Oven Blackened Salmon
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This Oven Blackened Salmon gets a quick sear on the stovetop and then is finished off in the oven. Add the most delicious blackened seasoning to the salmon, and then serve it with a dollop of avocado crema. Healthy and delicious!
Salmon is our go-to healthy meal. For other options, try Baked Asian Salmon in Foil, some simple Salmon Buddha Bowls, Brown Sugar Smoked Salmon or the best Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon!
Easy Blackened Salmon
My love of blackened foods includes having a jar of Homemade Blackened Seasoning at the ready for any and all last-minute dinner options. I use it on SO MANY things.
In addition to this salmon, I use it in my Blackened Salmon Burgers and Blackened Salmon Tacos. It’s also the magic in my Skillet Blackened Tilapia and the best Smoked Spatchcock Chicken!
If you haven’t tried one of these dishes, make a jar of the seasonings so you can enjoy all the delicious things!
Ingredient Notes
- Salmon – I prefer to use wild-caught salmon without the skin for this recipe. You can use whatever salmon you normally cook with.
- Oil – While avocado oil is what I used here, any oil works.
- Blackened Seasoning – A quick blend of paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, kosher salt, onion powder, ground cumin, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper.
- Avocado Crema – A mixture of avocado, sour cream, cilantro, garlic salt, and fresh lime juice.
How to make Oven Blackened Salmon
Step 1
Make the blackened seasoning. You can combine the amounts listed in the recipe card, or make a jar of seasoning to keep handy for several recipes on the blog.
Step 2
Pat dry the salmon. Use a paper towel to pat dry the salmon on both sides.
Step 3
Add seasoning to the salmon. Brush a little bit of oil on both sides of the salmon. Then add the blackened seasoning to both sides, using your hands to pat it on.
Step 4
Pan fry the salmon. Heat a cast iron skillet to medium-high heat. Let it get hot and add oil to pan. Then add the salmon filets and sear on both sides, about a minute on each side.
Step 5
Finish salmon in the oven. Add skillet to a preheated 400-degree oven. Finish cooking the salmon until cooked through, about 5-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. Remove pan and let salmon sit for a few minutes before serving.
Step 6
Make avocado crema. In a food processor, combine the avocado, sour cream, cilantro, garlic salt, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Blend until smooth.
If avocado crema is too thick, add some cold water and blend again.
Recipe FAQs
The name comes from the color of the salmon after adding a spice rub and searing the outsides of the fish.
Yes, the seasonings are a simple combo of ingredients that give the fish a hit of spice. Also, using wild-caught fish ups the health factor greatly.
Cajun seasoning is similar to blackened, but a little spicier.
Any firm fish works great for blackening, but it works for any type of fish. We love it on salmon and tilapia.
What to serve with Blackened Salmon
Besides the obvious green beans and roasted potatoes (pictured), there are so many choices for side dishes that go wonderfully with blackened salmon.
How about a salad? Try my simple Kale and Quinoa Salad, Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad, or a Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing.
Other sides I recommend are Roasted Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts, Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce, Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes with Bacon, or some Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots.
Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)
xoxo ~Sue
Oven Blackened Salmon
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 24 oz. salmon – four filets
- 2-3 Tablespoons avocado oil – divided
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Avocado Crema
- 1 large avocado
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 Tablespoons cilantro
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 medium lime – freshly squeezed
To serve:
- roasted veggies of any kind
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Make the Avocado Crema. In a food processor, combine the avocado, sour cream, cilantro, garlic salt, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Blend until smooth.
- Make the seasoning by combining the paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, kosher salt, onion powder, ground cumin, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
- Use a paper towel to pat dry the salmon on both sides.
- Brush a little bit of oil on the salmon, and then add the seasoning to both sides. Use your hands to massage it into the fish.
- Heat a skillet to medium-high heat. When it's hot, add some oil and then the salmon filets. Sear them on one side, gently flip, and sear the other side.
- Remove the pan and place in the oven to finish cooking. Depending on the thickness of the fish, this will take 5-10 minutes.
- Serve with a dollop of avocado cream.
Notes
- I prefer to use wild-caught salmon without the skin for this recipe. You can use whatever salmon you normally cook with.
- I recommend keeping a large batch of blackened seasoning in a jar for all of the recipes you’ll be making with it!
This is one of my fav SueBee recipes. So easy and love the seasoning. I actually keep a big batch of seasoning on hand and also use it on veggies with olive oil and throw in the air fryer.