Description
Baked Blackened Salmon features tender, buttery salmon filets seasoned with a smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet homemade blackening spice mix. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a quick and flavorful main dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper, then drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Pat the salmon filets dry with paper towels. Place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet, evenly spaced. Drizzle or brush the tops with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, brown sugar, basil, oregano, and cayenne pepper to make the blackening seasoning.
- Evenly spoon the seasoning mixture over the top of each salmon filet. Press gently with your fingers to help the seasoning adhere.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and cooked through. Rotate the pan halfway through baking if desired for even cooking.
- Optional: While the salmon bakes, prepare a quick fruit salsa for serving (see notes).
- Garnish with fresh herbs if using, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste: increase cayenne for more heat or salt for more flavor.
- The internal temperature for fully cooked salmon is 145°F, but it’s often best slightly under for a more tender result.
- Pairs well with fruit salsa – try mango salsa or pineapple avocado salsa for a fresh contrast.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days or frozen for up to 2–3 months.
- To reheat, use a microwave for 20–30 seconds or let the salmon come to room temperature.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon filet
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
