This Baked Blackened Salmon Recipe is packed with bold flavors and is ready in under 25 minutes—perfect for a quick and delicious dinner! The secret is the blackening seasoning, which gives the salmon a zesty kick.
It’s made from simple ingredients like brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic, and oregano, creating a flavorful crust when baked. Plus, it fits into various diets like Whole 30, Keto, Paleo, and is Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free.
Blackening is a cooking method where a mix of herbs and spices forms a dark crust on meat, often fish or chicken. The spices turn dark during cooking, giving the dish its signature look.
You can adjust the spiciness by tweaking the amount of pepper and chili powder to your liking. For those who enjoy extra heat, crushed red pepper flakes can be added.
To finish, I like to add a sprinkle of green onion for color, but fresh chopped cilantro also pairs wonderfully with the zesty blackening seasoning. Serve this salmon with crispy smashed potatoes, easy rice pilaf, or oven-baked white rice for a satisfying meal.
![Baked Blackened Salmon Recipe](https://cdn.thefreshmancook.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Copy-of-Copy-of-Thefreshmancook-2024-07-14T051907.613-300x300.jpg)
Baked Blackened Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Salmon filet or 4, 4-6 oz pieces
- 1 tsp Olive oil
Blackening Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Paprika smoked or regular
- 1 tsp Brown sugar
- 1 tsp Chili powder use cayenne if you prefer it spicy
- 0.5 tsp powdered Onion
- 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Sea salt
- 1/4 tsp dried Oregano
- 1/4 tsp fresh cracked Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare a sheet pan with foil and spray with nonstick spray.
- In a small bowl, combine blackening seasoning ingredients. Stir to mix, and set aside.
- Place salmon on the sheet pan. Rub with olive oil using clean hands or a basting brush.
- Spoon blackening seasoning over the salmon.
- Use as much or as little seasoning as you like, being cautious of cross-contamination with the raw salmon. Leftover seasoning can be stored in an airtight container in a spice cabinet for up to 3 months.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the fish reaches 135°F at its thickest part. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to come up to temperature (fish is fully cooked at 145°F internally).
Notes
- Use Fresh Salmon: Fresh salmon will give you the best flavor and texture. Look for bright, firm flesh and avoid any fish that has a strong odor.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier kick, swap out the chili powder for cayenne pepper. You can also add more blackening seasoning to suit your taste.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 135°F before removing it from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to reach 145°F, ensuring perfectly cooked fish.
Nutrition Facts:
Nutrition | Value |
---|---|
Calories | 186 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 5g |
Protein | 25g |
Fat | 7g |
Cholesterol | 62mg |
Sodium | 205mg |
Potassium | 615mg |
Calcium | 23mg |
Can I Adjust the Spiciness of the Blackening Seasoning?
![Can I Adjust the Spiciness of the Blackening Seasoning?](https://cdn.thefreshmancook.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Copy-of-Copy-of-Thefreshmancook-2024-07-14T055726.033-1024x1024.jpg)
Absolutely! The spiciness of the blackening seasoning can be tailored to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether. Conversely, if you enjoy spicier dishes, you can increase the amount of chili powder or use cayenne pepper instead.
How Should I Store Any Leftover Blackening Seasoning?
Store any unused blackening seasoning in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry place like your spice cabinet. Properly stored, the seasoning can maintain its flavor and quality for up to 3 months, allowing you to use it for future salmon or other recipes without losing its potency.