Description
Cajun Spiced Blackened Salmon delivers a spicy seafood experience that will rock your dinner table. Packed with bold Creole seasonings and perfectly seared, this salmon turns an ordinary meal into a flavor explosion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 12 to 16 oz salmon filet
Cooking Oil:
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine ¾ tsp chili powder, ½ tsp paprika, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and ¼ tsp onion powder in a small mixing bowl to craft your signature Cajun spice blend.
- Blot your 12 to 16 oz salmon filet completely dry using paper towels, ensuring no moisture remains on the surface.
- Generously coat one side of the salmon with the prepared spice mixture, pressing the seasoning gently into the flesh for maximum flavor absorption.
- Pour 2 tbsp avocado oil into a non-stick or cast iron skillet and heat over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and appears slightly rippled.
- Carefully position the salmon in the hot pan with the seasoned side facing down, allowing it to sear undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Flip the salmon and continue cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches precisely 145°F.
- Transfer the salmon immediately to a serving plate, ready to be enjoyed with your favorite accompaniments.
Notes
- Pat the salmon completely dry to ensure a perfect, crisp blackened crust that locks in flavor and prevents steaming.
- Use a heavy cast iron skillet for the most authentic blackening technique and even heat distribution.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice tolerance, starting with less and adding more as desired.
- For a lighter version, replace oil with a quick spritz of cooking spray and use skinless salmon fillets for a leaner protein option.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 minutes
- Category: Pan-Seared
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg