Blackened Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

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Craving a restaurant-worthy dish that's both flavorful and good for you? Look no further than blackened salmon with lemon butter sauce! This recipe takes advantage of a powerful seasoning technique – blackening – to create a crispy, deeply flavorful crust on perfectly cooked salmon. Don't worry, the blackening process is surprisingly simple and uses a spice blend you might already have in your pantry.

As a registered dietitian, I'm always excited by dishes that combine delicious taste with healthy ingredients. Salmon is a superstar when it comes to nutrition, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, lean protein, and essential vitamins. The blackening spices add a unique kick without being overwhelming, and the lemon butter sauce brings a touch of brightness and creaminess to the dish. Plus, the entire recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.

So, ditch the takeout menus and get ready to whip up a restaurant-quality meal at home! This blackened salmon with lemon butter sauce is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Blackened Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce

Blackened Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce is a must-try dish that's perfectly seasoned, wonderfully flaky, and super easy to prepare. Even if you're not a big fan of fish, this recipe, ready in under 30 minutes, might just change your mind. The rich lemon butter sauce makes it truly irresistible.

Preparation time: 10 minutes.    Yield: 3 servings.    Cooking time: 15 minutes

Ingredients for Blackened Salmon

• 3 salmon fillets (6oz each)
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
• Lemon slices, for garnish

For the Lemon Butter Sauce

• 1 stick salted butter (1/2 cup – 4oz), softened (or ghee for paleo)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 garlic clove, pressed or minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder, or Cayenne
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions

1. Prepare the Spice Mix: Combine paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, basil, Cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Coat the salmon fillets with a bit of olive oil, then generously season with the spice mix.
2. Make the Lemon Butter: In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, parsley, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and lemon juice. Stir until well combined and refrigerate while cooking the salmon.
3. Cook the Salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets and cook for about 4-5 minutes until crispy and blackened. Flip the fillets and cook for another 4-6 minutes. If the salmon browns too quickly, reduce the heat.
4. Finish and Serve: Top each blackened salmon fillet with a dollop of the lemon herb butter, allowing it to melt slowly. Garnish with lemon slices. Serve the salmon with sides like sautéed zucchini, asparagus, or cauliflower rice. Enjoy!

Tips for Cooking Blackened Salmon

1. Choose Wild-Caught Salmon: Whenever possible, opt for wild-caught salmon. It's packed with nutrients and free from antibiotics, making it a healthier choice.

2. Select Center-Cut Pieces: Look for thicker, center-cut salmon fillets. They cook more evenly and offer better flavor.

3. Use a Quality Pan: A good non-stick pan, preferably cast-iron, will give you the best results for a nice, even sear.

4. Bring Salmon to Room Temperature: Let your salmon fillets sit at room temperature before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve a great crust.

5. Flip Carefully: Minimize flipping the salmon to prevent the fillets from breaking apart. Allow the salmon to cook properly on one side before flipping.

Why We Love Blackened Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce

Delicious and Nutritious

1. Flavor Explosion: Blackened salmon is packed with bold, spicy flavors balanced perfectly by the rich and tangy lemon butter sauce. This combination makes every bite a delightful experience.

2. Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and can be prepared in under 30 minutes. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious, healthy meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

3. Nutrient-Rich: Salmon is a powerhouse of nutrients, providing high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for heart health. The spices used in blackening add antioxidants, while the lemon juice provides a vitamin C boost. Opting for ghee in the lemon butter sauce offers a healthy fat alternative suitable for paleo diets.

4. Versatile: This dish can be served with a variety of sides, making it easy to adapt to different dietary preferences and available ingredients.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Blackened Salmon: Increase the Cayenne or add some crushed red pepper flakes to the spice mix for an extra kick. This version is great for those who enjoy a bit more heat.

2. Herb-Infused Lemon Butter: Add fresh herbs like dill or thyme to the lemon butter sauce for a different flavor profile. These herbs complement the salmon beautifully and add an extra layer of freshness.

3. Citrus Glazed Salmon: Substitute some of the lemon juice with orange juice or zest for a citrusy twist. This variation adds a sweet and tangy flavor that's incredibly refreshing.

4. Garlic Parmesan Crusted Salmon: Mix some grated Parmesan cheese into the spice blend for a savory crust. This adds a deliciously cheesy note to the blackened salmon.

5. Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon: Before blackening, brush the salmon fillets with a mixture of honey and Dijon mustard. This adds a sweet and tangy glaze that pairs wonderfully with the spices.

How to Make It

Here’s a quick recap of how to prepare our favorite Blackened Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce:

1. Prepare the Spice Mix: Combine paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, basil, Cayenne, salt, and black pepper.

2. Season the Salmon: Coat salmon fillets with olive oil and generously sprinkle with the spice mix.

3. Make the Lemon Butter: Mix softened butter with parsley, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and lemon juice. Refrigerate until ready to use.

4. Sear the Salmon: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon skin-side up for 3-5 minutes, then flip and sear for another 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.

5. Finish and Serve: Top each fillet with a dollop of lemon herb butter and let it melt. Garnish with lemon slices and serve with your favorite sides.

Nutritional Benefits

Blackened Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce is not only delicious but also offers numerous health benefits:

• High-Quality Protein: Essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Promote heart health and reduce inflammation.
• Antioxidants: From the spices, which help combat oxidative stress.
• Vitamin C: From the lemon juice, boosting immune health.
• Healthy Fats: Using ghee or olive oil provides beneficial fats that support overall well-being.

How to Pan Sear Blackened Salmon

1. Preheat Your Pan: Use a high-quality nonstick pan and heat it over medium-high heat before adding your salmon.

2. Sear Skin-Side Up: Place the salmon fillets skin-side up and sear for 3-5 minutes.

3. Flip and Sear: Flip the salmon and sear for another 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. For thicker pieces, cook a bit longer to ensure they're cooked through.

What Sides to Serve with Blackened Salmon

Blackened salmon pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes
• French Potatoes
• Brown Rice
• Pasta
• Sautéed Vegetables: Zucchini, cauliflower, or broccoli make great options.

How Long to Keep Cooked Blackened Salmon

• Refrigerate: Store the cooled blackened salmon in an airtight container. It will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the cooled salmon in sealed airtight containers. It will keep for up to 1 month.

Enjoy your delicious, nutrient-packed blackened salmon with your favorite sides, and feel good knowing you're making a healthy choice!