Dinner

Baked Blackened Salmon Recipe

Name: Baked Blackened Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Salmon filet (or 4, 4-6 oz pieces); 1 tsp Olive oil; 1 tbsp Paprika (smoked or regular); 1 tsp Brown sugar; 1 tsp Chili powder (use cayenne if you prefer it spicy); 0.5 tsp powdered Onion; 0.5 tsp Garlic powder; 0.25 tsp Sea salt; 0.25 tsp dried Oregano; 0.25 tsp fresh cracked Pepper

Byluca Carter August 30, 2026August 30, 2026

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Introduction

This baked blackened salmon recipe delivers a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner with a smoky, spicy kick. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for those who want a delicious, healthy meal without the fuss.

A thick, grilled salmon fillet with a dark, crispy seared top layer and a moist, light orange bottom layer sits at the center of a white plate. Behind it, bright green steamed broccoli florets form a small mound with a quarter slice of lemon resting beside them. To the left, there is a small serving of dark purple seaweed salad. The plate is sprinkled with cracked black pepper and garnished with a sprig of fresh green rosemary on the right side. The whole dish is set on a white marbled surface with soft, natural light highlighting the textures and colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb Salmon filet (or 4 pieces, 4-6 oz each)
1 tsp Olive oil

1 tbsp Paprika (smoked or regular)
1 tsp Brown sugar

1 tsp Chili powder (use cayenne for more heat)
0.5 tsp Powdered onion

0.5 tsp Garlic powder
1/4 tsp Sea salt
1/4 tsp Dried oregano

1/4 tsp Fresh cracked pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with foil and spray it lightly with nonstick spray.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, powdered onion, garlic powder, sea salt, dried oregano, and fresh cracked pepper. Stir well to create your blackening seasoning and set aside.

Step 3: Place the salmon on the prepared sheet pan. Rub the olive oil over the entire surface of the salmon using your hands or a basting brush.
Step 4: Sprinkle the blackening seasoning evenly over the salmon, using as much or as little as you like. Be careful to avoid cross-contamination from the raw fish if handling leftover seasoning.
Step 5: Bake the salmon for about 15 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F at the thickest part.

Step 6: Remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the temperature to rise to 145°F, ensuring it’s fully cooked and juicy.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or swap it entirely for cayenne pepper.
Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor that complements the blackening spices perfectly.

Leftover blackening seasoning can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months—great for future seafood dishes.
Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime to brighten the rich flavors.

Storage

Store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying it out. Avoid freezing cooked salmon as it can alter the texture.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a thick piece of cooked salmon with a dark, crispy, slightly charred top layer and a bright orange, flaky bottom layer. Behind the salmon, steamed green broccoli florets and a wedge of yellow lemon add color. On the side, there is a small pile of dark purple seaweed. The plate sits on a wooden board with sprigs of fresh green herbs around it, and the surface below is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw the salmon completely before applying the seasoning to ensure even cooking and proper flavor absorption.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Cooking until it reaches 135°F and then resting for 5-10 minutes allows carryover heat to finish cooking it perfectly.