Blackened Salmon in the Oven with Dill Sauce

Name: Blackened Salmon in the Oven with Dill Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup sour cream (regular or dairy-free); ¼ cup mayo; 3 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped); 1 teaspoon garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon lemon juice; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper; 4-6 (6oz) salmon fillets, skin-on; 1 tablespoon paprika; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; ¼ teaspoon chipotle pepper; 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves; 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)

This blackened salmon recipe will take your dinner game to a new level! Perfectly spiced and baked to flaky perfection, it’s a dish that beautifully showcases the rich flavors of salmon without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests for a special occasion, this recipe shines through its simplicity and taste. It’s a personal favorite of mine, reminding me of summer evenings by the water, where the smoky aroma of spices mingles with the freshness of dill.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

One of the standout benefits of this blackened salmon recipe is its versatility. It’s fast, requiring minimal prep, yet it delivers an impressive taste that’s sure to gain rave reviews from family and friends. Not only is it a budget-friendly option considering the price of salmon, but it’s also packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings.

"This blackened salmon was a huge hit at our dinner party! The flavors were bold yet not overwhelming, and everyone loved it!" – A happy cook

Preparing Blackened Salmon in the Oven + Dill Sauce

Creating this delightful dish is simpler than you might think! Below, you’ll find a step-by-step overview to guide you through the process. Not only will you be pleased with the ease of preparation, but the resulting dish will leave you eager to come back for seconds.

Make Sauce: Combine the ingredients for the Dill Sauce in a small bowl. Mix well and taste to adjust flavors. Refrigerate until it’s time to serve.
Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and pat the salmon fillets dry with a clean paper towel.
Make Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, chipotle pepper, oregano, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Oil and Season: Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over the salmon fillets, then rub the blackened seasoning mixture all over each fillet.
Sear: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and swirl it around the pan. Carefully place the salmon skin-side up in the skillet and sear for about 1-3 minutes until charred. Then, flip the salmon so the skin side is down.
Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven, placing it on the middle rack and baking uncovered for about 10-14 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Serve: Remove from the oven and spoon the Dill Sauce over the salmon right before serving.

What You’ll Need

Gather these items to whip up the delicious blackened salmon and dill sauce:

Sauce Ingredients:
- ½ cup sour cream (regular or dairy-free)
- ¼ cup mayo
- 3 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Salmon Ingredients:
- 4-6 (6oz) salmon fillets, skin-on
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon chipotle pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)

Optional: Feel free to use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version, or swap the dill for parsley if desired.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together sour cream, mayo, dill, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Store in the fridge until serving.
Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel for the best sear.
Mix Seasoning: Combine spices and herbs in a small bowl. This blend will give your salmon that delightful blackened flavor.
Season Salmon: Drizzle salmon with olive oil and generously coat with the blackened seasoning on all sides.
Sear Salmon: Heat oil in a cast iron skillet, then sear salmon skin-side up until beautifully charred.
Transfer to Oven: Place the skillet directly in the oven and bake until flaky.
Serve: Once done, enjoy with a dollop of dill sauce.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

To truly elevate your dining experience, consider serving your blackened salmon with a side of sautéed asparagus or a fresh green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, fluffy jasmine rice or creamy mashed potatoes make excellent companions. And don’t forget a crisp white wine to pair!

How to Store

If you have leftovers (but let’s be honest, that’s rare!), store the salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, aim for low heat so the salmon does not dry out. You can also freeze it, but do note that it’s best enjoyed fresh due to the texture change after freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Keep it Dry: Ensure your salmon is patted dry before seasoning. This step helps achieve a better sear.
Room Temperature: Let the salmon rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking for more even results.
Don’t Overcook: Salmon is perfectly cooked when it’s still slightly translucent in the center. Keep a close eye while baking.

Creative Twists

Feel free to customize the blackening spices according to your taste! A dash of smoked paprika can enhance the smoky flavor, while adding a hint of brown sugar can create a delightful contrast in sweetness. You can also experiment with different sauces, like a citrus-based sauce or a spicy hot sauce, to vary the flavor profile.

FAQ

How long does it take to cook blackened salmon?

Cooking blackened salmon takes approximately 20 minutes, including searing and baking time.

Can I substitute salmon with another fish?

Definitely! This recipe works well with other firm fish like trout or mahi-mahi. The cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the doneness.

How do I store leftovers safely?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness. Reheat on low heat to avoid overcooking the salmon.

This blackened salmon in the oven with dill sauce is an absolute delight that combines bold flavors with simple preparation. Perfect for any occasion, you’ll find it becoming a cherished addition to your recipe repertoire!