Blackened Salmon with Mango Salsa
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Blackened Salmon with Mango Salsa is flaky salmon filet that’s crusted in sugar and seasonings then cooked until they caramelize. Pair with bright, fresh mango salsa, it’s a healthy, ultra flavorful recipe for either lunch or dinner.
In just 15 minutes, you can have this healthy, flaky Blackened Salmon with Mango Salsa on your plate. Sweet, crispy, spicy, and juicy! All things you want in a Blackened Salmon bowl.
Blackened Salmon with Mango Salsa
In my opinion, fresh seafood is best presented with equally fresh fruit and vegetables. Often, seafood is cooked with various spices that give it a bold flavor, like this Cajun rub, or simply with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
This fresh mango salsa is the perfect pairing to make your plate a tropical treat no matter where you live.
What is blackened salmon?
To ‘blacken a food’ refers to the cooking method often found in Cajun cuisines. It requires a fat content, oil or
Blackened salmon is this method of cooking as applied to salmon filets. Serve Blackened Salmon over rice or quinoa or plain if you watch carbs.
Tips for Cooking Blackened Salmon with Mango Salsa
Do I need to remove the skin on salmon before cooking?
Actually, you can eat the skin on a salmon filet. It’s not going to hurt you. Using this blackened salmon recipe, you may find that you actually enjoy the spicy, crusty crunch of the skin as you dig in for a bite with sweet mango salsa.
Does salmon have to marinate with a dry rub?
No. As soon as you set your skillet to preheat on the stovetop, go ahead and season your salmon. You do not want to season it and marinate it in the fridge like you would a piece of chicken or steak. According to The Kitchn’s, 5 Mistakes to Avoid when Cooking Salmon, salting your salmon too soon can make it watery.
Can you overcook salmon?
Yes, and it’s very easy to do. Salmon filets, depending on size, really only need about 3-5 minutes per side. Salmon, as it cooks, starts to lose its vibrant color. A perfectly cooked salmon filet still has a bit of vibrant orange/pink color in the middle when pulled from the skillet. The internal temperature, if using a meat thermometer, should be at 145F. The trick to perfectly cooked salmon is quick, high heat.
Should fish smell fishy?
NO! This is a telltale sign that your fish is expired or on its way out. It is very easy to get sick from expired fish. This is not something you want to risk. A pungent smell is a warning sign. Fresh fish have little to no smell. If it smells like fish, throw it away.
What’s in blackened seasoning rub?
This blackened salmon seasoning rub includes smoked paprika for the beautiful red color and smokey taste, cayenne for a bit of heat, brown sugar for caramelization, cumin for the signature earthy, nutty flavor, onion powder to marry the fish to the salsa, and salt. These six simple pantry spices make for a quick and easy Cajun rub.
You can use this rub on pork, chicken, or steak. I mix it and store it in the pantry in an airtight jar with my store-bought spice blends.
How to make Blackened Salmon with Mango Salsa
Mix the dry rub ingredients in a bowl. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel. Rub the seasoning all over.
Pour two tablespoons of olive oil or canola oil into your hot skillet. Be sure the skillet reaches 320F for optimal caramelization.
Place the salmon skin side down in the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes. Then, use a pair of tongs to flip and cook the other side. Loud sizzling and a bit of smoke are perfectly normal.
Mix your dry rub in a bowl. Sprinkle and press your rub onto all sides of your salmon Add to a hot skillet with some oil.
Sear on both sides for 3-5 minutes
Can pregnant women eat salmon?
Yes, if wild-caught or organically farmed. Thankfully, salmon is one of the best natural sources of DHA and Omega-3s, both of which mom and baby need. Just make sure to enjoy it fully cooked as any type of raw meat or seafood is not a good idea when pregnant due to Listeria.
What are the health benefits of eating salmon?
- Reduces blood clotting. Reduces blood pressure. High in Omega-3 fatty acids, known for improving memory and mood.
- Known as a high-quality protein, each 3.5 ounce of salmon contains roughly 25 grams of protein.
- High in vitamin B variations.
- Next to bananas is an excellent source of potassium.
- and many more!
Equipment you’ll need for Blackened Salmon with Mango Salsa
What to serve with blackened salmon
Take it to the next level, or round out the meal with these delicious pairing options. Swap out the white rice for quinoa to add more protein to this dish. Add fluffy yeast rolls and Thin Mint Cheesecake or another decadent dessert for the win!
Also, try these popular recipes
- Honey Glazed Wood Roasted Salmon
- Loaded Blackened Skillet Chicken
- Baked Firecracker Salmon
- HOMEMADE BARBECUE SEASONING RUB RECIPE
- Homemade Blackened Seasoning Recipe
Blackened Salmon with Mango Salsa
Ingredients
- 10 ounces Salmon Filets
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
- 2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mango Salsa
- 1 Mango peeled and medium diced
- 1/2 Purple Onion medium diced
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic or one clove
- Juice of one Lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional
- 1 cup prepared rice
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients for the mango salsa in a medium bowl and set aside while preparing the salmon.
- In a small bowl mix the smoked paprika, cayenne, brown sugar, onion powder, cumin and salt.
- Rub the spice mixture over the entierty of the salmon filets.
- Preheat the skillet over medium heat with 2 Tablespoons of olive oil. Lay the salmon flesh side down on skillet and allow to caramilize for 2-3 minutes. Flip to skin side down for another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve the salmon over rice and dressed with mango salsa.
Nutrition
Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are important to you, I recommend calculating them yourself.