We’re trying to add more fish to our diets. I’ve been preparing salmon about once every two weeks, and I’m starting to branch out from our regular Teriyaki Salmon or Easy Baked Parmesan Salmon. Topping the salmon off with some Homemade Blackened Seasoning Mix was a great idea.
Typically, blackened salmon is prepared on the stove in a frying pan. I don’t like to take the time to stand over a pan and babysit the salmon, so I opted for baking it in the oven so I can throw it in and forget about it. One important step, if choosing to bake it in the oven, is to drizzle a little olive oil on the top of each piece after you add the seasoning. You could also give it a good spray of olive oil if you have it in spray form. This step helps it take on that darker color and appear more like it would if it were really fried in a pan.
You can go as thick or as thin with the seasoning as you prefer. I went pretty thick and a couple of my kids found it too spicy that way and scrapped the top off. They still loved the dinner, though, and my pickiest eater even asked if he could have it for his birthday dinner. That’s what we call a win folks!
Other Dinners your Family will Love!
- Grilled Sweet Chili Pork Chops
- Classic Meatloaf
- Amazing Spaghetti Sauce
- Sheet Pan Fajitas
- Kielbasa and Roasted Vegetables
- Pesto Parmesan Pork Chops
Step-by-step pictures for how to make Oven Baked Blackened Salmon
Frequently Asked Questions for how to make Oven Baked Blackened Salmon
can I use a large filet of salmon instead of small pieces?
Yes. You will need to double or even triple the amount of seasoning depending on the weight of the filet. This amount of seasoning is just right for about a pound or a little more of salmon.
Will this seasoning work on other fish like Tilapia or even shrimp?
Yes, this seasoning would taste amazing on either of those. Seafood generally tastes great with these complementary flavors.
If I want to cook my salmon in a frying pan instead, how long will it need to cook?
It will depend on the thickness of your fish. Generally, you would want to sear the seasoning on it for 2-3 minutes on high, and then carefully turn the fish over and let it cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the internal thermometer reaches 145 degrees. Salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees.
If I don’t want it spicy should I omit the cayenne pepper?
Yes, you could do that. I would suggest using a little bit. The dimension the cayenne pepper gives the dish will be missed if taken out altogether. By just leaving 1/8 of a teaspoon, you can still get that dimension without it being spicy and hot.
If I don’t have olive oil, what oil should I use as a substitute?
If you don’t have olive oil, you can use rapeseed, canola, vegetable, or even an extra refined coconut.
What is the best way to store leftover salmon?
Covered in the fridge. Cold pieces of this salmon actually make an excellent salad the next day. No need to reheat.
Chef’s Tools:
- Mixing Bowls
- Large Baking Dish
- Measuring Spoons
- Olive Oil Bottle Dispenser
- Smoke Paprika
- Serving Spatula
Serve with...
- 1 lb of salmon, cut into 4-ounce pieces or one solid piece
- 1 tbsp paprika (I like to use 2½ tsp regular paprika and ½ tsp smoked paprika)
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ tsp light or brown sugar (don't pack it)
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- ¾ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- In a small dish, combine the paprika, brown sugar, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme. Mix well and set aside.
- Prepare a baking dish by sprinkling with one tbsp olive oil and 1 tsp lemon juice. I also like to shake a little salt and pepper on it too.
- Place fish pieces equally spaced apart and drizzle with the remaining 1 tsp of lemon juice.
- Coat the top of each piece of salmon with the blackened seasoning mix.
- Drizzle the top of each coated piece with ½ tbsp of olive oil. This doesn't have to be exact. Other options are spraying the top with olive oil cooking spray or putting small dollops of butter on the top of each coated piece.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until internal temperature is at least 145 degrees.
- Serve and enjoy!
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#julygiveaway
We had this for dinner a couple of weeks ago and I so wish I would have made the pineapple salsa to go with it! Yum! #JULYGIVEAWAY