Simple Blackened Salmon with Garlic-Lime Butter
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 8 minutes
This is my go-to blackened salmon recipe for when I want something bold, fast, and packed with flavor—no fancy pans required. You don’t need a cast-iron skillet to get that crispy, spicy crust. A good nonstick pan and high heat do the trick beautifully. This recipe comes together in under 20 minutes and feels like something you'd get at a restaurant.
Spicy blackened salmon fillet topped with garlic-lime butter, served with roasted asparagus
f you’ve ever been intimidated by making fish at home, this is your sign to go for it. Salmon is actually super forgiving, and this version is all about simplicity. You’ll rub it with a smoky-spicy blend of pantry spices, then pan-sear it until the edges get golden and the inside stays tender and juicy. No need to turn the oven on or stress about timing—it’s just a hot pan, some butter, and a few minutes on the stove.
The key here is a solid nonstick skillet and making sure your salmon is dry before it hits the pan. That helps the spice blend cling and gives you that beautiful blackened look without needing tons of oil or high-end cookware. I like to finish it with a quick garlic-lime butter because it adds this lush, citrusy note that brings everything together. Serve it with rice, greens, or tucked into tacos—you really can’t go wrong.
The best part? It scales up or down super easily. Make it for one or cook a few fillets for a dinner party. You can even meal prep a couple at once and serve them cold over salad the next day. It’s that kind of versatile, make-it-on-repeat recipe that earns a spot in your regular rotation.
Ingredients
🍽️ Servings: 2 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: 385
2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
1 tbsp neutral oil (like avocado or canola)
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried oregano or thyme
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (more if you love heat)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
For the Finishing Butter:
1½ tbsp butter
1 garlic clove, finely minced
1 tsp lime juice
Zest of ½ lime
Steps
Step 1
Pat the salmon fillets very dry with paper towels.
Step 2
In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Step 3
Rub the spice blend all over the tops and sides of the salmon fillets.
Step 4
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil.
Step 5
When the oil is shimmering, place the salmon seasoned-side down. Cook for 4 minutes without moving it.
Step 6
Flip gently and cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes, until it’s just cooked through.
Step 7
While salmon cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in garlic, lime juice, and zest.
Step 8
Drizzle the garlic-lime butter over the salmon just before serving.
Make it your own!
🌶️ Mild it out
Skip the cayenne if you're spice-sensitive, or just use a pinch for gentle warmth.🍊 Try orange instead of lime
A splash of fresh orange juice and zest gives it a sweet-citrus twist.🌿 Add fresh herbs
Stir in some chopped cilantro, parsley, or dill to brighten the butter.🌮 Blackened salmon tacos
Flake the cooked salmon into corn tortillas with avocado, slaw, and a lime crema.🥗 Serve it cold
Let it chill and flake it over a big salad with vinaigrette and crunchy almonds.
Try it with…
Did you make this recipe?
Did you add a unique twist? Did your family enjoy it? Share your thoughts and any customizations you made in the comments below.
Don't forget to tag me on Instagram @chompionsblog and use the hashtag #chompions
