Blackened Salmon takes just 20 minutes to prepare using your own low-carb blackened seasoning and brown sweetener. It’s a tasty, high-protein option to pair with healthy sides like cauliflower mash and asparagus.

Blackened Salmon

Blackened Salmon is much easier to prepare than you might think and doesn’t require baking in the oven, which can dry out perfectly cooked salmon fillets. In this recipe, the salmon is coated with a homemade blackened seasoning, made from pantry spices mixed with a bit of low-carb sugar to create a flavourful dark crust.

We love this easy salmon recipe! My husband prefers it to the marinated version, which he describes as “slimy.” I think he enjoys the texture of the blackened salmon better, as the crust is slightly dry and packed with flavour, while the flesh underneath remains moist.

We make this dish almost every week because it’s super simple. From preparing the blackened seasoning to cooking it in a nonstick pan, the entire process takes only about 20 minutes. It’s a quick and delicious meal that fits perfectly into our routine.

Is Blackened Salmon Easy to Make?

You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make blackened salmon like you’d find at a fancy restaurant, where it’s typically priced at around $30. Read on if you’ve ever wondered how they get that charred, crispy surface while keeping the flavour intact! This recipe also pairs wonderfully with roasted asparagus for a delicious low-carb meal.

I’m super excited to make this recipe for friends we plan to gather with! Salmon is such a classy protein, and when it’s blackened, it transforms into a luxurious dish that will impress everyone at the table!

Why You Will Love Blackened Salmon

Low-Carb & Keto  

This blackened salmon recipe is quick and delicious, taking about 12 minutes to cook. It’s perfect for a healthy, low-carb lifestyle. For a nutritious meal, you can enjoy it alongside a crisp green salad, creamy mashed cauliflower or toss it into a poke bowl. It also pairs wonderfully with cauliflower rice or risotto and matches roasted asparagus well.

High Protein

Salmon is an excellent source of protein that can help keep your carbohydrate intake low. Since protein is essential for muscle building, it can also support weight loss when exercising or staying active. Therefore, this recipe provides a tasty option for your post-workout meal.

Quick to Make

This salmon recipe is easy and doesn’t need baking in an oven; it’s all done on the stovetop. You can whip it up quickly and get it from the stove to your table within 20 minutes!

What is Blackened Salmon

Fish Seasoned with a Spice Blend

Blackened salmon is a Cajun and Creole cuisine dish popular in Louisiana. The “blackening” technique involves seasoning the fish with a spice blend and cooking it in a hot cast-iron skillet, resulting in a flavourful crust and moist interior. It gained popularity in the 1980s through chefs like Paul Prudhomme, who highlighted traditional Cajun cooking.

Is Blackened Seasoning Healthy?

Blackened seasoning is a blend of spices, typically including garlic powder, paprika, Cajun seasoning, and thyme. While it doesn’t provide substantial nutrients on its own, it can enhance the flavour of dishes without adding calories or carbohydrates. When used on fish, like salmon, it can contribute to a healthy meal, as salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein while low in carbs.

Can I use store-bought Blackened Seasoning?

You can use store-bought blackened seasoning for this recipe, but if you’re adventurous, a homemade version allows you to customize the flavors. Blackened seasoning is a tasty way to enhance healthy proteins, ideal for low-carb diets. Just be mindful of the sodium content in some blends. Used wisely, blackened seasoning can elevate your cooking!

Carbs and Servings in this Blackened Salmon Recipe

This recipe offers 15.3g of protein per serving, perfect for low-carb diets. It serves 4, each containing about 7.1g of net carbs.

under 10g net carbs per serving

• 8.9g of carbohydrates
• 1.8g of fibre
• 7.1g of net carbs

Ingredients and Notes

Salmon Fillets:

• Fresh or frozen salmon fillets can be prepared with or without the skin. Be sure to thaw frozen salmon overnight so it is ready to use for this recipe. Pat the fillets dry before seasoning. Fillets about 3 inches wide are ideal and easy to flip while cooking.

Blackened Seasoning

• You’ll need paprika, garlic powder, thyme, cayenne, and chili powder for the blackened seasoning. You can swap out thyme for other dried herbs and the cayenne for Cajun seasoning.

Low-Carb Sugar

• I use golden Monk Fruit Sweetener to minimize the carb content in the salmon dish, but brown sugar also performs nicely if carb levels aren’t a concern for you.

Butter

• Use unsalted, melted butter to give the salmon a rich flavor and help the seasoning stick. You can use oil instead, but I prefer butter because it creates a nice charred coating for the salmon. If the salmon is too cold, the butter may harden when you brush it on, so work quickly to add the seasoning right after to ensure it sticks well.

Salt & Pepper

• Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as desired. I recommend taste testing to ensure the flavor meets your preference.

Garnish

• You can use any garnish you like, but lemon wedges, fresh arugula, and baby tomatoes are nice additions to this delicious blackened salmon.

Equipment you will need

• A flat non-stick skillet or a cast iron skillet is ideal for this dish. Choose a pan you trust to prevent the salmon from sticking to the surface. I prefer using a non-stick pancake skillet when cooking my salmon, as the seasoning does not cling to the pan.
• I recommend using parchment paper to press the seasoning onto the salmon firmly to avoid the mess that can sometimes occur when seasoning fish and meats..
• Two spatulas help with flipping the salmon over; avoid using tongs.

How to Make Blackened Salmon

1) Prepare the blackened seasoning:

Mix the spices, salt, and pepper with a small whisk or fork in a bowl to create the blackened seasoning mix. Set it aside.

2) Prepare the salmon:

Pat dry the salmon fillets and arrange them, skin side down (if using salmon with the skin on), in a dish or tray. This will serve as your station for coating them with the blackened seasoning.

3) Brush with butter and coat salmon with seasoning:

Brush melted butter over the salmon fillets, then immediately sprinkle a tablespoon of the seasoning over each piece to ensure it’s fully covered. If you use skinless salmon, reserve some of the seasoning for later (to sprinkle on the other side while cooking).

4) Pat down the blackened seasoning:

Place a piece of parchment paper over the seasoned salmon, pressing down firmly to help the seasoning adhere to the butter. This tip helps prevent messy hands, especially when hurrying to cook the salmon on a weeknight.

5) Cook the salmon, blackened seasoned side down:

Turn on your vent or fan above the stove, then heat a nonstick pan or skillet with the vent or fan on medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, carefully place the salmon fillets seasoned side down onto the skillet and let them cook undisturbed for about 6 minutes. If you think the heat is too high, reduce it slightly. However, the pan must be hot to achieve that signature charred, blackened texture.

6) Brush melted butter and add the remaining seasoning:

Brush some melted butter over the top side and sprinkle the remaining seasoning if using skinless salmon. There’s no need to press down; just let it sit on top and mesh with the butter.

7) Flip the salmon over:

Using two spatulas, slide one underneath a salmon piece and use the other to hold it in place as you gently flip it over. It should be sizzling, charred and nicely blackened, or dark brown.

8) Continue cooking the salmon:

Cook for about six more minutes until the sides change to a light pink and meet in the middle. For the salmon to be fully cooked, a temperature reading should be between 135°F and 145°F. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

9) Garnish:

Add lemon wedges, fresh arugula, and baby tomatoes around the salmon before serving.

Useful Tips

• When preparing the salmon, sprinkle the seasoning immediately after brushing the fish with melted butter. This ensures that the seasoning adheres well, as a cold salmon can cause the butter to solidify, resulting in the seasoning falling off during cooking. While melted butter is preferred for its ability to char nicely, you can also use vegetable or avocado oil as alternatives.
• Alternatively, let the salmon sit out for 15-20 minutes to bring it closer to room temperature so the butter does not solidify.
• Use a nonstick pan and ensure it is hot enough to start charring the blackening season immediately. Once in the pan, do not fiddle with the salmon; let it sizzle away without interference, and let the seasoning do its magic!
• I watch the sides of the salmon while it is cooking. This helps me determine how far it has cooked and when it’s ready to turn over. I like to season only the top of the salmon, while other recipes call for seasoning it all over. I find that method messy, and I prefer to see how the salmon is cooking.
• Use the seasoning on fish, chicken, pork, beef, or tofu.

What to serve with Blackened Salmon

For a delightful meal, serve perfectly blackened salmon seasoned with spices and various sides.

Asparagus:

Pair it with tender, roasted asparagus lightly drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt for added flavor.

Cauliflower Mash:

Accompany this with a creamy cauliflower mash. Steam the cauliflower until tender and blend it with butter and seasonings for a rich, smooth texture.

Poke Bowl:

Additionally, prepare a refreshing keto poke bowl, featuring flakes of blackened salmon tossed with avocado, cucumber, and a soy or coconut aminos dressing for a burst of taste.

Sauteed vegetables:

Complete the meal with fresh, sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and snap peas, lightly sautéed in garlic for a vibrant and nutritious touch.

Caesar Salad:

Serve it alongside a Caesar salad drizzled with my homemade low-calorie Caesar dressing.

Can You Freeze Blackened Salmon?

Here are some methods for storing blackened salmon, whether you’re dealing with leftovers or planning ahead.

Storage in Refrigeration: To keep it fresh, place your cooked salmon in a well-sealed container in the refrigerator. It will remain good for up to two days.  

Freezing Options: If you need to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to a month. However, it’s worth mentioning that freezing cooked salmon might not be the best choice, as it can become soggy after thawing, and the crispy texture of the blackening seasoning may suffer.  

Thawing Instructions: If you decide to freeze the salmon, be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.  

Reheating for Crispiness: To regain its crispiness, reheat it in an oven set to 350°F, or use an air fryer and then put it under the grill for about 5 minutes, monitoring closely until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.

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