Get a flavorful and nutritious dinner on the table fast with my oven baked blackened salmon recipe! Bake this easy recipe for blackened salmon with only a few simple ingredients and 20 minutes! Perfectly seasoned with Cajun spices and cooked to perfection, this dish is a breeze to make.
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Looking for more easy seafood recipes using salmon? You will love my salmon puttanesca, salmon quinoa bowl, and spicy kimchi salmon for more delicious variations on this versatile fish.
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About Baked Blackened Salmon
I created this blackened salmon recipe to be baked rather than cooked in a traditional hot cast iron skillet for a few reasons. One of the main reasons is that I often serve this dish with my Cajun Alfredo sauce to make creamy Cajun salmon pasta. Cooking blackened salmon baked in the oven allows me to focus on preparing the sauce and pasta without the added hassle of stovetop cooking.
Cooking blackened salmon in the oven is a more hands-off and convenient approach to achieving those signature bold flavors without the intense smoke and splatter from stovetop searing in a pan.
The oven ensures even cooking, and the salmon still develops that beautiful crust with minimal effort. It's the perfect way to enjoy the same delicious taste of blackened fish without the hassle.
More of my favorite Cajun & Creole recipes:
Cajun Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp & Sausage Jambalaya
Cajun Spaghetti
Cajun Salmon Pasta
Baked Blackened Salmon
Blackened Salmon Bowl
Homemade Cajun Seasoning
Cajun Crab Dip
Cajun Alfredo Sauce
Cajun Tartar Sauce
Ingredients
- Salmon is a rich fish that holds up well to the bold flavors of blackening.
- Blackened seasoning mix provides the signature smoky, spicy flavor. It's typically a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and other herbs. You can use a store-bought Cajun blend or make your own homemade blackened seasoning to control the salt levels.
- Butter is the key to creating that classic blackened crust. It helps the seasoning adhere to the salmon while adding richness and enhancing the caramelization process, resulting in a crisp, flavorful coating.
- A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving brightens the dish and enhances the flavors.
Variations
Turn up the spice level by using Cajun seasoning. Blackened seasoning typically has a more balanced, milder flavor while Cajun seasoning is spicier and bolder in flavor.
Swap the squeeze of lemon for lime or orange and garnish with zest for a citrus-forward flavor.
You can substitute olive oil or another cooking oil for the butter. The butter, however, helps achieve that rich, crispy crust, so using an oil with a high smoke point is best for similar results.
How to Make Baked Blackened Salmon
You've come to the right place if you're looking for how to bake blackened salmon in the oven! This dish comes together quickly, here are the step-by-step instructions.
Step 1: Melt butter in a small bowl. Add blackened seasonings to the melted butter and stir to combine.
Step 2: Pat dry the salmon and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Brush the butter and seasoning mixture on the salmon filets, coating all sides.
Step 3: Place the seasoned salmon on a lined baking sheet. You can use foil or parchment paper.
Step 4: Bake. For a crispy crust, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. The internal temperature should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit for perfectly cooked, flaky salmon.
Serving Suggestions
Instead of serving blackened baked salmon as the main course, my family likes to flake it apart and use it as a filling for salmon tacos. Pair with a slaw, avocado slices, and a drizzle of creamy jalapeno sauce for a fresh, flavorful twist on my air fryer shrimp tacos.
I love to serve a dipping sauce with baked blackened salmon and my spicy Cajun tarter sauce is the perfect choice.
Make it a meal and serve my Cajun crab dip as an appetizer.
Serve over a bed of fresh greens with toppings like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado. Top with a light vinaigrette or lemon dressing for a healthy, protein-packed salmon salad.
My favorite side dishes for salmon are:
- skillet charred corn
- air fryer garlic green beans
- Spanish cauliflower rice
- air fryer sweet potato cubes
- roasted or steamed vegetables
Expert Tips
Pat the salmon dry. Make sure to thoroughly pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes a crispier crust.
Generously season. Don't be shy with the blackened seasoning for salmon! Generously coat the salmon to ensure every bite is packed with bold flavors.
Broil for extra crispiness. For a crispier, blackened crust, switch to the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye on the salmon to avoid burning.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Make sure to fully thaw the salmon in the refrigerator before seasoning and baking.
You can bake the salmon with the skin on to keep it moist during cooking. The skin also helps protect the fish from overcooking. After baking, the skin can easily be removed or eaten, depending on your preference.
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, avoid overcooking by gently warming it in the oven or microwave.
Yes, you can freeze cooked salmon. Place the cooled salmon fillets in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Cajun Recipes
If you try this recipe or any recipe from Happy Honey Kitchen, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below! Enjoy!
Baked Blackened Salmon
Save this Recipe!
I'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
Equipment
- Small bowl
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons blackened seasoning
- chopped parsley or lemon optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425℉.
- In a small bowl, melt butter in the microwave. Combine the blackened seasoning with melted butter and stir well.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place salmon on the baking sheet.
- Using a pastry brush, brush the seasoned butter mixture over the salmon fillets.
- Bake salmon for 10-12 minutes or until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover salmon should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- When melting the butter, keep an eye on it and heat in short increments so it doesn't boil over.
- Apply a generous amount of seasoning to fully cover the fillets.
- For an even crispier finish, turn on the broiler for the final 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, and you'll get that perfect blackened texture! Salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
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