This Blackened Salmon comes together in about 30 minutes and uses just one skillet for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love!
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get our hands dirty, let’s chat about the ingredients you’re going to need to whip up this delicious dish. Luckily, I bet you have most of these staples in your kitchen already!
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless): Salmon is fantastic because it’s quick to cook and super flavorful! Plus, it’s packed with omega-3s!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter: For brushing the salmon and achieving that gorgeous crispy crust (I mean, who doesn’t love a little extra richness?).
- Spice blend:
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: This is where that incredible smoky flavor comes from!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a nice depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: To brighten things up!
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: It’s just the right herb for that Italian twist!
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adjust this based on your heat tolerance. If you love spice, turn it up!
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A couple of pinches for good measure.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all those flavors.
- Lemon wedges: For that zesty finish! Seriously, you’ve got to squeeze some over the top before digging in.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, optional): This is merely for presentation, but hey, we eat with our eyes first, right?
How to Make This Blackened Salmon
Alright, friends, let’s get cooking! I promise this will be a breeze.
Prepare the Spice Mix (5 minutes): In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix it all together until it’s well combined.
Season the Salmon (5 minutes): Grab your salmon fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. Brush each fillet generously with olive oil or melted butter on both sides. Now, sprinkle that heavenly spice mix on the salmon, pressing lightly so that it really sticks. Ahh, don’t you love the colors?
Cook the Salmon (8-10 minutes): Heat a large skillet (a cast iron works beautifully here!) over medium-high heat until it’s screaming hot. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, flesh side down if skin-on, and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes per side. You want that gorgeous blackened color and for the salmon to flake easily with a fork when it’s done. The smell is going to be out of this world!
Serve (2 minutes): Remove the salmon from the skillet and serve it up with lemon wedges. If you want, sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top for some pizzazz! Enjoy it on its own or throw it over a salad, your choice

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my baked Boursin Salmon or my Easy Salmon Cakes!
What Makes This Blackened Salmon Special
Quick & Easy
You’ll be amazed how fast this blackened salmon comes together, less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those “What’s-for-dinner?” moments when you’re already feeling the wrong kind of chaos.
One-Pan Wonder
Minimal cleanup is another win! Everything can be made in one skillet, which means more time enjoying dinner and less time washing dishes. And trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
Customizable
This recipe is so versatile! You can easily swap in whatever spices you have sitting in your cupboard. Want it a little more Mediterranean? Add oregano and a touch of lemon zest!
Kid-Friendly
Seriously, my kids are not the easiest to please when it comes to seafood. But this dish is always a hit, the flavors are robust enough to keep it interesting, and it’s not overly fishy. If your kiddos are skeptical, just tell them it’s a “spicy meat patty,” and you’ll win them over! (Don’t worry; we won’t tell them it’s fish!)
Comfort Food Loaded with Flavor
This salmon isn’t just a protein; it’s an experience! The spice blend gives the outside a delicious crunch while keeping the inside flaky and moist.

Serving Suggestions
So, how can you enjoy this blackened salmon? Well, you’ve got a few delicious options:
- With a side of roasted veggies: Seriously, just toss whatever veggies you have on a baking sheet with some olive oil and seasoning and roast them while you cook your salmon.
- On a salad: Flaky salmon over a bed of greens, tossed with a tangy vinaigrette, divine!
- With rice or quinoa: These grains soak up so much flavor from the salmon!
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Leftover salmon will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, pop it in the microwave in 30-second intervals or pan-fry it quickly to crisp up the skin again. It’s worth it!
- Freezer Friendly: Yes! The cooked salmon can last in the freezer for about a month. Just make sure it’s wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.
So there you have it, my go-to blackened salmon recipe! Simple, quick, and oh-so-flavorful! Whether you have a hectic schedule or just want a delicious meal that triggers comfort food vibes, this recipe is perfect. I hope you’re as excited about it as I am!
Now, get in that kitchen and whip up this amazing dish. You won’t regret it! And for more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
Print
30-Minute Spicy Blackened Salmon
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A quick and flavorful Blackened Salmon recipe that comes together in 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry, then brush with olive oil or melted butter on both sides. Sprinkle the spice mix on the salmon and press lightly.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, flesh side down, and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until blackened and flaky.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the skillet and serve with lemon wedges. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Notes
This dish is customizable with different spices and pairs well with roasted veggies, salads, or grains.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
