Description
A quick and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring salmon fillets coated in a spicy Cajun spice blend, seared in a skillet, and finished in the oven for a crispy, blackened crust.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado or grapeseed)
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). If desired, turn broiler on high for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Place a large skillet (cast iron preferred) on the stove and heat over medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, white pepper, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub each fillet lightly with neutral oil.
- Sprinkle the spice blend generously over both sides of the salmon, pressing spices into the fish to adhere.
- Place salmon fillets in the hot skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving them.
- Flip fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer skillet to the oven (or move salmon to a baking sheet) and bake for 2-3 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ensure the salmon is completely dry before oiling to help the crust form. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Watch closely if using the broiler as spices can burn quickly. For a milder spice level, reduce cayenne to 1/4 teaspoon.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 34
Keywords: blackened salmon, cajun salmon, quick dinner, weeknight meals, healthy seafood, high protein, gluten-free, keto-friendly