Salmon Adventures, Part II (Blackened Salmon Fillets)

So, we finally got around to another salmon recipe. (See Salmon Adventures post). There was one new recipe in the middle made by the hubby, but we both agreed it was not too tasty. So, technically this Part II is really Part II.5. This recipe was the only one I could find that only involved things in the pantry. I was worried about masking the delicious flavor of the salmon, but it had to be done. It smelled great and tasted fantastic! The spicy flavor was perhaps a little too much for both the hubby and myself, so we will tone down the original recipe next time as shown below.

Blackened Salmon Fillets

2 tablespoons ground paprika
1/2 tablespoon ground cayenne pepper
1/2 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
4 salmon fillets, skin and bones removed
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted


1. In a small bowl, mix paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, white pepper, black pepper, thyme, basil and oregano.

2. Brush salmon fillets on both sides with 1/4 cup butter, and sprinkle evenly with the cayenne pepper mixture. Drizzle one side of each fillet with 1/2 remaining butter.

3. In a large, heavy skillet over high heat, cook salmon, butter side down, until blackened, 2 to 5 minutes. Turn fillets, drizzle with remaining butter, and continue cooking until blackened and fish is easily flaked with a fork.