My Top Picks Meatless

Salmon: Blackened Salmon Fillets

Shared with me by: Ryan (son)

Our son Ryan made for us February 2024. The Cajun-style spices are so good!
Before beginning to make this recipe, read tips in Notes section first.

You can use leftover salmon to make a Ceasar Salad;
use dressing from my Caesar Salad with Creamy Caesar Dressing
and add croutons and parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Dry Rub

  • 2 Tbls. ground paprika
  • 1 Tbls. ground cayenne pepper
  • 1 Tbls. onion powder
  • 2 t. salt
  • 1/2 t. ground white pepper
  • 1/2 t. ground black pepper
  • 1/4 t. dried thyme
  • 1/4 t. dried basil
  • 1/4 t. dried oregano

Salmon

  • 4 salmon fillets, skin and bones removed (see Note)
  • 1/4 c. unsalted butter, melted
  • 2Tbls. unsalted butter. melted (for frying)
  • 2 Tbls. Olive oil

Instructions

Dry Rub: Mix paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, white and black pepper, thyme, basil, and oregano together in a small bowl.

Salmon: Brush salmon fillets on both sides with 1/4 cup melted butter, and sprinkle evenly with the spice mixture.

Heat 2 tablespoons of melted butter and 2 Tbls. olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over high heat. Add salmon and cook until blackened, 2 to 5 minutes.

Lift fillets and flip fillets into the butter olive oil mixture. Cook until the other side is blackened and fish flakes easily with a fork, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Serves 4

NOTE: It is easier to remove the skin when salmon is partially thawed. If using fresh salmon, use a sharp filet knife.

TIPS: After the first side is ready (brushed with butter, sprinkled with spice, and then drizzled with butter), place the fillet in the pan with the spice side down, and then butter and spice the second side.

Don't let the salmon sit in one place in the pan, shake it around a little bit while it is cooking. If you don't, the spices will stick to the pan instead of the salmon.

If you have salmon fillets that are thick, after you drop the salmon onto the frying pan, reduce the heat to medium low, and COVER. After 6 to 7 minutes on that side, flip the salmon over and cover again cooking for another 6 to 7 minutes.