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Perfect Blackened Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce Recipe

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4.1 from 64 reviews

This Perfect Blackened Salmon recipe offers a flavorful sear on the stovetop followed by gentle finishing in the oven to ensure a tender, flaky texture. Seasoned with a smoky, spicy blend of herbs and spices, the salmon pairs beautifully with a creamy, zesty dill sauce that complements the bold flavors. Ideal for serving with salads, tacos, or on its own, this dish is simple, quick, and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Dill Sauce

  • 1/2 cup sour cream, regular or dairy-free
  • 1/4 cup mayo
  • 3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Blackened Salmon

  • 4-6 salmon fillets, 6oz each, skin-on
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon chipotle pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided

Instructions

  1. Make Sauce: In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayo, fresh dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all flavors evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  2. Prep Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly with a clean paper towel to remove any moisture, which ensures a better sear.
  3. Make Seasoning: In a separate bowl, mix together paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, chipotle pepper, oregano, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper to create the blackened seasoning blend. Generously coat both sides of each salmon fillet with this seasoning.
  4. Apply Oil: Drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil evenly over the seasoned salmon. Rub it into each fillet to help the seasoning adhere and assist in achieving a crispy crust.
  5. Sear Salmon: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, swirling to coat the pan bottom. Place salmon in the skillet skin-side up and sear for about 1 to 3 minutes until a good char develops. Flip the fillets carefully so the skin side is down.
  6. Bake: Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven, placing it on the middle rack uncovered. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  7. Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Plate the salmon fillets and serve immediately alongside the chilled creamy dill sauce for a refreshing complement.

Notes

  • Patting the salmon dry before seasoning ensures a better sear and prevents steaming.
  • Adjust cayenne and chipotle pepper quantities to control the heat level to your preference.
  • If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, use an oven-safe heavy-bottom pan for searing and baking.
  • Leftover dill sauce can be refrigerated up to 3 days.
  • To check doneness, salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).