Blackened Salmon in the Oven with Creamy Dill Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
