimp, or anything really, I highly recommend it. It changes what could be a bland protein into a flavor explosion in every bite — but without a ton of added fat or calories. It’s just a simple spice mixture that takes the dish up 20+ notches.

And there’s no need to marinate in advance, so you can make this meal on the fly. More often than I would like to admit, I plan on making a lunch or dinner and realize an hour beforehand that the recipe calls for 8+ hours of marinating. Don’t have time for that on the regular!

I easily made my own blackened seasoning at home with just a few simple spices, but you can also use a store-bought mixture like this Old Bay Blackened Seasoning.

Ingredients measured out to make blackened salmon: salmon, olive oil and blackened seasoning.

Ingredients Needed

salmon filets – 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. I recommend getting individual filets from your grocer but don’t be afraid of frozen filets, either! Flash-frozen fish can be just as healthy. Just make sure the salmon is thawed if you are using frozen filets.
olive oil or butter – to sauté the salmon in.
blackened seasoning – a tasty blend of paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, sea salt, pepper, cayenne pepper and olive oil.
pineapple salsa – I love topping this salmon with my pineapple salsa. The sweetness from the pineapple pairs perfectly with the spice from the blackened seasoning.
rice – for serving. White, brown or cauliflower rice all make for great options.

Side by side photos of salmon filets with blackening seasoning on them, before and after being cooked in a skillet,

How to Make

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. Just be sure not to overcook the salmon! Overcooked salmon is super dry and not very tasty.

A filet of blackened salmon served over a bed of rice topped with pineapple salsa. A fork is removing a bite from the filet.

What to Serve with Blackened Salmon

I love serving this salmon with rice and my pineapple salsa because they tame the heat from the blackened seasoning and make for such a refreshing meal. That said, this recipe pairs well with so many different sides. Here are some ideas:

Gain: Brown rice, white rice, cauliflower rice, farro or quinoa.
Salad: Swap the chicken for salmon in this blackened chicken cobb salad.
Veggies: I love pairing salmon with roasted veggies like roasted broccoli, roasted carrots or acv roasted brussels sprouts.

How to Store Leftovers

This salmon will keep fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. I recommend reheating for a few minutes in the oven or on the stovetop.

More Salmon Recipes to Try

Be sure to check out all of the salmon recipes as well as the full collection of dinner recipes here on EBF!

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4.70 from 10 votes