Name: Baked Blackened Salmon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 4 skin-on salmon filets (about 6 ounces each); 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste); 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon light brown sugar, packed; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste); Fresh herbs (optional, for serving)

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Baked Blackened Salmon is a flavorful, fast, and foolproof way to enjoy restaurant-style seafood right at home. Coated in a smoky, spicy, slightly sweet homemade blackening seasoning, this salmon comes out perfectly tender and bursting with bold flavor in just 15 minutes. It’s a great weeknight option that feels gourmet, especially when paired with a fresh fruit salsa or seasonal vegetables.

Baked Blackened Salmon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in 15 minutes: Quick enough for busy nights without sacrificing flavor.
Bold, customizable seasoning: Smoky, spicy, and sweet—all in one bite.
Oven-baked simplicity: No need to pan-fry or grill, and cleanup is a breeze.
Naturally healthy: High in protein, omega-3s, and full of whole ingredients.
Restaurant-quality results: Impressive presentation with minimal effort.
Flexible seasoning: Easily adjust spice levels to suit your taste.
Pairs with everything: Delicious with salads, grains, roasted veggies, or fruit salsa.
Meal prep friendly: Keeps well and reheats beautifully.
Family-friendly: Mild enough for kids with the option to spice it up.
Great for entertaining: Looks and tastes fancy, but it’s easy to scale.

Ingredients

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

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 skin-on salmon filets (about 6 ounces each)
1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt (or more, to taste)
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon light brown sugar, packed
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
Fresh herbs for serving (optional—try cilantro or parsley)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper, then drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the lined surface.
Pat the salmon filets dry with paper towels. Arrange them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly apart.
Drizzle or brush the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the tops of the filets.
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, brown sugar, basil, oregano, and cayenne. Adjust salt and cayenne to your preference.
Spoon the seasoning mixture evenly over the tops of the salmon filets. Pat the seasoning gently with your fingers to help it adhere.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches your preferred doneness. For food safety, salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F.
Optionally garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately. For an extra burst of flavor, pair with a fruit salsa or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

Spice it up: Add extra cayenne or chili flakes for more heat.
Add citrus: Serve with lemon or lime wedges for brightness.
Use other proteins: This blackening rub works well on chicken or shrimp.
Top with salsa: Try mango salsa, pineapple salsa, or peach-avocado salsa.
Sweeten more: Add a touch more brown sugar for a sweeter balance.
Swap herbs: Use thyme or rosemary instead of oregano and basil.
Smoky flavor boost: Add a pinch of chipotle powder for deeper smokiness.
Butter-basted: Dot salmon with butter before baking for richer flavor.
Grill it: Use the same rub and grill the salmon for a charred, smoky finish.
Serve it cold: Flake over salads or grain bowls for a cool meal prep option.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days or freeze for 2–3 months. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or enjoy at room temperature. For the best texture and flavor, avoid over-reheating, as salmon can dry out.

FAQs

What is blackened seasoning?

Blackened seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices—typically smoky, slightly sweet, and spicy—used to coat meat or fish before cooking, often at high heat for a charred, flavorful crust.

Can I use skinless salmon?

Yes, though the skin helps retain moisture during baking. If using skinless, reduce baking time slightly and keep a closer eye on doneness.

Is this dish spicy?

It has mild heat from cayenne, but the spice level is adjustable. Add more or less based on your preference.

How do I know when salmon is fully cooked?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internally. The top may look slightly crisped, and the center should be opaque.

Can I prep the seasoning ahead of time?

Yes, the dry spice mix can be made and stored in an airtight container for weeks, making prep even faster.

What sides go well with blackened salmon?

Try roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a refreshing fruit salsa.

Can I grill this salmon instead of baking?

Yes, blackened salmon grills beautifully. Just oil the grates well and grill skin-side down over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes.

How do I prevent the seasoning from burning?

Because the oven is hot, make sure you don’t overbake the salmon. Lining the baking sheet and using oil helps protect the spices from direct heat.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

You can use regular paprika, though smoked paprika adds a distinctive depth and flavor.

Can I freeze the cooked salmon?

Yes. Wrap cooled salmon tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Conclusion

Baked Blackened Salmon is your go-to for a fast, flavorful, and healthy meal that doesn’t sacrifice depth or texture. With bold spices and a juicy, tender center, it’s an easy way to enjoy salmon any night of the week. Whether served with fruit salsa, grains, or greens, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.