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Cajun Blackened Salmon

Cajun Blackened Salmon is a hearty main dish made with simple ingredients.  Perfect for a weeknight meal because it's quick and easy to make.   Recipe and photography by Beverly Davis for CornbreadMillionaire.com.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: salmon
Servings: 3 servings

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3-4 salmon fillets
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika or use regular paprika
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper use 1/2 teaspoon for less heat
  • 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt use more or less as preferred
  • chopped fresh parsley for garnish optional

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  • After removing salmon from refrigerator, allow to sit on counter until room temperature. This will make the fish tender. Cooking cold fish tends to make it tough.
  • Rinse room temperature salmon and pat dry with paper towels.
  • Place salmon fillets on a cutting board. Rub olive oil over all sides of salmon fillets. Set aside.
  • In small bowl, add brown sugar, smoked paprika (or regular paprika), oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, ground black pepper, and salt. Stir until well combined.
  • Use hands to generously coat both sides of salmon fillets with rub.
  • Warm skillet on top of stove to over medium heat until hot (2-3 minutes). Do not add oil to skillet.
  • Turn heat off before placing salmon fillets skin-side-down in HOT skillet.
  • Carefully place skillet in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes OR until desired doneness.
  • When salmon fillets reach desired doneness, remove from oven. Allow to rest 5 minutes.
  • Before serving, garnish each salmon fillet with chopped parsley (optional).