Description
Blackened salmon with charred vegetables brings together a smoky, spicy seafood experience that sizzles right from your kitchen skillet. Fresh salmon gets rubbed with bold Cajun spices and served alongside vegetables kissed by high-heat flames, creating a simple yet knockout dinner your family will totally devour.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 salmon fillets
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
Vegetables and Garnish:
- 1 medium zucchini
- 2 bell peppers
- 1 red onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Collect and rinse zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion. Slice vegetables into uniform pieces about ½-inch thick for even cooking.
- Create a robust spice blend by whisking 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1 tsp seasoned salt with 2 tbsp olive oil until a smooth paste forms.
- Thoroughly coat each 6 oz salmon fillet with the spice mixture, ensuring complete coverage on both sides. Allow seasoned fish to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Heat a non-stick skillet to 400°F. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil across the surface and let it shimmer.
- Carefully place salmon fillets skin-side down, pressing gently to ensure maximum contact with the hot pan. Cook for exactly 4 minutes until a dark, crispy crust develops.
- Flip salmon using a thin spatula and cook for an additional 4 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for perfect doneness.
- Add prepared vegetables around the salmon. Sauté for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to achieve light charring and tender texture.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice across the dish, distributing 1 whole lemon’s worth of juice evenly.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the salmon and vegetables just before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Choose salmon fillets with even thickness to ensure consistent cooking and prevent dry edges.
- Create a spice paste that clings well to the fish by using just enough olive oil to make a spreadable consistency.
- Let the salmon sit with seasoning for 10 minutes to allow the spices to penetrate and enhance flavor absorption.
- For perfect char, use a heavy-bottomed skillet and resist moving the fish around while searing to develop a crispy, flavorful exterior.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13-16 minutes
- Category: Pan-Seared
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg