Q1: What is the difference between "blackened" and "burnt"?

This is the most important question! "Blackened" is a specific Cajun cooking technique where a piece of protein (usually fish) is coated in a generous amount of a specific spice blend and then cooked in a very hot skillet. The milk solids in the butter (if used) and the spices themselves toast and char, creating a dark, crispy, and incredibly flavorful crust . It is not burnt! The inside of the fish remains perfectly moist and tender.

Q2: What is the secret to a perfect, crispy crust on salmon?

The number one secret is to pat your salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel before you season them. Any excess moisture on the surface of the fish will create steam in the hot pan and will prevent that beautiful, crisp crust from forming.

Q3: How do I know for sure when my salmon is cooked through without it being dry?

The salmon is perfectly cooked when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fillet and gently twisting it. If the fish separates easily into beautiful, flaky layers, it is done. Be careful not to overcook it!

Q4: Can I make this blackening seasoning ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! It is a fantastic idea to make a large batch of this homemade blackening seasoning and store it in an airtight jar in your spice cabinet. It will keep for several months and is fantastic on all sorts of fish, chicken, and even vegetables.

Q5: Is this recipe spicy?

As written, this recipe has a medium level of heat from the 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in the spice blend. If you would like a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper to 1/2 or 1/4 of a teaspoon. If you love a lot of heat, feel free to increase it!

The Best Easy Blackened Salmon (Healthy 30-Minute Meal!)

Blackened Salmon (Healthy 30-Minute Meal!)

A healthy and flavorful one-pan (mostly) meal featuring pan-seared blackened salmon served with a medley of charred, roasted vegetables. A colorful mix of zucchini, red bell pepper, and red onion are tossed with smoked paprika and olive oil, then roasted in a hot oven until tender and slightly charred. While the vegetables are roasting, salmon fillets are coated in a blackening seasoning and seared in a hot skillet until they are cooked through and have a classic blackened crust. The salmon is served on top of the vegetables with fresh lemon wedges.

Author: Evelyn

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
2 tbsp blackening seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
1 zucchini, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 red onion, sliced
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, toss the sliced zucchini, red bell pepper, and red onion with the olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until charred and tender.
While the vegetables are roasting, rub the salmon fillets on all sides with the blackening seasoning.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until the seasoning is blackened and the fish is cooked through.
Serve the seared salmon fillets on top of the roasted vegetables.
Garnish with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the fish.

Notes

This is a complete, healthy meal that is both gluten-free and low in carbohydrates.
Cooking the vegetables and salmon concurrently makes for an efficient workflow, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
A hot skillet is key to achieving the ‘blackened’ crust on the salmon without overcooking the inside.

Find it online: https://cookupjoy.com/easy-blackened-salmon/