Description
A quick and easy 20-minute dinner featuring crispy blackened salmon fillets served with a rich, spicy, and creamy Cajun sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs salmon fillets (center-cut, approx. 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado or grapeseed)
- 2 tablespoons blackening spice blend (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, brown sugar)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (milder blend)
- 1 cup heavy cream (full-fat)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat salmon fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels and let them come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
- Season both sides of the salmon generously with the blackening spice blend, pressing spices into the fish.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat with neutral oil until it shimmers and just starts to smoke.
- Place salmon in the pan skin-side down. Sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until a deep blackened crust forms.
- Flip salmon gently and cook for another 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove from pan and cover loosely with foil.
- Reduce heat to medium. Pour out excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add butter and melt.
- Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 1 minute.
- Reduce heat to low. Slowly pour in heavy cream, whisking constantly. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Stir in lemon juice and taste. Add salt and pepper if needed.
- Place salmon on a platter, spoon sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure salmon is completely dry before seasoning to achieve a proper blackened crust. Do not touch the fish while searing to allow the crust to form. Reduce heat to low before adding cream to prevent curdling. This recipe is naturally gluten-free but check spice blends for hidden wheat. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 16
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: blackened salmon, creamy cajun sauce, quick dinner, weeknight meals, seafood recipe, cast iron salmon, spicy salmon, easy fish recipe