I can’t remember the first time I ever tried blackened fish, but I do remember that I liked it. I don’t even remember where I ate it, except that it wasn’t in New Orleans, where Chef Paul Prudhomme made blackened fish popular at his K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen restaurant back in the 1980’s. Wherever and whenever I had it, I liked it so much that I had to try making it myself at home as soon as possible. I bought one of Chef Paul’s cookbooks, and soon I was making all kinds of Cajun dishes, including blackened fish.
Blackened Salmon (click on any image to enlarge)
These days, blackened fish and meats are a popular menu item at restaurants all over the world. For those who are unfamiliar with it, blackening is a cooking technique that involves dredging meat or seafood in butter and spices, then cooking in a very hot cast iron skillet. Unless you have a heavy duty commercial grade exhaust system in your kitchen (the kind used in restaurants), it needs to be done outdoors due to the smoke it produces. I use a gas grill for blackening, which keeps the smoke and heat safely outdoors.
Years ago I bought a 12″ cast iron skillet specifically to use for blackening, and that’s all I ever use it for. The skillet itself is black now and well-seasoned after many years of use. You can use any good quality, heavy cast iron skillet though for blackening, and it doesn’t have to be dedicated just for that purpose.
cast iron skillet used for blackening
My recipe is an adaptation of the method that Chef Paul Prudhomme used. His technique involves dipping the fish in melted butter, then seasoning with the spice mix before cooking and adding even more butter. But I found I get good results by seasoning the fish with spices, adding a little butter to a hot skillet, then placing the fish fillets in the skillet. My method uses less butter, and is easier and quicker, especially when you’re working over a smoking hot skillet on a gas grill. And I’m happy with the results, as is my wife who has learned how to cook it herself now!
salmon with spices and ready for skillet
I also came up with my own blackening spice mix. You can certainly buy a ready-made mix, and Chef Paul’s Magic Seasoning brand is a good one. I have also used the Durkee blackening mix. But I like making my own mix, where I can control the amount of salt and heat that goes in it. I also like using some of my own herbs and spices.
Blackened Salmon with Forbidden Rice and green beans
You can use either skinless salmon fillets or ones with the skin on for this recipe. Skinless pieces will allow both sides to be blackened. For a spicier dish, use more cayenne pepper, or omit it entirely for a milder taste.
Blackened Salmon 
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Adapted from Chef Paul Prudhomme
Seasoning Mix:
1 tbsp paprika (sweet, not hot)
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves
1/2 tsp dried fennel seeds
1/4 tsp ground red pepper (cayenne)
1/2 tsp white pepper
1/2 tsp salt (optional)
4-6 oz salmon fillets, skinless or with skin on
1 tbsp butter
1. Mix together all ingredients in seasoning mix by grinding with mortar and pestle or in spice grinder. The mix recipe makes enough to season about 8 fish fillets, depending on how heavily you coat the fish.
2. Heat cast iron skillet outside on gas grill until skillet is smoking hot. That generally takes anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes on our gas grill. It will take longer if outside temperature is colder, or on a windy day. The hotter the better is the rule for this recipe.
3. While skillet is heating up, sprinkle a generous amount of seasoning mix on the salmon fillets. Coat both sides if skinless, or only coat the skinless side if using skin-on salmon.
4. When skillet is ready, put butter in skillet and melt. Be careful, as the butter may flame up!
5. Immediately add salmon pieces one at a time. Close grill cover and cook for 2 minutes, then turn salmon and cook on other side for an additional 2 minutes. Thicker pieces of fish may need additional cooking time.
6. Serve immediately.
NOTE: Let skillet cool thoroughly before attempting to remove from grill or to clean. The cast iron will retain heat for a long time.
Servings: 4
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition (per serving): 349 calories, 195 calories from fat, 21.7g total fat, 107.9mg cholesterol, 247.6mg sodium, 683mg potassium, 2.7g carbohydrates, 1.1g fiber, <1g sugar, 34.4g protein, 37.9mg calcium, 5.6g saturated fat.
Oh man…I have been craving salmon lately and this post is sending me over the edge! 😉
You use your grill outside even in the winter? Brrrrrrr.
It is true. I’ve done it in the snow, though not in a big snow like you just had!
Perfect timing! We have a piece of Salmon in the refrigerator just waiting to be cooked. I’m making this tomorrow!
I hope you enjoy it Robin!
Yum! I haven’t had blackened anything for years, at least not purposefully:)