Blackened Salmon with Spinach is a dish that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also brings a burst of color and nutrition to your plate. As I first discovered this recipe during a summer trip to New Orleans, I was captivated by the bold flavors and the rich history behind the blackening technique, which originated in the Cajun cooking tradition. The combination of perfectly seared salmon, infused with a blend of spices, and the vibrant, nutrient-packed spinach creates a delightful harmony that is hard to resist.
People love Blackened Salmon with Spinach for its incredible taste and texture. The crispy, charred exterior of the salmon contrasts beautifully with the tender, sautéed spinach, making each bite a delightful experience. Not only is this dish a feast for the senses, but it is also incredibly convenient to prepare, making it a favorite for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons blackening seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Lemon wedges for serving
Preparing the Blackening Seasoning
1. If you’re making your own blackening seasoning, gather the following spices: – 1 tablespoon paprika – 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper – 1 teaspoon dried thyme – 1 teaspoon dried oregano – 1 teaspoon garlic powder – 1 teaspoon onion powder – 1 teaspoon black pepper – 1 teaspoon salt 2. In a small bowl, mix all the spices together until well combined. This will give your salmon that signature blackened flavor.Preparing the Salmon
3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the seasoning adhere better and ensures a nice sear. 4. Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon fillets, making sure to coat them evenly. This not only adds flavor but also helps the blackening seasoning stick. 5. Generously sprinkle the blackening seasoning over both sides of each salmon fillet. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it’s what gives the dish its bold flavor!Cooking the Salmon
6. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. I prefer using cast iron for this recipe as it retains heat well and gives a beautiful crust to the salmon. 7. Once the skillet is hot, add a tablespoon of butter. Let it melt and start to bubble, but be careful not to let it burn. 8. Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if they have skin. Cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving them. This allows the blackening to develop a nice crust. 9. After 4-5 minutes, gently flip the salmon fillets using a spatula. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). 10. Once cooked, remove the salmon from the skillet and place it on a plate. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm while you prepare the spinach.Cooking the Spinach
11. In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, and then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. 12. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. It may seem like a lot at first, but it will wilt down significantly. Stir the spinach around for about 2-3 minutes until it’s wilted and tender. 13. Drizzle the lemon juice over the spinach and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors.Assembling the Dish
14. To serve, place a generous portion of the sautéed spinach on each plate. 15. Top the spinach with a blackened salmon fillet. The contrast of the vibrant green spinach and the dark, flavorful salmon is visually stunning. 16. Garnish with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness when serving.Tips for Success
17. If you want to make your blackened salmon even more flavorful, consider marinating the salmon in olive oil and lemon juice for about 30 minutes before seasoning and cooking. 18. For a little extra kick, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the spinach while it cooks. 19. If you’re looking to add more vegetables to your meal, consider sautéing some cherry tomatoes or bell peppers along with the spinach. 20. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of quinoa, rice, or even a light salad for a complete meal.Storing Leftovers
21. If you have any leftovers, store the salmon and spinach separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salmon will keep for up to 3 days, while the spinach is best consumed within 1-2 days. 22. To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a skillet over low heat, and sauté the spinach again briefly to revive its freshness. Enjoy your delicious blackened salmon with spinach! This dish is not only packed with flavor but also loaded with nutrients,
Conclusion:
In summary, this Blackened Salmon with Spinach recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dinner game. The combination of the spicy, smoky blackened seasoning with the tender, flaky salmon creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Plus, the vibrant spinach not only adds a pop of color but also packs in essential nutrients, making this dish as healthy as it is delicious. For serving suggestions, I love pairing this dish with a side of quinoa or brown rice to soak up any extra juices, or you could serve it alongside a fresh, zesty salad for a light and refreshing meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon or a dollop of avocado crema on top for an extra layer of flavor. You can also experiment with different greens, like kale or Swiss chard, if you want to switch things up a bit. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Blackened Salmon with Spinach recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s inspire each other in the kitchen! Happy cooking! Print
Blackened Salmon with Spinach: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Savor the bold flavors of Blackened Salmon served on a bed of sautéed garlic spinach. This quick and nutritious dish features perfectly cooked salmon coated in a spicy blackening seasoning, complemented by tender, wilted spinach. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s both delicious and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons blackening seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Lemon wedges for serving
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle olive oil over the fillets, ensuring they are evenly coated. Generously sprinkle the blackening seasoning over both sides of each fillet.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat (cast iron preferred). Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if applicable. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them to develop a crust. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C). Remove from skillet and cover loosely with foil.
- In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and stir for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- On each plate, place a generous portion of sautéed spinach and top with a blackened salmon fillet. Garnish with lemon wedges for serving.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the salmon in olive oil and lemon juice for 30 minutes before seasoning.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes to the spinach for extra heat.
- Consider adding cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for more vegetables.
- This dish pairs well with quinoa, rice, or a light salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
