Blackened Baked Salmon

For the holiday this past weekend, I made my seafood boil and then I made some beer battered shrimp afterward. Now, my seafood storage has been almost completely depleted – but you know what’s left? My frozen salmon fillets! Which thank goodness because now I’m ready to meal prep for the week with this easy salmon recipe! 

My baked blackened salmon recipe is super quick, extra flavorful, and only calls for a handful of ingredients. I used my homemade blackened seasoning on top for that classic dark color and crispy crust! It adds that cajun flavor that we all love. 

I love to meal prep these and use leftover salmon to make salmon salad or even salmon tacos. Serve up with cajun coleslaw and potato salad and it’s an easy dinner that comes together in under 20 mins! 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe 

• Ideal for busy weeknights! It’s easy to make in the oven with minimal cleanup. Everything comes together in 20 minutes flat! 
• Restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen without the fuss! 
• The texture is perfectly balanced with those crispy edges with a juicy, tender flaky salmon center.

(the complete list of ingredients can be found below in the recipe card)

Salmon fillets: The star of the dish! Use skinless salmon fillets, preferably center-cut and about 1 to 1½ inches thick for even cooking and maximum flavor. Opt for fresh, high-quality Atlantic or wild-caught salmon for the best texture and taste. Salmon holds up well to bold flavors and stays juicy when cooked correctly.

Dijon mustard: Acts as a flavor booster and binder for the seasoning. It adds a subtle tang and a slight bite that balances the richness of the fish.

Blackened seasoning: This bold spice mix adds heat, smokiness, and that signature “blackened” crust. It’s a mixture of spices like garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, chili powder, brown sugar etc. You can make my homemade blend or buy your favorite from the grocery stores. Use leftover to make my blackened corn recipe!

Salted butter: adds richness and helps the top of the salmon to caramelize and brown. This creates a nice and crispy, flavorful crust. You can also use olive oil or avocado oil if you prefer, or even unsalted butter to control salt.

Honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances out all of those bold, spicy flavors. It also helps create a caramelized glaze on the salmon as it bakes, adding flavor and shine. Yum! 

How To Make Blackened Salmon 

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and set aside. 

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, 1 tbsp of cajun seasoning, dijon mustard, and honey. Mix together.

Step 2: Pat salmon fillets with a paper towel to remove extra moisture and place onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Season with salt and black pepper. Use a basting brush to liberally coat the salmon in the butter mixture. Sprinkle remaining blackened seasoning on top.

Step 3: Bake in the oven for 8-12 minutes, until the salmon is pink and internal temperature reaches 125-135 degrees F on a meat thermometer. Then broil the salmon for 1-2 minutes, until it’s fully blackened on top and has a nice crust. 

What To Serve With Baked Blackened Salmon 

Because this recipe comes together so quickly, I like to serve it with other sides that are also easy and fast to make! I’m talking white rice or roasted sweet potatoes and a side salad or cajun corn on the cob.

For something a little more hearty, serve with honey butter cornbread or buttermilk biscuits and roasted green beans or roasted asparagus with some cajun tartar sauce on the side.