Description
Blackened Salmon with Avocado Salsa is a flavorful and easy dinner featuring tender salmon fillets coated with a smoky, spicy seasoning and topped with a fresh, vibrant avocado, tomato, lime, and cilantro salsa. This high-protein, gluten-free dish cooks quickly on the stovetop and offers a perfect balance of heat and freshness, ready in about 20 minutes.
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 Fillets: Pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the seasoning adheres well and that the fish sears properly.
- Make the Blackening Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
- Season the Salmon: Brush each salmon fillet with olive oil on all sides, then sprinkle and evenly coat them with the prepared blackening seasoning.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down if they have skin. Cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until a crust forms and the salmon starts to cook through.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip the salmon using a spatula 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).
- Prepare the Avocado Salsa: While the salmon cooks, gently combine the diced avocados, cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño (if using), salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix lightly to avoid mashing the avocado.
- Rest the Salmon: Remove the salmon fillets from the skillet and let them rest for a couple of minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Spoon generous portions of the fresh avocado salsa over each salmon fillet and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level according to your preference.
- To form a flavorful crust, avoid moving the salmon too much during cooking.
- For a sweeter salsa variation, add diced mango or pineapple along with the other salsa ingredients.
- Serve the dish alongside 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 and vibrant.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, American
