Blackened Salmon Recipe
This Blackened Salmon recipe features a perfectly seasoned salmon fillet baked to flaky perfection with a bold blend of paprika, cayenne, and herbs. It’s an easy, flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with lemon wedges and fresh herbs, making it ideal for a healthy dinner or versatile meal additions like tacos and grain bowls.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 2 ½ lb. whole salmon fillet
- Olive oil, for rubbing
- 1 Tbsp. paprika
- 1 Tbsp. onion powder
- ¼ tsp. dried thyme
- ¼ tsp. dried oregano
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- 2 tsp. kosher salt
- ½ tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
Garnish and Serving
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or chives, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillet dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Rub the entire surface of the fillet with olive oil to help the seasoning stick and to keep the salmon moist while baking.
- Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, black pepper, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir thoroughly until all spices are evenly mixed.
- Season the Salmon: Generously coat the salmon fillet with the spice mixture, ensuring an even layer over the whole surface. Place the seasoned salmon onto the prepared sheet pan.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the sheet pan on the middle oven rack and bake for 15–18 minutes. Start checking for doneness at about 12 minutes; the salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Thicker fillets may require the full time, and wild salmon might cook a bit faster because of its lower fat content.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Serve warm with fresh lemon wedges and garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or chives if desired. This salmon pairs wonderfully with rice, roasted vegetables, salads, or can be used in tacos, grain bowls, or lettuce wraps.
Notes
- Patting the salmon dry before applying oil and spices helps achieve a nicely blackened crust.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your heat preference for a milder or spicier dish.
- Check salmon early to avoid overcooking, especially with thinner fillets or wild-caught varieties.
- Using parchment paper on the sheet pan prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup.
- Leftover blackened salmon is great for cold salads or reheated gently for meal prep.
Keywords: blackened salmon, baked salmon, spicy salmon recipe, healthy dinner, seafood recipe
Find it online: https://frommamamaya.com/blackened-salmon-recipe/
