If you’re a fan of bold flavors and quick meals, this blackened salmon recipe is a must-try. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without too much fuss. With a simple blend of spices and a hot skillet, you can have a restaurant-quality dish right at home. Ready in no time, this salmon is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it a favorite for seafood lovers.
Steps
- Gather all the ingredients needed for the recipe, ensuring you have everything on hand before starting.
- Combine the paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, white pepper, black pepper, thyme, basil, and oregano in a small bowl, mixing well.
- Coat both sides of each salmon fillet with 1/4 cup of melted butter, then evenly sprinkle the spice blend over the fillets.
- In a large, heavy skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of melted butter over high heat. Add the salmon and cook for 2 to 5 minutes until the first side is blackened.
- Carefully lift the fillets, add the remaining melted butter to the skillet, and flip the fillets over. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until the second side is blackened and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- ½ teaspoon of white pepper
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon of dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon of dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon of dried oregano
- 4 salmon fillets, with skin and bones removed
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, melted
Nutritional Values
Total Calories: 2044 | Total Fat: 152g | Saturated Fat: 68g | Cholesterol: 664mg | Sodium: 4992mg | Total Carbohydrate: 20g | Dietary Fiber: 8g | Total Sugars: 4g | Protein: 148g | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 152mg | Iron: 8mg | Potassium: 3208mg
FAQ
- What is the spice mix used for blackened salmon?
- The spice mix includes ground paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, white and black pepper, dried thyme, dried basil, and dried oregano.
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for this recipe?
- While the recipe calls for unsalted butter, you could use salted butter. Just be mindful that it may increase the overall saltiness of the dish.
- How should I cook the salmon fillets to achieve the blackened effect?
- Brush the fillets with melted butter and coat them evenly with the spice mix. Cook them in a hot, heavy skillet for 2 to 5 minutes on each side until the desired blackened crust is achieved and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- What is the nutritional content of each serving of blackened salmon?
- Each serving contains approximately 511 calories, 38g of fat, 5g of carbohydrates, and 37g of protein, along with other nutrients.
- Can I substitute any of the spices in the recipe?
- Yes, you can adjust the spices to your preference, but it may alter the traditional blackened flavor. For instance, you could omit cayenne pepper for less heat or replace certain herbs based on availability.
Tips
- To ensure even seasoning, mix the spices thoroughly before sprinkling them over the salmon fillets.
- Use a heavy skillet to achieve the best blackening effect, as it retains heat better and provides a more consistent cooking surface.
- Monitor the cooking time closely; depending on the thickness of your fillets, they may blacken quickly. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning.
- Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist fillet.
Equipment
- Heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) – for achieving the high heat needed to blacken the salmon effectively.
