If you're looking to impress your family or guests with a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dish, this cast iron salmon recipe is just for you. When perfectly blackened and topped with a tropical pineapple habanero salsa, this recipe promises a flavorful and crispy blackened salmon that is sure to become a summer favorite.
Cast iron salmon combines the history of cast iron cooking with the deliciousness of fresh salmon. This method, popularized in the Southern United States, involves coating the salmon with spices and cooking it in a preheated cast iron skillet. The intense heat creates a crispy crust while keeping the fish tender and juicy.
Blackened salmon originated in Louisiana, where fish is coated in a flavorful spice mixture and cooked with this technique.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Deliciously Crispy Coating: The perfect blend of spices creates a tasty, crispy crust.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples and fresh salmon.
- Quick Cooking Time: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for a fast meal.
- Impressive Presentation: A show-stopping dish that's sure to wow your guests.
If you like this seafood recipe, you may also love our Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad or our seared scallops recipes.
Jump to:
- What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Instructions
- What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
- How Should You Store This?
- What Are Some Expert Tips?
- Why Cast Iron is a Good Method for Cooking Salmon
- More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
- Related
- FAQ
- 📖 Recipe
- Important Food Safety Tips
- 💬 Share Your Thoughts
What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Salmon Fillet: We used a fresh farm-raised salmon that was raise in aquifer water free of mercury and microplastics. Wild-caught salmon works well, too.
- Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick and adds richness.
- Blackened Seasoning: A mix of paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, white pepper, and salt.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
How to Make Cast Iron Salmon: Perfectly Blackened
STEP ONE: Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks well. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy crust.
STEP TWO: Season the Salmon
Sprinkle the blackened seasoning evenly over the fillet, pressing it gently to adhere.
STEP THREE: Preheat the Pan
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. This should take about 3-5 minutes and you should see a faint wisp of smoke. Add one tablespoon of olive oil and swirl it around in the skillet.
STEP FOUR: Cook the Salmon
Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillet into the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the fillet, until a dark crust forms and the salmon is cooked through.
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- Salmon: You can use other firm fish like red snapper or grouper.
- Blackened Seasoning: Use a store-bought Cajun seasoning mix if you're short on time.
How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Flavor: Add a squeeze of lemon juice for freshness.
- Spice: Adjust the cayenne pepper to make it milder or spicier.
- Equipment: Use an air fryer if you prefer a different cooking method.
- Budget-Friendly: Use frozen salmon fillets if fresh salmon is too pricey.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Cast iron skillet
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
How Should You Store This?
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
For the best results, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the salmon. This ensures a crispy crust and prevents sticking.
If you have leftovers, reheat them in a hot skillet or oven to maintain the crispiness.
Why Cast Iron is a Good Method for Cooking Salmon
- Even heat distribution ensures the salmon cooks evenly without hot spots.
- Cast iron skillets can maintain high temperatures for perfect searing and a crispy crust.
- The skillet develops a non-stick seasoned layer over time, enhancing flavor.
- Cast iron is built to last for generations with proper care, has no synthetic coating, and increases iron content in food.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Use extra pineapple habanero salsa on this Southwest Chicken Bowl with Pineapple Habanero Salsa.
- Leftover salmon would go well on this Salmon and Mango Salad.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- Pair this meal with seasonal veggies like roasted asparagus and Jasmine rice.
- A quinoa salad would make a light, nutritious side dish.
- Garlic mashed potatoes would be a great comfort food side dish.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Blackened Shrimp
- Grilled Swordfish
- Seared Scallops
- Easy Old Fashioned Salmon Patties
Related
More seafood recipes you will love:
FAQ
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Yes, just make sure it's fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning.
It has a bit of heat, but you can adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
📖 Recipe
Cast Iron Salmon: Perfectly Blackened
Equipment
- Spatula
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon fillet, descaled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil plus more if needed
- 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning
Blackened Seasoning
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1 cup pineapple habanero salsa
Instructions
- Cut the descaled salmon fillet into smaller portions if desired, or leave it whole.
- Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures a good sear.
- Sprinkle the blackened seasoning evenly over the fillet, pressing it gently into the fish to ensure it adheres well.
- Place a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Allow it to get hot. This typically takes about 3-5 minutes. Add one tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.
- Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillet into the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the fillet without moving. The salmon should develop a dark, crusty exterior while remaining moist and flaky inside.
- Remove the salmon from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the fish.
- Serve the blackened salmon with pineapple habanero salsa and a side of steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Salmon: You can use other firm fish like red snapper or grouper.
- Blackened Seasoning: Use a store-bought Cajun seasoning mix if you're short on time.
Nutrition
Enjoy the delicious flavor and crispy texture of this cast iron salmon, perfect for any meal! Share your cooking experiences and check out our other amazing recipes.
Important Food Safety Tips
Store leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days. Use separate cutting boards for raw and cooked fish to avoid cross-contamination.
- Create a clean work area.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat or seafood.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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