Blackened Salmon
4 servings Blackened salmon is a popular restaurant meal that is delicious but also a little bit secretive because of its’ blackened color. The great news is that my recipe will unwrap that secret for you and present you with a recipe that is super easy and super-fast to make! x saved Tom the Chef Founder January 18, 2024 20 min.20 min.1/5 20 min. 20 min. 1/5 Ingredients: Main ingredients: 1 TBSP of ground paprika (or smoked paprika for smoky flavor)1 TBSP of ground cayenne pepper - ground1 TSP of oregano - dried1 TSP of thyme - dried½ TSP of pepper - ground1 TSP of salt4 cloves of garlic - peeled and grated (or pressed)4 fillets of salmon - skin on (or without skin)2 TBSP of frying oil (any kind) 1 TBSP of ground paprika (or smoked paprika for smoky flavor) 1 TBSP of ground cayenne pepper - ground 1 TSP of oregano - dried 1 TSP of thyme - dried ½ TSP of pepper - ground 1 TSP of salt 4 cloves of garlic - peeled and grated (or pressed) 4 fillets of salmon - skin on (or without skin) 2 TBSP of frying oil (any kind) Tools: 1x Measuring Cups1x Measuring Spoons1x Chef’s knife1x Cutting Board1x Medium Mixing Bowl (3 – 4 QT)1x French Whisk1x Small Hand Grater or Garlic Press1x Silicone Brush1x Plate1x Large Sauté Pan or Stir Fry Pan (12″ or more and ovenproof)1x Fish Turner (or other turner)1x Food Thermometer (probe)1x Lemon Squeezer (optional) 1x Measuring Cups 1x Measuring Spoons 1x Chef’s knife 1x Cutting Board 1x Medium Mixing Bowl (3 – 4 QT) 1x French Whisk 1x Small Hand Grater or Garlic Press 1x Silicone Brush 1x Plate 1x Large Sauté Pan or Stir Fry Pan (12″ or more and ovenproof) 1x Fish Turner (or other turner) 1x Food Thermometer (probe) 1x Lemon Squeezer (optional) Directions: 1. Seasoning rub: 1.1. Place into a large mixing bowl: 1 TBSP of paprika 1 TBSP of ground cayenne pepper 1 TSP of dried oregano 1 TSP of dried thyme ½ TSP of ground pepper 1 TSP of salt Stir together with a whisk until fully incorporated (about 30 seconds). 2. Salmon preparation: 2.1. Make sure that the salmon fillets are properly rinsed under cold water. Note: If you bought salmon with the skin, you can optionally remove it ,but I would encourage you to leave it on since properly cooked salmon skin is delicate. 2.2. Cut the salmon fillet into individual fillets (unless this has already been done). 2.3. Place individual fillets on a plate and grate garlic directly on the top of each fillet – not on the skin side (1 individual fillet = 1 clove of garlic) and spread it with a silicone brush. 2.4. Place each piece, one-by-one, into a large bowl with the seasoning rub. Coat each piece of meat evenly, and then place each back on the plate for the next step. 3. Pan fry with finishing in the oven: 3.1. Set oven to preheat at 350°F. 3.2. Preheat the fry pan on medium-high heat with 2 TBSP of frying oil. 3.3. Place the coated salmon fillets into the fry pan (skin-side down). 3.4. Pan fry from each side until blackened – the salmon turns to a darker brown color (about 1 – 2 minutes on each of all 4 sides). Tip: Extend the cook time on the skin to 2 – 3 minutes to reach a crispy skin texture (if your fillets have skin). 3.5. Place into a preheated oven until fully cooked (about 5 minutes). * 4. Serving: 4.1. Place each fillet on a plate, squeeze lemon on top, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. 4.2. Serve with herbed rice or other side. * Check with a food thermometer to make sure that you have reached the minimum recommended safe serving temperature for fish of 145°F. Kitchen Guide Fish USDA minimum safe internal temperature is 145°F Popular serving temperatures: 110 – 125°F – Rare 125 – 140°F – Medium Rare 145 – 155°F – Medium 110 – 125°F – Rare 125 – 140°F – Medium Rare 145 – 155°F – Medium Unlocking the Secrets of Blackened Salmon: A Culinary Adventure for the Home Chef Read more The allure of blackened salmon is undeniable. It’s a dish that whispers promises of smoky depths and fiery flavors, a culinary symphony played out on your taste buds. You’ve likely encountered it in upscale restaurants, presented with an air of sophistication and expertise. But what if I told you that this seemingly complex dish is well within the reach of the home chef? That you, armed with a simple recipe and a touch of culinary curiosity, could recreate this masterpiece in your own kitchen? Today, we’re embarking on a journey to demystify the art of blackening salmon. We’ll peel back the layers of intrigue, revealing the techniques and flavors that make this dish so captivating. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a culinary playground, where the sizzle of the pan and the aroma of spices will transport you to a world of gastronomic delight. The Blackened Mystique: More Than Just a Scorched Surface Let’s begin by addressing the elephant in the room – the “blackened” part. It’s not about burning your beautiful salmon to a crisp! Instead, it’s about creating a flavorful crust, a symphony of spices that dance with the heat of the pan to form a caramelized masterpiece. This crust, my friend, is what seals in the salmon’s natural juices, resulting in a tender, flaky, and oh-so-flavorful experience. Our spice blend is the key to unlocking this blackened magic. We’re talking about a vibrant ensemble of paprika (and if you’re feeling adventurous, a touch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of smoky goodness), fiery cayenne pepper to awaken the palate, earthy oregano and thyme to ground the flavors, and of course, the dynamic duo of salt and pepper. This blend, when generously applied to our salmon, is the foundation upon which our culinary masterpiece will be built. The Salmon Saga: A Four-Part Harmony Our Blackened Salmon adventure unfolds in four distinct movements, each playing a crucial role in the final crescendo of flavor: Movement 1: The Spice Overture. We begin by orchestrating our spice blend. In a large bowl, we’ll whisk together our paprika, cayenne, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper, creating a fragrant cloud of anticipation. Movement 2: Preparing the Maestro. Next, we turn our attention to the star of the show – the salmon. A gentle rinse under cold water, followed by a delicate application of freshly grated garlic (because let’s face it, garlic elevates everything it touches!), prepares our salmon for its grand entrance. Then, it’s time for a luxurious bath in our spice blend, ensuring every inch of the fillet is coated in this flavorful armor. Movement 3: The Sizzle and Sear Sonata. Now, the real drama begins! A hot pan, glistening with a touch of oil, awaits our spice-clad salmon. With a confident hand, we lay the fillets down, listening to the satisfying sizzle as the crust begins to form. We’ll sear each side, creating that beautiful blackened exterior while preserving the tender, flaky heart within. A brief sojourn in a preheated oven ensures our salmon reaches the perfect pitch of doneness. Movement 4: The Grand Finale. With our salmon cooked to perfection, it’s time for the final flourish. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright counterpoint to the smoky depths, while a sprinkle of salt and pepper provides the final seasoning. And there you have it – a culinary masterpiece, ready to take its place on your plate. Beyond the Blackened Canvas: A World of Culinary Exploration While our Blackened Salmon undoubtedly holds the spotlight, a truly remarkable performance requires a supporting cast. Imagine a bed of fluffy herbed rice, soaking up the flavorful juices. Or perhaps a side of crispy roasted potatoes, offering a delightful textural contrast. And for a touch of vibrancy, why not add a medley of sauteed vegetables? The possibilities are endless, limited only by your imagination. So there you have it – the secrets of Blackened Salmon, laid bare. This recipe is your passport to culinary adventure, a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most extraordinary experiences are born from the simplest of ingredients. Now, go forth and create your own culinary symphony! Read less About the Author: Tom the ChefFounder # 1 120 Followers Published Recipes: 268Av. Recipe Evaluation: Location: Iowa, USAMember since: 2023-02-02 Published Recipes: 268 Av. Recipe Evaluation: Location: Iowa, USA Member since: 2023-02-02 Disclaimer All content and information (including recipes, articles, and other materials) on CookingHub.com are the opinions of the authors and are not intended to provide dietary, medical, legal, or political advice. Consult with a professional before deciding to follow these opinions. Authors and www.CookingHub.com (operated by CookingHub Foundation) are not responsible for any part of any possible outcome or its consequences, which include (but are not limited to): Any health risk related to the handling of food, food quality, and/or not following USDA recommendations (including minimum safe serving temperatures and other guidelines). Safety during preparation, including the handling of equipment and the equipment’s suitability for food preparation. Improper performance of cooking techniques. Sourcing of ingredients, providing tools, equipment, and anything else related to the preparation and consumption of the products of this recipe. Nutritional data and information and diet-related information (and their accuracy). It is important to consult with your medical provider to ensure that the diet you are considering is suitable for you and to verify the information provided before proceeding. The overall outcome of following recipes, including the look and taste of the final product. Possible errors in articles and recipes (including incorrectly or unclearly explained steps and directions). Typos. Any health risk related to the handling of food, food quality, and/or not following USDA recommendations (including minimum safe serving temperatures and other guidelines). Safety during preparation, including the handling of equipment and the equipment’s suitability for food preparation. Improper performance of cooking techniques. Sourcing of ingredients, providing tools, equipment, and anything else related to the preparation and consumption of the products of this recipe. Nutritional data and information and diet-related information (and their accuracy). It is important to consult with your medical provider to ensure that the diet you are considering is suitable for you and to verify the information provided before proceeding. The overall outcome of following recipes, including the look and taste of the final product. Possible errors in articles and recipes (including incorrectly or unclearly explained steps and directions). Typos. All readers (users and visitors of www.CookingHub.com) are responsible for evaluating the recipes and articles and making their own decisions about whether to follow the steps and recommendations. 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