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Blackened Salmon Recipe Easy Cajun Butter Skillet Dinner

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A quick and flavorful blackened salmon recipe cooked in a cast iron skillet with a rich Cajun butter finish, delivering a crispy crust and tender, flaky interior.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Salmon fillets, skin-on, about 6 ounces (170g) each
  • Cajun seasoning blend (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • Fresh lemon juice from half a lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cajun butter: In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons softened unsalted butter with 1 tablespoon of your Cajun seasoning blend until well combined. Set aside.
  2. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. Season both sides of each salmon fillet generously with the Cajun seasoning blend.
  4. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive or avocado oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  5. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. Press down gently with a spatula or tongs to ensure even contact. Cook without moving for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and edges start to turn opaque.
  6. Flip the salmon fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the blackened crust is deep and the salmon flakes easily but remains moist.
  7. Lower the heat to medium-low and dollop the prepared Cajun butter over each fillet. Spoon the melting butter over the salmon to coat it and keep it juicy. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  8. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
  9. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

Use medium-high heat to avoid burning spices. Flip salmon only once for best crust. Pat salmon dry before seasoning. If butter browns too quickly, reduce heat. For dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Store leftovers refrigerated up to 2 days and reheat gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: blackened salmon, Cajun butter, skillet dinner, quick salmon recipe, easy dinner, Cajun seasoning, healthy salmon, cast iron skillet

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/blackened-salmon-recipe-easy-cajun-butter-skillet-dinner/