Description
This Blackened Salmon with Mango Salsa recipe offers a flavorful, spicy crust on tender salmon fillets paired with a sweet and tangy fresh mango salsa. It’s a perfect balance of smoky and fruity flavors, ideal for a quick, healthy dinner that feels gourmet. The salmon is seared in a cast-iron skillet to develop a crispy blackened crust, complemented by a refreshing, citrusy salsa that brightens the dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Mango Salsa
- 2 cups freshly chopped mango
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Blackened Salmon
- 4 (5-6 ounce) fresh salmon fillets, preferably skin-off
- 1 tablespoon packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Lemon or lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Mango Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until fully combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Bring Salmon to Room Temperature: Remove salmon fillets from the refrigerator and let sit on the counter for 20 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and prevents the salmon from being cold in the center during searing.
- Make Blackening Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well blended and set aside.
- Season Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place on a small baking sheet or platter, drizzle olive oil over the fillets, and rub it in thoroughly with your hands. Then sprinkle the blackening seasoning over all sides of the fillets, massaging it in to coat evenly. Let the seasoned salmon sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Heat Skillet and Cook Salmon: Place a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. Once the butter melts and begins to sizzle, swirl the pan to coat the bottom evenly. Add the salmon fillets to the skillet without overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.
- Sear Salmon: Let the salmon cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a deep, flavorful crust forms. Carefully flip each fillet with a fish spatula or slotted utensil and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side, until the salmon is firm but tender inside.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer cooked salmon to a clean plate. Spoon the prepared mango salsa generously over each fillet. Serve immediately with optional lemon or lime wedges and your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, or rice for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- Letting the salmon come to room temperature before cooking ensures even searing and prevents overcooking the outside while the inside warms through.
- Using a cast-iron skillet helps achieve the signature blackened crust due to its excellent heat retention and even heating.
- You can adjust the cayenne and red pepper flakes in the salsa to control the spice level to your preference.
- Make the mango salsa in advance to allow the flavors to develop more fully.
- If you prefer skin-on salmon, you can still follow the recipe but adjust cooking time slightly.
- This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a light and balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: blackened salmon, mango salsa, spicy salmon, healthy seafood recipe, quick dinner, cast iron skillet salmon
