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Crispy Blackened Salmon Recipe Perfect for Bold Cajun Flavor Lovers

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy blackened salmon with a bold Cajun seasoning blend that delivers a smoky, spicy crust and tender, flaky fish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt (kosher or sea salt)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin or neutral oil)
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat each salmon fillet dry with paper towels. Trim any dark bits if desired, leaving skin on for crispiness.
  2. Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl and mix well.
  3. Rub the seasoning generously on both sides of each fillet. Let the seasoned salmon rest for 5 minutes at room temperature.
  4. Heat a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter. Wait until butter foams and oil shimmers.
  5. Place fillets skin-side down in the pan. Press gently with a spatula and cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until edges are opaque and crust is dark but not burnt.
  6. Flip carefully and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes until salmon is opaque inside but still moist.
  7. Remove salmon from pan and let rest briefly. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

Notes

Patting the salmon dry is essential for a crispy crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed. Watch heat carefully to prevent burning spices. Rest salmon after seasoning for better flavor penetration. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil. Broiling is an alternative cooking method.

Nutrition

Keywords: blackened salmon, Cajun salmon, crispy salmon, spicy salmon, quick salmon recipe, pan-seared salmon, healthy salmon, seafood dinner

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