Blackened Salmon

Blackened salmon is one of my go-to recipes for busy nights since it cooks in under 10 minutes and takes almost no prep. When I am in a rush for dinner, I am almost making fish or a quick cooking recipe like this fifteen minute Honey Garlic Chicken and Asparagus or ten minute One Pan Shrimp Fajitas.

This blackened salmon in great for working parents, busy college students, or those hosting a hectic dinner party, salmon is a dish that is sure to please. It is also simple and fairly hard to mess up, making it the perfect choice for those in a rush or beginner cooks. This baked salmon recipe is the best I have tried.

There are many different ways to prepare this dish. The salmon seasoning I use most often is a combination of smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and chili powder to taste. For a mildly spicy salmon just use a touch of chili powder and if you like things spicy, bump it up or consider using cayenne or ancho chili powder which are both spicier. This spice rub also works great on chicken, pork, shrimp, and vegetables.

Side Dishes for Blackened Salmon

Salmon is already a pretty light dish, yet there are additional ways to take this blackened salmon recipe by serving it with somethign fresh and diet friendly. Salmon is great paired with light, green side dishes like salads and roasted vegetables.

My favorite side dish to serve alongside salmon is a simple, fresh arugula salad. Arugula has this sharp flavor that compliments the silkiness of the salmon perfectly. To make this salad, prepare an easy dressing made of one part freshly squeezed lemon juice and two parts olive oil. Pour over fresh arugula leaves and sprinkle with a topping of your choice. Toppings like roasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, sliced cherry tomatoes, or roasted sunflower seeds are great additions to this simple salad. If you are looking for an arugula salad with a little more punch, try this Blueberry, Nectarine and Corn Arugula Salad.

Another way to alter this recipe to make it lighter and diet friendly is to swap out salmon for cod. Like salmon, cod is a delicious, flaky fish full of protein, but contains about half the calories. Use the same spice mentioned above to create a blackened cod dish that is full flavor. If you love cod, you would also probably love this One Pan Blackened Cod, Sweet Potatoes, and Zucchini.

Plan Ahead

To save time you can plan ahead and prepare the salmon seasoning the night before so that the day of all you need to do is cook it and serve. Prepare the salmon as usual by seasoning it with the spices. Then place the salmon in a sealed, airtight container and keep in the fridge overnight until you are ready to cook. Not only does this save time but it allows the salmon to sit with the spices for many hours allows the flavors to sink in, making for a more flavorful salmon.

Choosing Your Salmon

Seafood is one category of food that ranges in quality and freshness depending on where and how you get it. Wild caught salmon often provides the most quality and freshness. Though it is more expensive, the texture and taste are noticeably superior to farmed or frozen fish. Wild caught fish is is a great choice for special occasions, nice cookouts, and dinner parties. Farmed salmon is a great choice for anyone on a budget, for it is less expensive, and still has a great flavor and many health benefits. 

The Health Benefits of Salmon

Not only does salmon taste delicious, but it is very good for you, too. The health benefits of fish are endless, especially when it comes to salmon. Salmon contains an abundance of healthy fats and is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids. Salmon is also a great source of antioxidants and vitamins. It contains potassium and B vitamins, including B1, B2, B6, and B12, all of which help reduce inflammation and are crucial to maintaining good energy and body function. Learn more about salmon including its health benefits, recipes, and more.