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Oven Baked Blackened Salmon

oven baked blackened salmon - featured image

A quick and easy oven baked blackened salmon recipe that delivers juicy, tender fish with a perfectly crisp, smoky crust in about 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners with simple pantry ingredients and bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on or skinless
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked if possible

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  3. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
  4. Brush both sides of the salmon fillets lightly with olive oil or melted butter.
  5. Generously sprinkle the blackened seasoning over the top of each fillet and press gently to adhere.
  6. Place the salmon fillets skin side down (if skin-on) on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 125-130°F (51-54°C) for medium-rare or longer for well-done. The flesh should flake easily but remain moist.
  8. Remove from oven and let the salmon rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Use olive oil or melted butter to help spices stick and keep the salmon moist. Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level. Avoid flipping the salmon during baking to maintain the blackened crust. Let the salmon rest after baking for juiciness. For a tropical twist, substitute olive oil with melted coconut oil or use ghee for richer flavor. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and taste better after resting overnight. Reheat gently in a low oven covered with foil to avoid drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: blackened salmon, oven baked salmon, easy salmon recipe, quick dinner, healthy salmon, spicy salmon, weeknight meal