🍳DailyRecipes
Dinner

Easy Homemade Blackened Salmon

This blackened salmon brings the bold, spicy flavors of a tropical vacation straight to your kitchen table.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· July 16, 2026
Easy Homemade Blackened Salmon
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
8 minutes
Total
18 minutes
Serves
4

Whenever I want a meal that feels a bit special but takes almost no time to put together, I reach for this blackened salmon recipe. It reminds me of a wonderful dinner I had in Hawaii, featuring a crispy, spice crusted exterior and tender, flaky fish inside.

My biggest tip is to make sure your pan is very hot before you add the fish. This creates that signature dark crust without overcooking the center. Serve it with a squeeze of fresh lime to really brighten up those deep, savory spices.

Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.

  2. 2

    Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure the spices stick well.

  3. 3

    Rub each fillet generously with the spice mixture on all sides.

  4. 4

    Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat until the oil is shimmering.

  5. 5

    Place the salmon fillets in the pan and cook for about 4 minutes on the first side without moving them.

  6. 6

    Carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

  7. 7

    Remove the salmon from the pan and serve immediately with fresh lime wedges.

💡 Tips

This fish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed rice or a cool cucumber salad to balance the heat. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. It is delicious flaked cold over a big green salad for lunch the next day.

#dinner#seafood#high protein#gluten free#healthy

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