Description
This Blackened Salmon recipe features perfectly seasoned, flavorful salmon fillets cooked in a cast iron skillet and finished in the oven for a tender, flaky finish. Served with a creamy and fresh dill sauce, this dish offers a delicious combination of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors ideal for an elegant yet simple meal.
Ingredients
Dill Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream, regular or dairy-free
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Blackened Salmon:
- 4-6 fillets of salmon, 6 oz each, skin-on
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
Instructions
- Make Sauce: Combine all the ingredients for the dill sauce — sour cream, mayo, fresh dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, kosher salt, and ground black pepper — in a small bowl and stir until smooth. Adjust seasonings to taste and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Prep Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly with a clean paper towel to ensure a good sear and seasoning adhesion.
- Make Seasoning: In a separate bowl, mix together paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, chipotle pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, kosher salt, and ground black pepper to create the blackened seasoning. Generously coat each salmon fillet with this seasoning blend.
- Oil the Salmon: Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the seasoned salmon fillets and rub it in evenly to help the spices adhere and promote browning.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side up in the skillet and sear for 1 to 3 minutes or until a dark char forms. Carefully flip the fillets so the skin side is down.
- Bake the Salmon: Transfer the entire skillet to the middle rack of the preheated oven, uncovered. Bake for 10-14 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for fully cooked fish.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven carefully and plate the salmon fillets. Serve immediately with the prepared dill sauce on the side.
Notes
- Side Suggestions: Pair this blackened salmon with a fresh Salmon Caesar Salad, roasted broccolini and baked potatoes, brown rice, or use it as a filling for blackened salmon tacos.
- Grilling Variation: Use the blackened seasoning as described on grilled salmon by referring to our grilling method post.
- Adjust Spice Level: To increase the spiciness, add more cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Cooking Temperature: For USDA-recommended doneness, cook salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F. For a medium finish, aim for 125-130°F internal temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
