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This Grilled Blackened Salmon recipe uses only 4 ingredients and is on the table in under 30 minutes. It is low-carb and gluten-free, and is the perfect idea for a quick, delicious dinner that everyone will love! No grill, no problem, you can bake this salmon in the oven too.
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Grilled Blackened Salmon - Bold and Flavorful!
Grilled Blackened Salmon is the perfect way to enjoy the bold, rich flavors of this amazing fish, especially during the salmon season here in Washington. I'm always experimenting with new salmon recipes, and this one has quickly become a favorite in my household. With just four simple ingredients and a few minutes on the grill, you can have a deliciously smoky and flavorful meal that’s sure to impress. The strong, spicy notes of the blackening spice blend beautifully with the salmon, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s easy to prepare. Don't have a grill? No worries! You can also bake this salmon in the oven for equally fantastic results. This recipe is so effortless and delicious, you'll want to make it again and again.
Since you are already grilling, you could take your meal over the top by adding Grilled Artichokes with Lemon Garlic Sauce, or Grilled Baby Romaine Lettuce with Parmesan Vinaigrette. Or you could prepare a nice light side dish and add Lemon Garlic Zucchini Noodles or a Spring Mix Salad.
🍽️✨ Don't forget to share your delightful creations with us on Instagram using #BobbisKozyKitchen for a chance to be featured in our newsletter! 📸
Three Reasons to Make Grilled Blackened Salmon
- Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe is incredibly straightforward, requiring only four ingredients and minimal prep time. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a quick weekend meal.
- Flavorful and Healthy: The combination of zesty Italian dressing and blackening seasoning creates a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich taste of salmon. Plus, salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making this a nutritious choice.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Whether you prefer grilling or baking, this recipe provides instructions for both methods. This flexibility allows you to enjoy delicious blackened salmon regardless of your kitchen setup or weather conditions.
In This Post
Fresh Salmon vs. Frozen Salmon
Fresh Salmon
Pros:
- Flavor: Fresh salmon generally has a more vibrant and rich flavor, making it ideal for recipes that emphasize natural taste.
- Texture: The texture of fresh salmon tends to be firmer and more tender, which can enhance the overall eating experience.
- Availability: During salmon season, fresh salmon is widely available and can be sourced locally, supporting local fishermen and ensuring maximum freshness.
Cons:
- Shelf Life: Fresh salmon has a shorter shelf life and needs to be cooked relatively quickly after purchase.
- Cost: Fresh salmon can be more expensive, especially if it's wild-caught and in high demand.
- Availability: Outside of salmon season, fresh salmon may be harder to find and may not be as fresh as desired if it's been transported from far away.
Frozen Salmon
Pros:
- Convenience: Frozen salmon is readily available year-round and can be kept on hand for whenever you need it.
- Shelf Life: Frozen salmon has a much longer shelf life, allowing you to buy it in bulk and use it over time without worrying about spoilage.
- Cost: Often more affordable than fresh salmon, especially if it's purchased in larger quantities.
Cons:
- Texture: The texture can be slightly compromised during the freezing and thawing process, sometimes resulting in a mushier consistency.
- Flavor: While still delicious, frozen salmon may not have the same depth of flavor as fresh, due to the potential loss of moisture and subtle taste changes during freezing.
- Preparation: Requires additional time for thawing, which needs to be done properly to maintain quality.
Conclusion
Both fresh and frozen salmon can work beautifully in this Grilled Blackened Salmon recipe. If you have access to high-quality fresh salmon, it can elevate the dish with its superior flavor and texture. However, frozen salmon is a convenient and cost-effective option that still delivers excellent results, making this recipe accessible and delicious all year round.
🥘Ingredient Notes
- Salmon - you can use any type of salmon you prefer. I love to use whole fresh salmon when it is available, but individual thawed frozen portions will work well too.
- Zesty Italian Dressing - this adds another layer of flavor and helps the blackening seasoning to stick to the fish.
- Blackening Spice - I use my homemade blackening spice blend for this. Feel free to adjust the ingredients or amounts to fit your tastes.
A detailed list with measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.
🔪How to Make Grilled Blackened Salmon
This is a basic breakdown of the steps involved in making Grilled Blackened Salmon. You will find the full directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Brush the salmon fillet with the Zesty Italian dressing.
Season with the blackening spice blend.
Use plenty of seasoning, you want the fish well coated.
Place the salmon, skin-side down, directly on the grill grates.
Helpful Hint: 💡 When applying the blackening seasoning, make sure to press it gently into the salmon to help it adhere better. This will ensure a more even and robust flavor across the fillet.
Suggested Grilling Heat Range for Salmon:
Medium Heat (325 degrees F): Provides a more gentle and even cooking, ideal for maintaining the fish's moisture and tenderness.
Medium-High Heat (375-400 degrees F): This can give a crisper exterior and slightly faster cooking time, but requires careful monitoring to avoid overcooking.
🍽Equipment Needed
This is the equipment you will need to make Grilled Blackened Salmon.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator:
- Storage: Store any leftover grilled blackened salmon in an airtight container.
- Duration: It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
- Storage: Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a resealable freezer bag.
- Duration: It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Thawing: When ready to eat, thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating Instructions
Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 275 degrees F.
- Place the salmon on a baking sheet.
- Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Reheat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Stovetop:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add a small amount of oil or butter to the skillet.
- Place the salmon in the skillet and cover.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until warmed.
Microwave:
- Place the salmon on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a microwave-safe cover or another microwave-safe plate.
- Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
By following these storage and reheating instructions, you can ensure your Grilled Blackened Salmon remains delicious and retains its quality.
💭Top tip
For the best results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. This helps prevent overcooking and ensures the fish is perfectly flaky and moist. Aim for an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
FAQ about Grilled Blackened Salmon
Yes, you can use frozen salmon for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before grilling. Fresh salmon tends to have a slightly better texture, but frozen salmon is a great convenient option.
If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the salmon in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and bake the salmon on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F and the fish flakes easily.
The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F and flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should be opaque and separate easily.
More Delicious Salmon Recipes...
Grilled Blackened Salmon
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillet
- 2 tbsp Zesty Italian dressing
- 1 to 2 tbsp Blackening seasoning blend
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Set your grill to medium-high heat (375 degrees F) and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes. *See Notes
- Brush the salmon fillet with the dressing and season with the blackening seasoning.
- Using a folded towel and tongs, oil your grill grates with avocado or olive oil.
- Place the salmon, skin-side down, directly on the grill grates.
- Close the grill lid and cook until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F and the fish flakes easily. Check for doneness after 4 to 6 minutes per half-inch thickness of the fillet.
- Remove the salmon from the grill.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Disclaimer
Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs will not be included as it has a glycemic index of 0 (meaning it does not spike blood sugar) and it’s not metabolized. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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