Description
Blackened Salmon with Avocado Salsa is a flavorful, easy dinner featuring tender salmon coated in a smoky, spicy seasoning and topped with fresh avocado, tomato, lime, and cilantro salsa. Ready in about 20 minutes, this dish offers a delicious high-protein, gluten-free, and low-carb meal perfect for any weeknight.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets, about 6 oz each
- 1½ tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, optional
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Avocado Salsa:
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- ¼ small red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced, optional
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks well and helps achieve a good sear.
- Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper to create the blackening spice mix.
- Coat the Salmon: Brush each salmon fillet with olive oil, then evenly coat all sides with the blackening seasoning to ensure a flavorful crust.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down if skin is on. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes without moving to develop the crust.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip the salmon and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Make the Avocado Salsa: While the salmon cooks, gently combine diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño (if using), salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Rest the Salmon: Remove the salmon from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes to retain juices and enhance flavor.
- Serve: Spoon the fresh avocado salsa over each salmon fillet and serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Avoid moving the salmon too much during cooking to allow the seasoning to develop a flavorful crust.
- Add diced mango or pineapple to the salsa for a sweeter variation.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- For best texture, add the avocado salsa just before serving to keep the avocado fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, American
