Description
A quick, healthy, and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring salmon fillets coated in a spicy Cajun spice rub and seared in a hot skillet with butter for a crispy, blackened crust.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons Paprika (smoked preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 1 tablespoon Onion Powder
- 1–2 teaspoons Cayenne Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Kosher)
- 0.5 teaspoon White Pepper (optional)
- 4 Salmon Fillets (about 6oz each)
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 2 tablespoons Neutral Oil (Avocado or Canola)
- 1–2 Lemons (for serving)
- Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, thyme, oregano, salt, and white pepper. Stir until uniform.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a good crust.
- Melt the 3 tablespoons of butter in the microwave or a small saucepan.
- Brush both sides of each salmon fillet generously with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the spice rub generously on both sides of the buttered fillets, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high to high heat with the neutral oil until it shimmers and just starts to smoke.
- Place salmon fillets in the hot pan, laying them away from you to avoid splatter. Do not move them for 4-5 minutes.
- Flip fillets carefully with tongs and cook for another 4-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 140-145°F and fish flakes easily.
- Remove from pan and let rest for 1-2 minutes before serving with lemon wedges and parsley.
Notes
Ensure the pan is very hot before adding fish to create the blackened crust. Do not crowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Pat salmon dry thoroughly to prevent steaming. Use high smoke point oil like avocado oil. If using store-bought Cajun seasoning, reduce added salt.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 34
Keywords: blackened salmon, cajun salmon, healthy dinner, quick recipes, weeknight dinner, gluten-free, high protein