Blackened Salmon with Green Sauce

This Blackened Salmon with Green Sauce has a seared crust that’s loaded with bold flavours and served with a refreshing green sauce that’s loaded with lime and cilantro. The whole dish comes together in less than 20 minutes and is perfect for weeknight dinner. This Blackened Salmon is Paleo, Whole30, Keto, Grain Free, Gluten Free, Dairy Free and Specific Carbohydrate Diet Legal. 

 

 

WHY YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THIS BLACKENED SALMON 

• The bold flavours! The blackened crust on this salmon is incredibly flavourful and really enhances the taste of the salmon. 
• It takes just 20 minutes to make: This recipe couldn’t be any easier to make and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. 
• Leftovers are super tasty and can be enjoyed over a few days for easy meals. 
• The quick cook time ensures the salmon is crisp on the outside and moist and flakey inside.

 

 

COULD I USE THIS SPICE ON A DIFFERENT TYPE OF FISH? 

I recommend using a white fish such as cod, halibut, tilapia or catfish in place of salmon. I would not suggest using sole or sea bass which are too delicate for this blackened crust.

 

HOW TO MAKE THIS BLACKENED SALMON SPECIFIC CARBOHYDRATE DIET LEGAL 

Garlic powder is the only ingredient that might make this recipe illegal on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet Legal. Additives are often used to prevent garlic powder and onion powder from binding (also known as anticaking agents). From my research online I have found that Simply Organic and Primal Palate both produce garlic powder without anticaking agents so I recommend using one of them if you are on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet and wanting to make this Blackened Salmon. 

 

 

 

WHICH SPICES DO I USE? 

I love the blend of spices used in this Blackened Salmon recipe which take inspiration from Cajun cooking. Feel free to add more or less of each spice depending on what you prefer.

• Cayenne Powder: this is what gives this salmon a real kick of spice.
• Paprika: I recommend using smoked paprika if you have it, but other types also work.
• Oregano: Use only dried oregano, not fresh
• Thyme: Use only dried thyme, not fresh
• Garlic Powder: Can be substituted for onion powder

 

IS THIS BLACKENED SALMON SPICY 

The quantity of spices listed in this recipe create a mild to medium spice level, but you can easily adjust this recipe to be milder or spicier to suit your taste. For a more kid friendly recipe I would recommend only adding 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper whereas if you like things spicy increase the amount of cayenne to 1 1/2 or 2 teaspoons. 

 

 

HOW TO GET THE PERFECT BLACKENED CRUST

Blackened doesn’t mean burnt, instead it is a toasted crust that coats the salmon. There are a few simple tricks that ensure you get a nicely blackened crust on the salmon. 

1. Completely coat each salmon fillet in a thick layer of spices. I like to rub the spices all over the salmon and firmly press down to ensure they really stick to the fillets. 
2. Make sure the skillet is HOT before adding in the salmon, this will not only create a nice dark crust but will also ensure that the salmon doesn’t stick to the pan and can easily be flipped. 
3. After placing the salmon in the skillet, leave it untouched for 3 minutes. 

 

 

HOW TO KNOW WHEN THE SALMON IS COOKED 

There are a few different ways to check if the salmon is cooked. For the most accurate results, use a thermometer and test the thickest part of a fillet. You are looking for a reading of 140 degrees Fahrenheit (slightly undercooked) as the salmon will continue to cook once removed from the pan and reach 145 degrees (done) within a few minutes of resting. Another way to check whether the salmon is cooked is by using a sharp knife and cutting into the thickest part of a fillet. The salmon is ready when it flakes and is slightly translucent still in the middle. 

 

WHAT TYPE OF PAN SHOULD I USE? 

I prefer using a cast iron skillet for this recipe because it creates the best blackened crust on the salmon. I have found it harder to create a blackened crust when using a nonstick pan. 

 

 

WHAT’S IN THE GREEN SAUCE? 

This green sauce takes just minutes to make and is a really refreshing sauce to help lightened up the spicy bold flavours of the blackened salmon. To make the green sauce simply place everything in a blender and blend until smooth. So what’s in the sauce?

• Mayonnaise – you can use store bought, home made or vegan mayonnaise for this sauce. 
• Green Onions/Scallions – both the white and green parts can be used 
• Cilantro – not a fan of cilantro? You can use parsley in the sauce instead. 
• Garlic – use fresh garlic cloves rather then minced in a jar for the best flavor. 
• Lime Juice – depending on how zesty you like things, feel free to add in more lime juice or the lime zest too for extra flavor. 

 

 

WHAT SHOULD I SERVE WITH THIS BLACKENED SALMON? 

This Blackened Salmon is delicious served with a simple salad of cucumber, tomatoes and oil and vinegar dressing. If you would like a more substantial salad Kale salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing or Creamy Coleslaw would both be delicious! If you prefer to serve it with veggies I recommend roasted broccoli, steamed asparagus or cauliflower rice. The salmon has so much flavour that I recommend keeping the side dishes simple. 

 

WHAT ABOUT LEFTOVERS? 

Leftover Blackened Salmon will last for 3 days in the fridge. I like eating leftovers cold on a salad, or flaked and added into scrambled eggs. To reheat the salmon place it on a baking tray and bake it in the oven for 10 minutes at 300° Fahrenheit (150° Celsius) until just warmed through or in a skillet on medium heat. Extra green sauce will last for 4 days in the fridge and can be served with roasted veggies, chicken or beef too!

 

 

Here are a few more salmon recipes that you might enjoy…

• Pistachio Crusted Salmon
• 12-Minute Herb & Mayo Salmon
• Spicy Baked Salmon
• Orange Salmon
• Garlic Honey Mustard Salmon
• Easy Spinach Stuffed Salmon
• Salmon Nicoise Traybake
• Coconut Ginger Salmon
• Sheet Pan Teriyaki Salmon
• Sesame Salmon

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If you make this recipe let me know in the comment section below, I would love to hear what you think or take a photo and tag me (@everylastbite_) on Instagram, I love seeing your photos!