Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (about 180–200 g each)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels so the seasoning sticks well and a crust forms properly.
- In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
- Rub the Cajun seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets, pressing gently to help it adhere.
- Heat a heavy skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and heat until hot but not smoking.
- Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Cook for 4–5 minutes without moving them so a dark crust develops.
- Carefully flip the salmon fillets and add the butter to the pan.
- As the butter melts, spoon it over the salmon repeatedly to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
- Drizzle lightly with lemon juice, remove from heat, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to make the dish milder or spicier.
- For a milder version, use smoked paprika and omit the cayenne.
- A pinch of brown sugar can be added to the spice mix for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Lime juice can be used instead of lemon juice for a citrus variation.
- The salmon can be baked at 200°C for 12–15 minutes instead of pan-seared.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a little butter or oil, or in a low oven at 150°C for about 10 minutes.
- A cast iron skillet works best for creating the signature blackened crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
