Blackened Salmon in the Oven with Creamy Dill Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Blackened Salmon in the Oven is a flavorful and easy way to enjoy perfectly cooked salmon with a spicy, smoky crust. Paired with a fresh dill sauce, it makes a bright, delicious meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sour cream (regular or dairy-free)
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 3 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4-6 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon chipotle pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Make the dill sauce by combining sour cream, mayo, fresh dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir well, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to ensure the seasoning sticks well.
3. Step 3: Mix the blackened seasoning by combining paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, chipotle pepper, oregano, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Generously coat each salmon fillet with the seasoning mix.
4. Step 4: Drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the seasoned salmon and rub it in to evenly coat each piece.
5. Step 5: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. Place salmon fillets skin-side up and sear for 1 to 3 minutes, until a good char develops. Flip to skin-side down.
6. Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the oven on the middle rack, uncovered. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is fully cooked.
7. Step 7: Remove carefully from the oven and serve immediately with the chilled dill sauce for a refreshing contrast.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crisp skin, dry the salmon thoroughly before seasoning and searing.
• If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, use any oven-safe heavy-bottomed pan.
• Adjust the cayenne and chipotle pepper amounts to control the heat level of the blackened seasoning.
• Try substituting fresh thyme and oregano for dried herbs if available for a brighter flavor.
• The dill sauce can be made a day ahead to enhance flavors.

Storage

Store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dill sauce separate for best freshness and avoid storing it at room temperature. Reheat salmon gently in a low oven or enjoy cold in salads. The dill sauce is best served chilled and may thicken after refrigeration; stir before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to completely thaw and pat the salmon dry before seasoning for the best texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have chipotle pepper?

You can substitute smoked paprika for chipotle pepper to keep the smoky flavor, just omit or reduce the cayenne if you prefer less heat.

Blackened Salmon in the Oven with Creamy Dill Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 115 reviews

This Blackened Salmon recipe features perfectly seasoned salmon fillets seared on the stovetop for a delicious char, then finished in the oven to tender, flaky perfection. Served with a refreshing homemade dill sauce, this dish combines bold spices with creamy tangy flavors, making it an impressive yet easy main course ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Salmon Dill Sauce

• 1/2 cup sour cream (regular or dairy-free)
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 3 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Blackened Salmon

• 4–6 salmon fillets, 6 oz each, skin-on
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon chipotle pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)

Instructions

1. Make Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup mayo, 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. Prep Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly with a clean paper towel to ensure the seasoning sticks well and that you get a good sear.
3. Make Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon paprika, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/4 teaspoon chipotle pepper, 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves, 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to create the blackened seasoning blend. Generously cover each salmon fillet with this seasoning, pressing lightly to adhere.
4. Oil the Salmon: Drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the seasoned fillets and rub it evenly into each piece to help with searing and flavor.
5. Sear Salmon: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom. Place salmon fillets skin-side up in the skillet and sear for about 1 to 3 minutes or until a good char forms on the surface. Carefully flip the fillets so the skin side touches the pan.
6. Bake: Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven on the middle rack, uncovered. Bake the salmon for 10 to 14 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through but still moist.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven carefully and serve the blackened salmon immediately with the prepared dill sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Notes

• Use skin-on salmon to help keep the fillets moist and make flipping easier during cooking.
• The searing step creates a flavorful crust that enhances the blackened spice flavor before baking.
• You can adjust cayenne and chipotle amounts to control the heat level.
• Sour cream can be substituted for Greek yogurt for a lighter dill sauce.
• Ensure salmon is fresh and not frozen for best texture.
• Cast iron skillet is recommended for even searing and oven safety.

Keywords: Blackened salmon recipe, oven baked salmon, dill sauce, spicy salmon fillet, healthy salmon dinner