Cajun Blackened Salmon

Why You’ll Love Cajun Blackened Salmon Recipe

This Cajun Blackened Salmon is:

• Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients and effort

• Bold and flavorful thanks to spicy Cajun blackening seasoning

• Healthy and versatile, great on its own or in tacos, salads, or bowls

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless wild salmon fillets with skin on
2 tablespoons Cajun Blackening Seasoning

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (if finishing in the oven).

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Sprinkle both sides of the salmon fillets with the Cajun Blackening Seasoning.

4. Place the salmon in the hot skillet seasoned side down (skin side up) and sear for about 3–4 minutes until the spices start to form a dark crust.

5. Finish in the oven:

   • If your skillet is oven-proof, transfer it directly to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes.

   • If not, move the seared salmon to a foil-lined baking dish and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.

6. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.

Servings and timing

Serves: 3
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy kick: Add extra cayenne pepper to the seasoning to increase heat

• Lemon zest: Squeeze fresh lemon over the salmon before serving for a bright touch

• Creamy twist: Serve with a light creamy Cajun sauce on the side for added richness

• Herb infusion: Garnish with parsley or cilantro for color and freshness

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Refrigerate leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in an oven at 275–300°F until heated through, or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out. You can add a splash of water or olive oil to retain moisture.

FAQs

What type of salmon is best for this recipe?

Wild salmon like sockeye or coho works well, but any fresh fillets are great.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes — thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.

What makes it “blackened”?

Blackening refers to searing spices in a hot pan to create a dark crust, a Cajun cooking technique.

Is Cajun seasoning the same as blackening seasoning?

Blackening seasoning is a type of Cajun seasoning with bold spices designed for high-heat cooking.

Can I make my own Cajun Blackening Seasoning?

Yes, you can blend paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

How do I know when salmon is cooked?

It’s done when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Can I grill instead of pan searing?

Yes — after seasoning, grill over medium-high heat until blackened and cooked through.

What side dishes pair well with this salmon?

Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, salad, or tortillas for tacos.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce or omit cayenne in the seasoning blend.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes, salmon is rich in omega-3s and protein, and this method uses minimal added fat.

Conclusion

This Cajun Blackened Salmon offers bold flavor, simplicity, and versatility. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests, its spicy crust and tender interior never disappoint. Customize the heat and sides to fit your preferences and enjoy a delicious, nutrient-packed dish.

Cajun Blackened Salmon

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This Cajun Blackened Salmon is a quick and easy dish bursting with bold, spicy flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers a crispy crust with juicy, flaky salmon inside, all ready in under 20 minutes.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Pan-Seared
• Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until very hot.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to make the Cajun seasoning.
3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and rub each side with olive oil.
4. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over each side of the salmon fillets, pressing gently so it adheres.
5. Place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down (if skin-on), and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes.
6. Flip the fillets and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Remove from skillet and let rest for a minute. Serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

• Use fresh salmon for best results, but thawed frozen fillets will work too.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
• This salmon pairs well with rice, salad, or roasted vegetables.
• A cast iron skillet works best to get a good blackened crust.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fillet
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 80mg