This baked blackened salmon produces flavorful, flaky salmon every time! An easy, homemade blackened seasoning and salmon filets are all you will need to bring this easy salmon recipe to life.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This blackened salmon is a go-to recipe for busy weeknights when you are looking for an easy dinner. This recipe requires little time and preparation and few ingredients. We are big fans of simple dinners!
- The homemade blackened seasoning creates incredible flavor for the salmon with a few spices you likely have on hand.
- It is a wonderful main dish that pairs well with so many things. Take a look at our tips and variations section for some of our favorite ways to serve this salmon.
Ingredient Notes
- Salmon filets - Feel free to use whatever type of salmon you prefer here! Atlantic salmon and sockeye salmon are both common options, but Atlantic salmon is often a little easier to find than sockeye salmon. That being said, wild-caught salmon is much easier to find in the sockeye variety compared to the Atlantic variety if that's important to you. Both options are rich with the heart healthy omega three fatty acids. Many grocery stores carry salmon filets, we often like to buy salmon from Costco or Trader Joes. Costco has bulk options for both frozen salmon (pre-portioned) and fresh salmon (a whole salmon filet). Trader Joes has options for whole filets and pre-cut filets as well. The best salmon will be the freshest salmon! The best way to determine whether salmon is fresh is to assess its color and texture. Fresh salmon should be a bright pink/orange color and should not have many brown spots, discoloration, or a dark color around the edges. The flesh should be firm and spring back slightly when gently touched.
- Avocado or olive oil spray
- Blend of spices - paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, cumin, and brown sugar are the only ingredients you will need to make a homemade blackening seasoning. This spice mixture will help to create the best blackened salmon that is packed with flavor to satisfy those tastebuds.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet and parchment paper
- If you don't have parchment paper on hand you can also use aluminum foil, but make sure to use a non-stick cooking spray or oil to prevent any sticking of the salmon to the foil.
- Small bowl to mix the seasonings
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
Step by Step Directions
For the full recipe instructions, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Add all of the blackening spices to a small bowl and combine well. Pat the salmon filets dry with a paper towel. Liberally coat each salmon filet with the spice blend. If you find that the seasoning is having a hard time sticking to the flesh side of the salmon, you can spray or brush the salmon filet with a little olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter with a basting brush.
Step 2: Place the salmon filets on the lined baking sheet, skin side down. Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for about 14-17 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest portion of the filet. You can also broil for 1-2 minutes to create a crispy crust. There may be slight variations in cooking time depending on the size/thickness of the salmon filets. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes and remove the salmon skin if needed.
Tips & Variations
- If you're looking for a great idea for how to serve this baked blackened salmon, we've got you covered!
- Salmon tacos - follow our recipe for blackened mahi mahi fish tacos, but use salmon in place of the mahi mahi.
- Make a salmon salad following our salmon caesar salad recipe or add a salmon filet to our berry salad.
- Serve the salmon hot with your desired side dishes—sweet potatoes or crispy red potatoes, white or brown rice (see our instant pot brown jasmine rice recipe), roasted vegetables, or your favorite side salad such as our copycat kale crunch salad.
We recommend storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consuming within 3-4 days.
If you prefer a different method of cooking salmon there are other great options.
If you plan to pan-sear the salmon in a cast iron skillet or on a hot pan, make sure you add a little butter or oil to the pan to prevent any sticking.
You can also cook salmon in the air fryer or on the grill on medium heat to high heat. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.
Blackened seasoning is a combination of spices that are similar to Cajun and Creole flavors. For our homemade seasoning blend we use paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, cumin, and brown sugar. If you want to add a little kick to the seasoning you can add some black pepper (for a milder spice) or cayenne pepper.
This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free.
If you like this super flavorful spiced salmon, check out some of our other easy recipes that use filets of salmon:
If you make this baked blackened salmon recipe, please let us know how it turns out in the comments below and/or rate the recipe! Don't forget to tag us on Instagram to show us your finished product—it makes our day every time we see you trying the recipes we love!
Oven Baked Blackened Salmon
Ingredients
- 4, 6-oz salmon filets
- Avocado or olive oil spray
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add all of the blackening spices to a small bowl and combine well. Pat the salmon filets dry with a paper towel. Liberally coat each salmon filet with the spice blend. (If you find that the seasoning is having a hard time sticking to the flesh side of the salmon, you can spray or brush the salmon filet with a little olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter with a basting brush.)
- Place the salmon filets on the lined baking sheet, skin side down. Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for about 14-17 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest portion of the filet. You can also broil for 1-2 minutes to create a crispy crust. There may be slight variations in cooking time depending on the size/thickness of the salmon filets. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes and remove the salmon skin if needed.
Notes
- This baked blackened salmon is gluten-free and dairy-free.
NUTRITION
The recipe can be found on My Fitness Pal by searching "BWB Blackened Salmon."
The nutrition content provided for each recipe is an estimate created through the My Fitness Pal database. Please be aware that the nutritional content of each recipe may vary based on the products you use, the precision of your measurements, and the source you use to obtain nutrition data. While we try to provide accurate information, we give no guarantee regarding the accuracy of the nutritional information provided.
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