Blackened salmon with cilantro lime butter may be the easiest, most delicious salmon recipe you will EVER make. Never blackened fish before? It’s as easy as seasoning a filet with blackening seasoning and searing for 3-4 minutes per side in a pan or preferably a cast iron skillet, of course. Cast iron is perfect for searing and blackening because it gives you the desired grilled finish.
I don’t think blackened seafood is as popular as it should be. You can totally transform bland white fish into worlds of flavor with a smokey and spicy kick. Every time I make blackened salmon, Patty and I seem to have an epiphany and wonder why we don’t make it more often. Like, “Hey that was awesome let’s not make it again for six months and totally forget about it!”
Cilantro lime butter on blackened fish is incredible. I first started experimenting with it a few years ago when I learned about it in a Men’s Health cookbook called “Guy Gourmet.” Yes, manly recipes in an even manlier book (It’s actually a great book). Imagine fresh garlic, lime, butter, and cilantro drizzled over every bite. The lime and cilantro compliment the smokey, spicy flavored salmon. It comes together to create the perfect balance.
Now…whatever you do, don’t skip the cilantro lime butter. It makes the entire recipe, I promise.
- 2 6-8 ounce salmon filets, skin removed
- 4 tablespoons blackening seasoning (such as Old Bay)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 lime wedges for garnish
Cilantro Lime Butter:- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- ½ lime, juice squeezed
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, minced
- For the cilantro lime butter: Place butter in a small bowl and microwave for 10-15 seconds, enough to slightly soften but not melt. Add garlic, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Use a fork to mix the butter together until combined. Spoon onto a small sheet of tinfoil, forming a line, and then roll to create a cylinder. Place in the fridge for about 5 minutes and then set aside.
- For the salmon: Season each salmon filet with blackening seasoning until fully coated (about 2 tablespoons of blackening seasoning per salmon filet).
- Place 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a cast iron skillet on medium-high heat. Sear salmon for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping once, for medium. Sear 4-5 minutes per side if you prefer your salmon more flakey through the center.
- Top each salmon filet with a slice of cilantro lime butter and serve with a lime wedge.
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