Blackened Salmon
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Looking to elevate your salmon game? This blackened salmon recipe is a must-try! With its bold spices and crispy, flavorful crust, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious dish and how you can make it at home.
Why Is It Called Blackened Salmon?
Blackened salmon gets its name from the cooking technique used to create a dark, crispy crust. This involves coating the salmon in a blend of spices and searing it in a hot skillet. The high heat chars the spices, giving the salmon its signature blackened appearance and a deep, smoky flavor. This method, often associated with Cajun cuisine, adds a unique taste and texture that sets it apart from other salmon recipes.
Tips for Making the Best Blackened Salmon Recipe
For the best blackened salmon, always use wild salmon as it offers a richer flavor and firmer texture. Don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to match your heat tolerance. Proper searing is crucial, so make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the salmon to achieve that perfect char. Lastly, avoid overcooking by watching for the white albumin to appear on the salmon’s surface, a clear sign that it’s done.
What to Serve with Blackened Salmon
Blackened salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Flakes of blackened salmon go wonderfully with jasmine rice, adding a nice contrast in texture and flavor. For a light and nutritious meal, add the salmon to a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with roasted or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded dinner. Incorporating flaked salmon into soups is another great option, adding protein and a burst of flavor.
Blackened Salmon Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover blackened salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or use the microwave. Be careful not to overcook it during reheating to maintain its texture and flavor. If you plan to freeze it, ensure it is tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Blackened Salmon FAQs
How to Make Blackened Salmon?
Making blackened salmon involves patting the salmon dry, coating it with a spice mix, and searing it in a hot skillet until blackened and cooked through. The key is to ensure your skillet is very hot before adding the salmon and to watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
What Is Blackened Salmon?
Blackened salmon is a dish where the salmon is coated in a blend of spices and seared in a hot skillet to create a dark, crispy crust. This cooking method gives the salmon a smoky, flavorful taste and a unique, charred appearance. It’s a popular technique in Cajun cuisine.
What to Serve with Blackened Salmon?
Blackened salmon pairs well with jasmine rice, fresh salads, roasted vegetables, and even in soups. These sides complement the smoky, spicy flavor of the salmon and create a balanced, delicious meal.
Blackened Salmon
Blackened Salmon Recipe Ingredients
-
10 oz center cut salmon
wild is preferred
- spray olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
-
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
Note: add more/less depending on your heat tolerance
- 2 teaspoons butter
How to Make Blackened Salmon
Step 1
Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon filets dry with a paper towel, and then spray them with olive oil. This ensures the spices adhere well and the salmon sears properly.
Step 2
Apply the Spice Mix: Rub the spice mix all over the salmon, including the skin. Don’t worry if it looks clumpy; just spread it out as best as possible to ensure even coverage.
Step 3
Heat the Skillet: Set a carbon steel or cast-iron skillet on medium-high heat. Once hot, add the butter and allow it to melt and sizzle. The butter adds richness and helps achieve that perfect blackened crust.
Step 4
Sear the Salmon: Place the salmon skin-side up in the skillet so the top sears. Sear for 3-5 minutes, or until blackened marks appear and the salmon can easily be lifted off the skillet. This initial sear locks in the flavors and gives the salmon its characteristic look.
Step 5
Cook the Salmon: Flip the salmon over and cook it the rest of the way, about 6-8 minutes. Be careful not to overcook it; when a white substance, albumin, seeps out the side, it means the salmon is ready and possibly overcooked. Keep an eye on this to ensure the perfect doneness.
Step 6
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the salmon from the skillet and enjoy! I like to flake my salmon and add it to jasmine rice, salads, and even soups. This versatile dish can be enjoyed in many ways, making it a great addition to any meal.
Blackened Salmon
Kevin Curry
INGREDIENTS
-
10 oz center cut salmon
wild is preferred
- spray olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
-
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
Note: add more/less depending on your heat tolerance
- 2 teaspoons butter
INSTRUCTIONS
-
Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon filets dry with a paper towel, and then spray them with olive oil. This ensures the spices adhere well and the salmon sears properly.
-
Apply the Spice Mix: Rub the spice mix all over the salmon, including the skin. Don’t worry if it looks clumpy; just spread it out as best as possible to ensure even coverage.
-
Heat the Skillet: Set a carbon steel or cast-iron skillet on medium-high heat. Once hot, add the butter and allow it to melt and sizzle. The butter adds richness and helps achieve that perfect blackened crust.
-
Sear the Salmon: Place the salmon skin-side up in the skillet so the top sears. Sear for 3-5 minutes, or until blackened marks appear and the salmon can easily be lifted off the skillet. This initial sear locks in the flavors and gives the salmon its characteristic look.
-
Cook the Salmon: Flip the salmon over and cook it the rest of the way, about 6-8 minutes. Be careful not to overcook it; when a white substance, albumin, seeps out the side, it means the salmon is ready and possibly overcooked. Keep an eye on this to ensure the perfect doneness.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the salmon from the skillet and enjoy! I like to flake my salmon and add it to jasmine rice, salads, and even soups. This versatile dish can be enjoyed in many ways, making it a great addition to any meal.
Nutrition per serving
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