Just in case you’re wondering, blackening is a cooking technique that adds or intensifies the flavors of any dish with butter and a blend of spices. I usually use Creole Seasoning for a more authentic Cajun flavor. This cooking technique is popular with fish or seafood and is also great with chicken.
Blackened Salmon Spices and Flavors
The secret relies on good quality butter and seasonings such as Creole Seasoning or Blackened Seasoning. Amazing things happen when you dredge the salmon in seasonings and cook it in a hot skillet. Not to mention the fantastic aroma that comes along with it. As the spices char, their flavor intensifies, and the milk solids from the butter brown to beautiful darkness, adding more delicious goodness to our already magnificent salmon. Then the fat from the fish melds beautifully with the combination of herbs and spices. Its mild yet distinguishable taste is apparent, and the moist and flaky texture makes the dish even more delectable.
Recipe Ingredients
Aside from Salmon, I also add fresh sauteed veggies to make our dish more filling and nourishing. Feel free to add even more veggies to your liking because our recipe is easily customized. Oh yes! For this recipe, you’ll need: Salmon Seasoning
Salmon Steaks – Some cooks create a dark and slightly burnt taste on the outside to actually “blacken” or char their fish, but I like my Blackened Salmon just on the toasted side. I slightly sear both sides of my salmon to create a beautiful crusty and flaky exterior while maintaining its moist and tender interior.Salt – I like using coarse salt because it provides a bolder flavor. Aside from flavor, it also gives our salmon a perfect crusty finish by absorbing the moisture from the outer layer of the fish.Butter – This ingredient keeps our salmon moist and flavorful. Butter also browns beautifully, adding to the blackened effect of our beautifully charred salmon.Creole Seasoning – It adds depth and rich flavor to just any dishes, plus it’s quick to put together and easily customized for personal preference. Have this Queen of all Spices right on your pantry by making it from scratch with this Homemade Creole Seasoning Recipe.
Sauteed Vegetables
Cooking Oil – Any cooking oil works. However, if you want to add more flavor, then I highly suggest using olive oil or butter to saute our veggies. And don’t just toss used cooking oil; check out How to Dispose of Cooking Oil.Garlic – Nothing beats fresh minced garlic when it comes to flavor and wonderful aroma. Aah! It’s intense and inviting!Carrot – Well, aside from Beta Carotene, carrots are also loaded with calcium and vitamin K. Not only are they excellent for your eyesight, but they also keep your teeth and bones strong. Yaaay!Red Bell Pepper – I prefer red bell peppers because they are sweeter, a little fruity, and not bitter compared to the green ones.Zucchini – They become sweeter and richer as you cook them. Although, they can be a great addition to salad and sandwich wraps even when they are raw.Chayote – I love chayote! The taste is pretty mild but wonderfully sweet and sustaining. It has a nice crunch, too.Broth – To add more meaty goodness to our veggie dish even in the absence of red meat. However, you can trade it for water.Salt – Obviously, our dish wouldn’t be as amazing without the salt.
Recipe Variations
Seasoning Swap – For a milder flavor, you may opt to use Blackened Seasoning, which is equally flavorful but not as spicy-hot as Cajun Creole Seasoning. Another option is Italian Seasoning that leans more on the herby flavor profile. At the same time, Seasoned Salt is an excellent replacement for plain salt. And for a Mexican fusion, Taco Seasoning is certainly a must-try. 😉Spicy Additions – Amp up the heat with the addition of cayenne pepper and pepper flakes. Or you can add a splash of Caribbean Pepper Sauce, hot sauce, or sriracha to make our Salmon recipe more exciting.Sweet Sensation – You can’t go wrong with sweet and spicy flavors, too. Honey and brown sugar will definitely do the trick. 😋Citrusy Splash – A splash of freshly squeezed lemon or lime will surely level up this fancy dish in no time. Oh yes! You can also add a few pineapple chunks to add a bright burst of flavors. Yum!More Veggies – Make it more nutrition-packed with lots of veggies to choose from, such as potatoes, asparagus, green beans, squash, cabbage, and a lot more!
Tips and Tricks
Serving and Storage Instructions
Our Blackened Salmon is absolutely best eaten straight out of the pan to enjoy its crusty and flaky skin and exterior. But in the case of leftovers:
Storage – Any sealed containers will store leftover Blackened Salmon. However, airtight ones are still the best choice. But if you intend to freeze them, I suggest wrapping them in foil then putting them inside a freezer-safe bag while removing as much air as possible.Refrigerate – You can store the leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.Freeze – Or you can freeze them for about four months.Thaw – If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Stove – Reheat on the stove in your cast-iron pan over medium-low heat along with veggies. Add butter or a splash of broth to bring back the moisture.Microwave – Using medium power, reheat at 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until heated through.
What to do with Leftovers?
Repurpose your leftover Blackened Salmon and try these mouthwatering dishes below:
Salmon SaladSmoked Salmon DipEasy Salmon CroquettesSalmon BurgerDelicious Salmon Patties
What to Serve with Blackened Salmon?
Level up your dining experience by pairing our sumptuous Blackened Salmon with the following recipes below to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without spending a fortune.
Mexican RiceShaved Brussels Sprouts SaladMoroccan CouscousCajun RiceCollard Greens
More Salmon Recipes to Try
Garlic Butter Salmon in Foil PaperCrab-Stuffed SalmonCajun Salmon One Sheet PanTeriyaki SalmonOrange Honey Glazed Salmon
Want a simpler yet oh-so-tasty salmon recipe? You might want to try this Oven Baked Salmon with a lemony and spicy kick that makes a fancy mid-week or dinner night meal.
How to Make Blackened Salmon
Season and Cook the Salmon
Season – Brush the salmon lightly with oil, then season with salt, followed by the Creole seasoning. (Photos 1-2)Add Butter – Preheat a large, heavy skillet over medium heat for about two minutes, then add butter. For the health-conscious, use cooking oil.Sear – Add salmon to the pan. Sear salmon for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until it reaches the desired degree of doneness. (Photos 3-4)Serve – Remove and serve with vegetables.
Cook the Veggies
Blanch – Blanch carrots by cooking them in a pot of boiling salted water for about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.Saute – Heat oil over medium heat in a large saute pan. Then add garlic and Creole Seasoning; sauté for about 30 seconds. Add carrots, chayote (if included), and remaining vegetables. Sauté until just tender, tossing often. You may use about a ⅓-½ cup of water or broth to prevent any burns—season with salt.Serve piping hot with salmon.
