Cajun Blackened Salmon: Restaurant Flavor at Home

Nail that restaurant-quality blackened salmon recipe at home! Spicy Cajun crust, tender inside. This Salmon With Dijon Cream Sauce dinner is ready in 20! You've gotta try it!

June 8, 2025
By Laura Tide.

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Right, let’s get this show on the road! ever craved that restaurant-quality flavour at home? this blackened salmon recipe is your answer.

It’s got that new orleans zing. we are bringing it straight to your kitchen. honestly, it's easier than you think!

Cajun Blackened Salmon: Restaurant Flavor at Home

Fancy a po'boy, hold the bread? this blackened salmon recipe captures those flavours, without the carbs, if that's your thing.

Originating from louisiana, the blackened cooking technique is all about intense flavour and a beautiful sear. it’s surprisingly simple to master.

This recipe serves two, making it perfect for a romantic night in, or a quick and impressive weeknight dinner.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, i can't get enough of this salmon with salad dinners . but why is this blackened version so special? well, salmon is packed with omega-3s.

It is great for your heart and brain. plus, this recipe elevates basic salmon into something truly special. serve it up for a fancy date night or a casual get-together with mates.

It's guaranteed to impress.

Cajun Blackened Salmon: Restaurant Flavor at Home Recipe Card

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:10 Mins

Servings:2 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, combine all the blackening spice ingredients. Mix well.
• Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
• Generously coat both sides of the salmon fillets with the blackening spice mixture, pressing it lightly into the flesh.
• Place the cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt and get hot (almost smoking).
• Carefully place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down (if using skin-on fillets). Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until a dark, crispy crust forms.
• Flip the salmon and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Cook for another 2-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
• Remove the salmon from the skillet and let it rest for a minute or two before serving.

Get Ready to Blacken!

Let's talk ingredients. We're talking spice, baby!

What Goes Good With Salmon? Spices!

For the blackening spice, you’ll need: 1 tablespoon of paprika, garlic powder and onion powder. also 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon of black pepper and salt.

Now, don't be shy with that cayenne, but feel free to adjust for your spice preference. for the salmon with dijon cream sauce , you’ll need two (6-ounce) salmon fillets and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.

It's really quite straightforward.

Next up: Step-by-step instructions!

Right then, let's talk grub! this blackened salmon recipe is like a culinary hug, full of flavor but not too fussy.

It's proper tasty. honestly, even if you only usually manage beans on toast, you can nail this.

Ingredients & Equipment

Here’s the stuff you need to make this blackened salmon recipe sing!

Main Ingredients

• Paprika: 1 tablespoon (US: 1 tbsp, Metric: 15 ml). Go for a good quality smoked paprika if you have it. It adds a lovely depth.

• Garlic Powder: 1 tablespoon (US: 1 tbsp, Metric: 15 ml).

• Onion Powder: 1 tablespoon (US: 1 tbsp, Metric: 15 ml).

• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (US: 1 tsp, Metric: 5 ml).

• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon (US: 1 tsp, Metric: 5 ml).

• Cayenne Pepper: 1 teaspoon (US: 1 tsp, Metric: 5 ml). Adjust to taste. Feeling brave? Add a bit more! I like it hot, hot, hot!

• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (US: 1/2 tsp, Metric: 2.5 ml). Freshly ground is always best, innit?

• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (US: 1/2 tsp, Metric: 2.5 ml).

• Salmon fillets: 2 (6-ounce) fillets (us: 2 x 6 oz, metric: 2 x 170g), skin on or off. look for salmon that's bright pink and firm to the touch.

  That's how you know it's fresh.

• Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons , divided (US: 2 tbsp, Metric: 30g). Proper butter, not that margarine stuff!

Seasoning Notes

This blackened salmon recipe really depends on the spices. Don't skimp!

The combo of paprika, garlic, and onion powder is classic. cayenne is the kick! you can swap the oregano and thyme for an italian herb blend if that's what you've got.

For a bit of sweetness, a pinch of brown sugar can work wonders. want it smoky? use smoked paprika.

Equipment Needed

You really only need a few things here.

• Cast-Iron Skillet: Essential! Or any heavy-bottomed skillet will do. Honestly, the cast iron gives the best sear.
• Small Bowl: For mixing those spices.
• Fish Spatula: Or a wide spatula. To flip the salmon without mangling it.

If you want grilling recipes salmon , you could use a grill pan instead. for a touch of elegance, consider serving this salmon with dijon cream sauce .

Thinking about salmon with salad dinners ? a side of green salad will do the trick. oh, and if you are wondering what goes good with salmon , coleslaw will make a fantastic pair.

Right, that's everything! Now go and nail this blackened salmon recipe !

Right, let’s get this show on the road! blackened salmon , eh? that’s a crowd-pleaser, and definitely something we can make approachable for everyone, from the nigella lawson wannabes to the folks who just want dinner on the table fast.

Think paul prudhomme meets… well, your kitchen!

Cajun Blackened Salmon: Restaurant Flavor at Home

Honestly, this blackened salmon recipe is a lifesaver on a busy weeknight. it's quick, easy, and delivers a punch of flavor that'll make you feel like you're dining in a fancy new orleans restaurant.

Forget bland salmon with salad dinners - this is where it's at! we're talkin’ serious flavour here!

This recipe brings the vibrant flavors of new orleans to your kitchen with perfectly blackened salmon. a fiery blend of cajun spices creates a crispy, flavorful crust, while the salmon remains tender and flaky inside.

This dish is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for a weeknight meal that feels anything but ordinary. think of it as a po'boy without the bread - all the flavour, none of the carbs (unless you want them, of course!).

The technique is simple searing, but the spice blend is key. as long as you're organised and watch the heat, you're golden!

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Serving Size: 2 servings

Prep Steps for Blackened Salmon

Essential Mise en Place for Sensational Salmon

First things first, get organised! this recipe moves fast, so having everything measured and ready to go is key. measure out all your spices.

Get your salmon fillets ready. basically, prep everything before you turn on the heat.

Time-Saving Organisation Tips

To save even more time, make the spice blend ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container. And honestly stuff salmon with spinach and feta or cream cheese before blackening for an extra treat!

Safety Reminders

Be careful when working with a hot skillet and oil. It’s also important that you ventilate your kitchen as you will be turning the heat up quite high. Don't overcrowd the pan.

Step-by-Step: Blackened Salmon Magic

1. Unleash the Spice

In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon paprika , 1 tablespoon garlic powder , 1 tablespoon onion powder , 1 teaspoon dried oregano , 1 teaspoon dried thyme , 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper and ½ teaspoon black pepper and ½ teaspoon salt .

Give it a good mix.

2. Prep the Salmon

Pat those salmon fillets dry with paper towels! This is critical for getting a good sear. Nobody likes soggy salmon, yeah?

3. Season Like a Pro

Generously coat both sides of the salmon with the spice mixture. Press it lightly into the flesh. Get it all covered.

4. Skillet Sizzle

Place a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter . Let it melt and get hot. Almost smoking is good, but don't burn it!

5. Blacken Time

Carefully place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down (if using skin-on fillets). cook for 4- 5 minutes , or until a dark, crispy crust forms.

This is where the magic happens.

6. Flip and Finish

Flip the salmon and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. cook for another 2- 4 minutes .

Check that the internal temperature reaches 145° f ( 63° c) .

7. Rest and Serve

Remove the salmon from the skillet. Let it rest for a minute or two before serving.

Pro Tips for Blackened Salmon Perfection

Expert Techniques

Don't be shy with the spices! that's what gives it the blackened flavor. and always use a screaming hot skillet for the best sear.

For extra zing, try salmon with dijon cream sauce .

Common Mistakes

Overcooking is the biggest mistake. Salmon is best when it's cooked to medium, not well-done. Also, ensure your pan is big enough. If not, cook the salmon in batches!

Make-Ahead Options

You can make the spice blend ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. That makes weeknights even easier. Look up some Black Stone Salmon Recipes for inspo.

Honestly, this blackened salmon recipe is all about bold flavor and a bit of confidence. once you get the hang of it, you'll be whipping it up all the time.

I often serve this with creamy grits or roasted asparagus. what goes good with salmon ? loads of things, but these are my go-to's.

Consider topping the salmon with a vibrant mango salsa for a sweet and spicy contrast. happy cooking!

Right, let's dive into some extra bits about this killer cajun blackened salmon recipe . honestly, it's more forgiving than you think, but a few pointers never hurt, right? and these details can really elevate the experience.

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: Show it Off!

Okay, so you've got this gorgeous, spicy blackened salmon with sauce , ready to go. Now what? Plating matters, even if it's just for you!

Think vibrant colors. a smear of creamy grits on the plate, the salmon perched on top, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Boom! restaurant-worthy. or, go the salmon with salad dinners route. a bed of mixed greens, some juicy tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette is always a winner.

For a complementary beverage , consider an ice-cold beer or glass of crisp white wine. A Sauvignon Blanc would be fantastic!

Storage Tips: Saving for Later (Maybe!)

Right, so maybe you made too much (doubtful!). Here's the drill.

Refrigeration: Pop that leftover salmon in an airtight container. It'll be good in the fridge for up to 2 days. Honestly, it tastes great cold in a salad too!

Freezing: I wouldn't recommend freezing cooked salmon. The texture can get a bit weird. But, if you must, wrap it tightly in cling film, then foil. It might lose some yumminess, though.

Reheating: Gently reheat in a pan over low heat, or in the microwave (but watch it!). Adding a little butter or oil helps keep it moist.

Variations: Tweak It!

Fancy a change? Here's the skinny.

Dietary adaptations : for a dairy-free version, ditch the butter and use olive oil or avocado oil. salmon with dijon cream sauce can be modified using dairy-free cream alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Seasonal swaps : in summer, top your blackened salmon with sauce with fresh grilled corn salsa. in winter, try serving it with roasted root vegetables.

Get creative! you can even stuff salmon with yummy veggies for a unique twist.

Nutrition Basics: Good for You!

Let's keep this simple.

Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart and brain. it's also a fantastic source of protein.

This skin on salmon recipes version is especially nutritious, so enjoy! the blackened salmon recipe provides a great source of healthy fats, lean protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.

So there you have it! A complete guide to mastering blackened salmon . Honestly, this grilling recipes salmon alternative is so easy.

Give it a go. I think you will like black stone salmon recipes . You'll feel like a proper chef! Enjoy.