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Classic Skillet Blackened Salmon with Lemon-Garlic Butter

A close-up of a perfectly cooked blackened salmon fillet with a dark, spicy crust on a white plate.
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You can make restaurant-style blackened salmon at home quickly. This recipe uses a simple spice blend to create a crispy, flavorful crust on tender, flaky salmon fillets using a hot skillet.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or other high smoke point oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • For the Blackened Seasoning Blend:
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the seasoning blend: In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry using paper towels. This step helps create a better crust.
  3. Generously coat all sides of each salmon fillet with the blackened seasoning blend, pressing the spices firmly onto the fish.
  4. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the avocado oil. The oil should shimmer slightly.
  5. Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets into the hot skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Sear the salmon for 3 to 4 minutes without moving it to develop a deep, dark crust.
  7. Flip the salmon fillets gently. Reduce the heat to medium-low. 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.
  8. While the salmon finishes cooking, add the butter and minced garlic to the pan. Let the butter melt and foam for about 30 seconds.
  9. Remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the fillets. Spoon the melted lemon-garlic butter mixture over the salmon before serving.

Notes

  • For the best crust, ensure your skillet is very hot before adding the fish. This technique creates the signature ‘blackened’ effect.
  • If you prefer baked blackened salmon, place the seasoned fillets on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes.
  • Serve this spicy fish recipe with a side of rice or a fresh avocado corn salsa for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/blackened-salmon-skillet-recipe-quick-dinner/