This Easy Baked Blackened Salmon recipe is tender and juicy. It has the perfect contrast between the spicy Blackened seasoning and the sweet salmon. A Browned Butter lemon drizzle ties everything together giving it a bright finish.
I grew up eating comfort foods and didn’t understand what healthy eating was. I ate when I was tired, stressed or bored. My idea of taking off a few pounds usually included starving myself and as a result was either too heavy or thin for most of my life. I understand what is meant to lose the same 10 pounds over and over and over. I’ve since added Baked Blackened Salmon in my fight against my weight.
As an adult, I’ve tried many programs and lost weight with success…for a while. In 2013 I found a program that gave me just a few rules. I could eat whatever I wanted but once I hit my daily calorie allowance I was done for the day. Another requirement was that I had to exercise 30 minutes every day. By counting calories, I learned to make better choices like dinner recipes with salmon. Exercising regularly made me feel better about myself.
I ended up losing 45 pounds. It was life-changing. Feeling this good motivates me to cut back when the weight starts creeping back. It’s easier to tackle 5 pounds than it is 25. There is no silver bullet for weight loss. I just take it day by day and sometimes minute by minute.
I don’t share this picture very often but was thinking why not. There’s no shame in being overweight. Thinking like that makes me want a pound of chocolate! Share and be proud of the hard work you did to get it off. Right?
Back to the Blackened Salmon Recipe!
I don’t starve myself anymore. Instead, our meals include easy baked salmon recipes like this one or our Sensational Baked Blackened Shrimp which is perfect as an appetizer, dinner or on a salad. I seasoned both of them with this Homemade Blackened Seasoning Blend.
What are the different types of salmon?
There are 5 types of wild-caught salmon available to the United States. They are all Pacific salmon and sometimes these salmon types go by different names.
- Chinook salmon can also be called King salmon and have a higher fat content. Chinook salmon is one of the best tasting Their color ranges from white to deep red.
- Coho salmon can also be called Silver salmon because of their silver skin. The Coho color is a bright red and has a more delicate texture. Their flavor is similar to Chinook salmon.
- Pink salmon are most commonly canned but can also be eaten fresh. Pink Salmon have a light color and flavor and a low-fat content. This fish can be called humpback or humpies after the hump they develop on their back when the spawn.
- Red Salmon commonly called Sockeye salmon are noted for having a deep red flesh and a rich flavor
- Chum salmon also goes by Dog salmon, Keta salmon or Silverbrite Salmon. This fish averages about 8 pounds and has a pale or medium colored flesh and lower fat content than other salmon.
You can learn more about salmon from Salmon Fishing Now and The Spruce Eats
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Is there a difference between wild-caught and farm-raised salmon
Wild-caught salmon is said to be healthier for us to eat. Wild-caught calorie and fat content are lower than farm-raised because of their natural diet and they contain fewer contaminants. Capturing wild-caught salmon is regulated by safe fishing practices.
Many farm-raised salmon are fed color-enhancing food and given antibiotics. These measures increase their calorie and fat content. Farmed salmon has had issues regarding sustainability practices. While practices have improved, it’s best to look into the source if this is important to you.
What is the best tasting salmon
While personal opinions vary, and all 5 types edible, my research shows preference in the following order
- Chinook salmon
- Coho
- Sockeye
How do I make a Baked Salmon Fillet recipe?
- Prepare brown butter and cut one lemon in half
- Fillets should be the same size so they bake evenly.
- Pat salmon dry with a paper towel
- Drizzle fish lightly with olive oil.
- Season flesh side with blackened seasoning
- Put fillets on a lightly oiled foil-lined rimmed baking sheet
- Bake and remove from hot pan immediately
- Drizzle with brown butter lemon mixture.
How do I make Brown Butter Lemon drizzle
- Use a pan with a light covered bottom so you can see the color.
- Start melting the butter over medium heat.
- Swirl the pan. The butter will foam but that will reduce as it cooks.
- Once the butter is a rich brown and milk-solids settle in the bottom.
- Spoon or strain the butter into a separate container. Some people include the milk solids but I just use the golden butter.
- Allow the butter to cool slightly before you add lemon.
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YOU MAY NEED
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- 10-inch Fry Pan – I use this skillet all the time. It’s sturdy and cleans up like a dream.
- Baking Sheet – These sheet pans are durable and I have four of them so I can get all of my cookies baked in a jiffy!
Love this recipe? Be sure and comment below with a five-star rating! If you’re on Instagram and snap a photo, be sure and tag me with #hostessatheart so I can see your creation!
Here are a few more that I think you’ll love!
- Sensational Baked Blackened Shrimp Recipe
- Blackened Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa and Sriracha Aiola
- Superfood Salmon Salad with Balsamic Blueberry Sauce
- Cajun Chicken over Creamy Pasta
If salmon isn’t your thing, you can make any blackened fish recipe. This seasoning is great on chicken too!
Baked Blackened Salmon with Brown Butter Lemon Glaze
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 4 tsp blackened seasoning blend
Brown Butter Lemon Glaze
- 3 tsp unsalted butter
- .5 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and drizzle lightly with olive oil or spray with a non-stick cooking spray.
- In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat melt the butter. Swirl the pan until the butter is browned and the milk solids are brown. Remove from the heat and put the butter in a separate container. *Discard the milk solids. Set the butter aside and allow it to cool
- Place the salmon on the rimmed baking sheet skin-side down. Tap the fish dry with a paper towel. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season with blackening blend. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer measure 120°F and fish is flaky. I removed the foil from the pan with the fish on it immediately to stop any further cooking.
- Squeeze 1/2 a lemon into the browned butter.
- Top with salmon with a drizzle of the browned butter lemon glaze
Notes
Nutrition
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for spending some time with me today!
Kayrin says
Thanks for the recipe. I appreciated your breakdown of the different kinds of Salmon available in the US – learned something new- I was looking for a blackened baked salmon recipe vs pan frying. Turned out great.
Julie Menghini says
Thank you so much, Kayrin! I’m so glad it worked out for you and appreciate all those stars!
debi at Life Currents says
I should be able to get my hands on some beautiful salmon soon, and this is one of the first recipes I’ll make!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you! We love it too!
Michaela Kenkel says
You are beautiful inside and and out, my friend, and you make a mean salmon! This was delicious!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you, Michaela! You’re the best!
Brandi says
You had me at the Brown Butter Lemon Drizzle! What a fantastic recipe!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Brandi!
Sandra says
Congratulations on your weight loss. You look fantastic and yes, you should be super proud of yourself. I can’t wait to make your blackened seasoning to lather on a nice piece of salmon. I’m sticking with wild caught salmon!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Sandra! I really like the wild caught pacific varieties too!
Amy Nash says
This salmon is just amazing and I’ve been really looking for super flavorful but healthy recipes that I can enjoy while trying to improve my overall health and wellness as well.
Julie Menghini says
That can be a struggle but this one is easy, yummy and healthier! Thank you, Amy!
Kylee from Kylee Cooks says
You had me at brown butter. Seriously, that is such an amazing flavor for salmon, my family would love it!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you, Kylee!
Jennifer A Stewart says
I don’t know anything that isn’t improved by brown butter!
Julie Menghini says
Thanks Jennifer. Go to agree with that!
michele says
The spices on this are spot on! They sound right up my families tastes and Im so excited to make it for a dinner party we’re having next weekend!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you so much, Michele!
debi at Life Currents says
This looks wonderful. Salmon is so good for you and so tasty. I love the idea of using blackening spices too.
Julie Menghini says
Thank you, Debi! I’m kind of picky with fish and can get grossed out easily so salmon always works for my fish choice!
frugal hausfrau says
Julie, you have outdone yourself both with the recipe and the write up! Lovely!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you so much Mollie! That is so sweet of you.
mimi rippee says
I thought the photo was an ad on your blog! How wonderful. I feel like I’m carrying around an extra person these days. My problem is portion control. I already eat healthy food. Like this salmon. I’d have a hard time eating one little portion! It looks so good. I love browned butter anything!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Mimi! I would too if I was eating some of that amazing food you make! There are some of those dishes that I have trouble resisting and my weekend wine doesn’t help either. We’re healthy though right?
Loretta says
Aww great share Julie – so impressive and inspirational. I know we’ve talked about this before, what a great accomplishment, I’m sure you’re well chuffed with the results. You always look wonderful anyway 🙂 A wedding is definitely cause to shed some pounds, I tried, but failed. I’m finding it so tough to lose the 5 lbs that I put on since I’ve been suffering from my back issues, almost 2 years now. I feel it’s tougher to lose less than more, if you know what I mean. Still, I never give up and we exercise, walk and do yoga too. Love salmon, we cook it weekly, you’ve given a boatload of information which is great for first time cooks. I’ve got to check out your home made blackened spices, I recall vividly when you first posted it. Great job!
Julie Menghini says
I totally agree with that tough 5 Loretta! I thought you looked amazing for your daughter’s wedding. There is just so much that plays into it all you know? I do have that 5 I would like to lose but I’m just doing the best I can without getting all nuts. I dieted myself fat! I had my granddaughter today and that’s one of the toughest workouts I do! That girl is BUSY! I love our talks and really appreciate your support and stopping by.
Judith Graber says
I am totally impressed Julie and congrats for losing so much weight. I knew you lost some weight, but 45 pounds!!! You are certainly an inspiration that it can be done. As a Lifetime Member of Weight Watcher’s – yippee!!! Salmon is a favorite and your recipe with the brown butter lemon drizzle needs to be on my “to make” list. I only buy salmon at Whole Foods so I have to plan a trip to where I use to live. Tomorrow when I get my hair cut…
Julie Menghini says
Thank you, Judi! I love hair day and you’ll have to let me know how you like the salmon. It’s a lot of work losing weight like that but is doable in bits and pieces.
Debbie Spivey says
You always look great, Julie. It’s not easy, but you can do anything you set your mind to for sure! When I tell people I lost 40 pounds by counting calories and exercising as your doctor tells you they look at me with a blank stare. I think some people think there’s a magic diet or pill. Gimics never work… Anyway, I love this salmon recipe. I adore salmon of any kind!
Julie Menghini says
I know what you mean. I always say “their eyes glaze over”. I took my motivation to share my story from you. I always love what you share and you look like you’re rocking the new bod! My son gets married in March so I want to look nice.
Ethel Grant says
I followed this recipe with no variations and it was a huge hit with the family, my husband (who prefers beef to fish) finished with a compliment- “Blackened Salmon is my favorite!” :))) So I knew the recipe was a keeper with his review. Thanks for sharing!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you, Ethel, for letting me know and the 5 stars! I always love getting the hubby’s perspective too!
Annie says
Congrats Julie! This is really inspiring! And I’ve never successfully made salmon (isn’t that odd?) but I think I can rock this recipe – YUM!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you, Annie! Like you, I always had John grill it. I don’t catch it, clean it or cook it. That is until I started baking it. It comes out perfectly every time. I hope you’ll let me know if you try it!
Robin G says
Yum. Great low carb dinner. We had it with a big salad.
Julie Menghini says
Thank you, Robin!
Wilhelmina says
There is so much awesome info in this post, thank you! And, of course, this salmon looks divine!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you so much Wilhelmina!