Easy Lemon Pepper Blackened Salmon: A Flavorful 30-Minute Meal

Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious weeknight dinner? Look no further! This Easy Lemon Pepper Blackened Salmon recipe is your answer. It’s packed with flavor, takes only minutes to prepare, and is a fantastic way to get your omega-3s. The combination of zesty lemon, pungent pepper, and the blackened spices creates a delightful crust on the salmon, while the inside remains tender and flaky. This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, making it a perfect addition to your regular meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick & Easy:** From prep to plate, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes.
* **Flavorful:** The lemon pepper blackening spice blend creates an amazing taste explosion.
* **Healthy:** Salmon is packed with protein and healthy fats.
* **Versatile:** Pairs well with various side dishes, from roasted vegetables to creamy pasta.
* **Impressive:** Looks and tastes gourmet but requires minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Salmon Fillets:** 4 (6-8 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off, your preference. Make sure to choose fillets that are roughly the same thickness for even cooking.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Extra virgin olive oil adds a nice fruity flavor, but any cooking oil with a high smoke point will work.
* **Lemon:** 1 large. We’ll use both the zest and juice for maximum lemon flavor.
* **Lemon Pepper Seasoning:** 2 tablespoons. Use a high-quality lemon pepper seasoning for the best flavor. You can also make your own (recipe below!).
* **Blackened Seasoning:** 2 tablespoons. Look for a pre-made blackened seasoning blend, or create your own (recipe below!).
* **Garlic Powder:** 1 teaspoon. Adds a savory depth to the seasoning.
* **Onion Powder:** 1 teaspoon. Enhances the overall flavor profile.
* **Paprika:** 1 teaspoon. Adds a subtle smoky flavor and a beautiful color.
* **Cayenne Pepper (optional):** 1/4 teaspoon. For a touch of heat.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
* **Fresh Parsley (optional):** For garnish.

Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning (Optional)

If you prefer to make your own lemon pepper seasoning, it’s surprisingly easy! Here’s what you’ll need:

* 2 tablespoons black peppercorns
* 1 tablespoon lemon zest, dried (see instructions below)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

**Instructions for Dried Lemon Zest:**

1. Zest the lemon carefully, avoiding the white pith (which is bitter).
2. Spread the zest in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake at the lowest oven setting (usually around 170°F or 75°C) for 1-2 hours, or until completely dry. Alternatively, you can air dry the zest for several days.
4. Once dried, grind the peppercorns and dried lemon zest together using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Combine with the remaining ingredients.

Homemade Blackened Seasoning (Optional)

Creating your own blackened seasoning allows you to customize the spice level to your liking. Here’s a simple recipe:

* 1 tablespoon paprika
* 2 teaspoons garlic powder
* 2 teaspoons onion powder
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or less, to taste)
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon salt

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Skillet:** Cast iron is ideal for achieving a nice sear, but a non-stick skillet will also work.
* **Small Bowls:** For mixing the spices and holding the lemon juice.
* **Citrus Zester:** For zesting the lemon.
* **Citrus Juicer:** For juicing the lemon.
* **Spatula:** For flipping the salmon.
* **Paper Towels:** For patting the salmon dry.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this Easy Lemon Pepper Blackened Salmon:

**Step 1: Prepare the Salmon**

* Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Excess moisture will steam the salmon instead of blackening it.
* If using skin-on salmon, you can score the skin a few times with a sharp knife. This will help prevent the skin from curling up during cooking.

**Step 2: Make the Spice Blend**

* In a small bowl, combine the lemon pepper seasoning, blackened seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.

**Step 3: Season the Salmon**

* Drizzle the salmon fillets with olive oil, about 1/2 teaspoon per fillet. Rub the oil evenly over both sides of the salmon.
* Generously sprinkle the spice blend over both sides of the salmon fillets, pressing lightly to help the spices adhere. Make sure the salmon is evenly coated for maximum flavor.

**Step 4: Cook the Salmon**

* Heat the remaining olive oil (about 1 tablespoon) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The skillet should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles immediately.
* Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down if using skin-on salmon. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
* Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your salmon fillets.
* For skin-on salmon, pressing down gently on the fillet with a spatula during the first few minutes of cooking can help ensure even contact with the pan and crispier skin. If the skin starts to curl up significantly, reduce the heat slightly.

**Step 5: Add Lemon Juice**

* Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon during the last minute of cooking. The lemon juice will deglaze the pan and add a bright, zesty flavor.

**Step 6: Serve**

* Remove the salmon from the skillet and place it on a serving plate.
* Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Tips for Perfect Blackened Salmon

* **Pat the Salmon Dry:** As mentioned earlier, this is the most important step for achieving a good sear. Moisture is the enemy of blackening.
* **Use a Hot Skillet:** A hot skillet is essential for creating that beautiful blackened crust. Make sure the skillet is properly heated before adding the salmon.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and prevent the salmon from browning properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Don’t Overcook the Salmon:** Salmon is best when it’s cooked to medium, meaning it’s still slightly translucent in the center. Overcooked salmon will be dry and tough.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the blackened seasoning. You can also omit it altogether.
* **Use Fresh Lemon:** Fresh lemon juice and zest will provide the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t compare.
* **Let the Salmon Rest:** After cooking, let the salmon rest for a minute or two before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful fillet.

Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Pepper Blackened Salmon is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes are all excellent choices.
* **Quinoa or Rice:** A simple grain like quinoa or rice provides a healthy and satisfying base for the salmon.
* **Salad:** A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the flavors of the salmon perfectly.
* **Creamy Pasta:** A light and creamy pasta dish, such as lemon garlic pasta or Alfredo, is a decadent treat.
* **Mashed Potatoes or Cauliflower Mash:** For a comforting and classic side dish.
* **Grilled Corn on the Cob:** A summertime favorite that pairs well with the smoky flavors of the blackened salmon.
* **Avocado:** Sliced avocado adds a creamy and healthy element to the dish.

Variations

* **Spicy Blackened Salmon:** Increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the blackened seasoning for a spicier kick. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
* **Herb-Crusted Salmon:** Mix the blackened seasoning with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, dill, or thyme, and press the mixture onto the salmon before cooking.
* **Maple-Glazed Salmon:** Brush the salmon with maple syrup during the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet and savory flavor.
* **Garlic Butter Salmon:** Melt butter in the skillet before adding the salmon and add minced garlic. Spoon the garlic butter over the salmon while it’s cooking.
* **Citrus Herb Butter:** Create a compound butter by combining softened butter with lemon zest, chopped fresh herbs (dill, parsley, thyme), garlic, salt and pepper. Place a pat of butter on the salmon when serving.

Make Ahead & Storage

* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the spice blend ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also season the salmon fillets up to a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated.
* **Storage:** Leftover cooked salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 35-45g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 2-5g

(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)

Recipe Card

**Easy Lemon Pepper Blackened Salmon**

A quick, healthy, and flavorful salmon recipe ready in under 30 minutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

**Ingredients:**

* 4 (6-8 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 lemon, zest and juice
* 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
* 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, combine lemon pepper seasoning, blackened seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Drizzle salmon with olive oil and sprinkle with spice blend.
4. Heat remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Place salmon in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Squeeze lemon juice over the salmon during the last minute of cooking.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

**Notes:**

* For crispier skin, cook skin-side down first and press gently with a spatula.
* Adjust spice level to your preference.
* Serve with your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy this delicious and easy Lemon Pepper Blackened Salmon! It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s sure to impress.