This Blackened Salmon recipe will be a new family favorite for weeknight dinner. It’s a great way to spice up a plain fish dish and ready to eat in under 30 minutes.
If you are not familiar with the “blackened” cooking method, it involves coating food (in this case salmon) with a bold spice blend, then searing it in a hot cast-iron pan to create a flavorful crust. This method is a great way to tone down the fishy flavor of seafood while keeping it healthy. Try serving this to picky kids who may not enjoy the texture of normal fish. To make it even more kid-friendly, cube the Blackened Salmon into smaller, bite-sized pieces and serve with a Paleo-friendly dipping sauce.
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We chose salmon for this recipe because it’s a tasty fish and easy to find at the grocery store. However, this versatile recipe can be used with any fish of choice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time on the cast iron depending on the type of fish, thickness, and quantity you choose.
Enjoy Blackened Salmon on its own or pair it with a riced vegetable such as cauliflower, broccoli, or mushrooms. To prepare, finely chop the food or pulse in a food processor, then sauté in olive oil with herbs and spices over medium heat for a few minutes until tender. Explore our recipes for ideas on how to season your side:
TIPS:
- Add your own flair to the Blackened Salmon spice blend by mixing in your favorite Paleo spices!
- Use one large fillet and cook all at once if you have a big enough skillet for it, then slice it into four portions after searing.
Dietary Restrictions: Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) omissions and substitutions are listed in the recipe ingredients.
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Blackened Salmon
- Recipe by: Jess Case
- Serves: 4
- Meal: Dinner
- Serves: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
2 tsp smoked paprika (AIP - omit)
1 tsp garlic powder
3/4 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cumin*
1/2 tsp black pepper (AIP - omit)
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) (AIP - omit)
4 salmon fillets
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon, sliced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder, cumin, black pepper, and cayenne until fully incorporated.
Pat salmon dry and rub spice blend onto the flesh side.
Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side up in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until a dark-brown crust forms.
Remove from heat. Garnish with lemon slices and parsley. Serve warm.
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