Add some spice to your life with this easy Blackened Salmon recipe! The salmon is tender and juicy with plenty of flavor from homemade blackened seasoning. It’s a healthy dinner option that’s on the table in minutes!

Blackened salmon on a plate with a fork flaking a corner

Seafood is always high on my list of go-to meals, and salmon is something that I make the most. I love that salmon is healthy, versatile and it’s also very quick to prepare.  

My lemon dijon baked salmon and broiled salmon recipes are two of our favorite dinners, but I love to change things up because it is our favorite fish. 🙂

This Blackened Salmon recipe truly adds some spice to our lives. The big, bold flavors in my blackened seasoning work so well with the salmon. It’s spicy without being overwhelming, and it’s got a touch of sweetness to balance everything out.

This is a high protein, flavor packed dinner that everyone in the family loves!

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Blackened salmon filets in a cast iron skillet with limes

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • Blackened salmon is crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside and it’s packed with flavor.
  • It’s so easy to make, and it cooks up in under 10 minutes!
  • It’s a healthy, delicious dinner that’s low carb, dairy and gluten-free.
  • The salmon is very versatile and may be served a number of ways.

Recipe ingredients

This blackened salmon recipe includes just a few ingredients. I used my homemade blackened seasoning, which I love to prep and have on hand for a variety of recipes, including my blackened shrimp.

Blackened salmon recipe ingredients

Ingredient notes

  • Salmon fillets. You’ll need 1.5 pounds of salmon fillets for this recipe…my fillets were around 6 oz. each. I highly recommend purchasing wild salmon — not only is it a more sustainable choice but it’s higher quality and has more flavor.
  • Blackened seasoning. Use my homemade blackened seasoning or your favorite store bought brand.
  • Oil. The avocado oil may be substituted with your favorite high smoke point oil such as grapeseed, coconut or ghee.

How to make this recipe

This blackened salmon recipe is very easy to make with very minimal prep. Prepare the seasoning in advance to make this dish even quicker!

Pro tip: It’s important to use a high smoke point oil as the salmon is cooked at a high temperature and the oil can burn, giving the dish a rancid flavor.

See the recipe card below for full instructions.

How to make blackened salmon collage
  1. Blot the salmon dry and drizzle the top of each fillet with half of the avocado oil, then rub the blackened seasoning generously over the fish. Let stand at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Place the salmon top side down in a hot non-stick skillet (I used cast iron) until a nice crust forms, about 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook it on the other side salmon is done, about 2-3 minutes more.
Blackened salmon in the skillet with parsley and lime

Recipe FAQs

When should you season salmon?

Season salmon 10-15 minutes before cooking to allow the fish to absorb some of the seasoning.

How long to cook salmon in a skillet

Cook blackened salmon over medium-high heat for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until it flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fish.

How to tell when salmon is done

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and when the fat begins to render.

What temp should salmon be?

Cook salmon to a temperature of 125-140 degrees for medium doneness, or to 145 degrees for well done.

Blackened salmon filet on a white plate with parsley and lime

Serving suggestions

I love how versatile blackened salmon is. There are so many ways to serve it, which makes it new and exciting every time!

Recipe notes

  • Pro tip: It’s important to use a high smoke point oil as the salmon is cooked at a high temperature and the oil can burn, giving the dish a rancid flavor.
  • Add as much or little of the blackened seasoning to suit your tastes.
  • This recipe works with any firm white fish or shrimp as well.
  • Store blackened salmon in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Blackened salmon on a plate with a bite taken out

Did you try this recipe?  If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram

Blackened salmon on a plate with a fork flaking a corner

Blackened Salmon Recipe

Blackened Salmon is crispy, juicy and packed with bold flavor! It's a healthy seafood recipe that's so easy to make and it's on the table in under 15 minutes!
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Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons avocado oil divided (sub with ghee or another high smoke point oil)
  • 4 6 ounce wild salmon filets
  • 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning or more to suit your tastes
  • Lime wedges and fresh parsley for serving (optional)

Instructions 

  • Blot each salmon filet dry. Using 1 tablespoon of the oil, drizzle oil over the top of the filets.
  • Sprinkle blackened seasoning evenly over the top of the fish and let stand at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
  • Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Place the salmon fillets top side down in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until nicely charred and it releases easily from the pan.
  • Flip the salmon and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until the fat begins to render and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve with lime and parsley if desired and enjoy!

Notes

  • Pro tip: It’s important to use a high smoke point oil as the salmon is cooked at a high temperature and the oil can burn, giving the dish a rancid flavor.
  • Add as much or little of the blackened seasoning to suit your tastes.
  • This recipe works with any firm white fish as well.
  • Store blackened salmon in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 283kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 34g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 94mg, Sodium: 367mg, Potassium: 847mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 229IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 36mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.

Did you try this recipe?Be sure to tag @flavorthemoments with the hashtag #flavorthemoments on Instagram so I can see what you made!

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