Blackened Salmon Recipe with Lemon Butter & Broccoli 🐟

Name: Blackened Salmon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 salmon filets (boneless (about 1 pound)); ½ cup unsalted butter (melted); 2 tablespoons paprika; 1 tablespoon ground cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 2 teaspoons sea salt; ½ teaspoon ground white pepper; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ¼ teaspoon dried thyme; ¼ teaspoon dried basil; ¼ teaspoon dried oregano; 4 cups broccoli florets; 4 tablespoons butter; 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; Sea salt (to taste); Freshly ground pepper (to taste)

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Check out our healthy Blackened Salmon recipe! It features juicy salmon with lemon-butter broccoli and a blend of spices to satisfy your seafood cravings. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can indulge in a tasty meal that keeps you on track. Let's get started!

Homemade blackened salmon in lemon butter sauce served with steamed broccoli.

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Preparation and cooking overview
Chef's note
🐟 Ingredients for this blackened salmon recipe
Ingredient substitutions
Additional ingredients
Cooking tools required
Tool substitutes list
How to make Blackened Salmon: step-by-step guide
Cooking methods
Preparation steps
Cooking instructions
What to serve with blackened salmon?
How to make it healthier?
Time-saving tips
What can I prepare ahead of time?
Storage and reheating instructions
Recipe wrap-up conclusion
Frequently asked questions
📖 Recipe

Preparation and cooking overview

If you want a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this Keto Salmon Recipe is perfect. In just 20 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table. Simply coat the salmon with a special spice blend, pan-sear it until crispy, and sauté some broccoli in lemony butter. Serve them together, and enjoy a quick and easy dish that doesn't skimp on flavor!

Chef's note

Want to make this pan-seared blackened salmon recipe your own? Feel free to experiment! If broccoli's not your thing, try our popular Cauliflower Rice or Keto Arugula Salad as a side dish. And if you enjoy a touch of sweetness, don't hesitate to drizzle some keto-friendly maple syrup on the cooked salmon for a delightful twist.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 Minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Recipe Makes 4 Servings

For more inspiration check out our Fish recipe.

🐟 Ingredients for this blackened salmon recipe

Here's a list of all the simple ingredients you'll need to make this keto blackened salmon at home:

For the salmon

4 salmon filets, boneless (about 1 pound)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon ground cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons sea salt
½ teaspoon ground white pepper
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon dried oregano

For the broccoli

4 cups broccoli florets
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Sea salt, to taste
Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Blackened salmon in lemon butter sauce, served with broccoli on a plate.

Ingredient substitutions

If any of the ingredients aren't to your taste or you don't have them on hand, feel free to substitute them with other options that fit your keto diet:

Paprika: Substitute regular paprika with smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
Ground cayenne pepper: Use chili powder or red pepper flakes for a similar spice level instead of cayenne pepper.
Unsalted butter: If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut or olive oil.
Fresh lemon juice: Use lime juice or apple cider vinegar if you don't have fresh lemon juice.

Additional ingredients

Elevate the flavor profile of this healthy meal with these optional ingredients:

Garlic powder: Add some garlic powder to the homemade blackening seasoning blend for a garlicky note.
Parmesan cheese: Grate some Parmesan cheese and sprinkle over the broccoli just before serving.
Lemon zest: Toss in some lemon zest while sautéing the broccoli for an extra layer of citrusy aroma.
Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro: Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro over the finished dish for fresh flavors.
Chili oil: Drizzle some chili oil over the filets just before serving for mild heat and extra flavor.

Blackened salmon served with broccoli on a plate.

Cooking tools required

To make this easy Blackened Salmon recipe, you'll need the following tools:

Measuring spoons and cup
Small bowl
Brush
Whisk or fork (for butter)
Large iron cast skillet
Spatula
Knife
Cutting board
Saucepan

Tool substitutes list

Cast-iron skillet: If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, use a non-stick pan or skillet.
Brush: Instead of a brush, use a spoon to coat the filets with melted butter and evenly sprinkle the spice mixture.

Homemade blackened salmon in lemon butter sauce with broccoli and lemon slices.

How to make Blackened Salmon: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

Pan-searing
Steaming

Preparation steps

Gather and measure all the ingredients.
Defrost the salmon filets if frozen. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Melt ½ cup unsalted butter in a microwave or a small saucepan and set it aside.
Wash a medium-sized broccoli head, pat it dry, and cut it into florets.
Squeeze out four tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and discard the seeds.

Cooking instructions

Cook the salmon filets

Mix paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, white and black pepper, thyme, basil, and oregano in a small bowl. Mix them to make the blackened salmon seasoning.
Lay the salmon filets skin side down on a tray.
Brush both sides of the filets with ¼ cup of melted butter. Sprinkle and press the seasoning onto the meat side, ensuring it's fully coated.
Melt two tablespoons of butter in a large cast-iron skillet over high heat.
Place the filets in the skillet, skin side down, and cook for 2-5 minutes until blackened.
Flip the filets, add the remaining butter, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the flesh side is blackened and flaky.

Cook the broccoli florets

Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they're tender but still crisp. Drain any leftover water.
Melt a tablespoon of butter in the same saucepan on medium heat. Add the steamed broccoli, stirring until it's coated with butter.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the broccoli, then add sea salt and black pepper to taste.
Take the saucepan off the heat, and serve the lemon-butter broccoli with the blackened salmon filets. Enjoy!

Blackened salmon in a tangy sauce, accompanied by broccoli and garnished with lemon slices.

Chef's pro tip

Before cooking the salmon, get that skillet nice and hot. A hot pan gives you that perfect crispy edge on the filets. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Pull them off the heat slightly before they're done. Let them sit for a few minutes to finish cooking. They'll be spot-on when it's time to dig in!

What to serve with blackened salmon?

The blackened salmon in a cast iron skillet is delicious on its own, but you can make the meal even more exciting with these keto-friendly dishes:

Cauliflower Rice: Fluffy cauliflower rice goes perfectly with the salmon and broccoli, helping to soak up all those delicious flavors.
Keto Kale Salad: A simple salad with curly kale, fresh lemon juice, garlic salt, and Parmesan cheese can add an irresistible flavor to your meal.
Crack Slaw: This cool and creamy dish contrasts with the bold flavors of the spicy salmon, making the meal even more enjoyable.
Asparagus Spears: The gentle taste of asparagus, whether grilled or steamed, pairs wonderfully with this dish, adding another layer of flavor and texture.

Pan-seared salmon seasoned with blackened spices, drizzled with a lemony butter sauce, and served alongside broccoli.

How to make it healthier?

You can make this dish even healthier by using less salt. Instead, focus on other flavorful spices to keep the taste just right.

Time-saving tips

Buy pre-cut broccoli: Save time chopping by picking up pre-cut broccoli florets from the store.
Use a pre-made spice mix: To make the recipe faster, buy ready-made blackening or Cajun spice mixes at your local grocery store.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

Make the seasoning early: If you decide not to use a pre-made mix, you can create the blackening seasoning beforehand. Just store it in a small container or ziplock bag.
Prep the broccoli: Wash and chop the broccoli into florets in advance, and keep them fresh in an airtight container or resealable bag in the fridge.

Low-carb blackened salmon in lemon butter sauce served with broccoli.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

Refrigerator: Put any leftover salmon filets and broccoli in separate airtight containers. This way, they'll stay fresh for 2-3 days in the fridge.
Freezer: You can put the leftover salmon filets in freezer-safe bags, and they'll last for 1-2 months. Be careful with the broccoli; freezing can make it lose its crispness.

Reheating best practices

Microwave: Place the leftover filets and broccoli in separate microwave-safe dishes. Cover them and heat on medium, checking and stirring now and then so they don't overcook.
Stovetop: Reheat the leftovers in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat, flipping them occasionally. In another pan, gently heat the broccoli with a little water or olive oil until warm. This way, both will keep their nice textures.
Oven: Set your oven to 275°F (135°C) for a gentle reheat. Put the salmon and broccoli on separate trays and cover them with foil so they don't dry out. Warm them for just a few minutes, and they'll be ready to enjoy again.

Recipe wrap-up conclusion

Our Blackened Salmon paired with lemon butter broccoli is more than just a meal; it's a delightful combination of taste and convenience. Perfect for anyone looking for a speedy keto-friendly dish, it's versatile enough for a fancy dinner or a quick, satisfying lunch.

So why not add a little zest to your meal plan with this popular recipe? With easy-to-follow steps and common ingredients, it's sure to become a regular in your cooking lineup. Give it a whirl, and let us know how your delicious creation turns out!

Blackened salmon in lemony butter sauce served alongside broccoli and lemon slices.

Looking for more keto salmon recipes? Here are some tasty suggestions!

Broiled Salmon
Oven Baked Salmon
Grilled Salmon
Glazed Salmon
Pecan and Gouda Crusted Salmon
Keto Salmon Patties
Salmon with Burst Tomatoes and Green Beans

Frequently asked questions

You can substitute salmon with cod or tilapia in the recipe.

The number of carbs in salmon is naturally zero. On average, one salmon filet has 11.8g of fat, 26g of protein, and zero carbohydrates. So, it's perfect for those on the ketogenic diet.

First, mix a medley of spices like paprika, pepper, onion powder, and dried herbs. Then, coat the salmon filets with the seasoning blend and sear them in a hot cast-iron skillet for 2-4 minutes on each side until a flavorful crust forms.

Ensure the pan is hot before you add the filets, and refrain from moving the salmon too much. Let it sear undisturbed to create a nice crust that makes flipping easier.

Yes, both frozen salmon and broccoli work well in this recipe. If using frozen salmon, thaw it completely before applying the seasoning and cooking. You can cook the broccoli straight out of the freezer.

📖 Recipe

Blackened Salmon

Savor the flavors of our quick and delectable Blackened Salmon recipe, featuring tender salmon, zesty spices, and lemon-butter broccoli, all keto-friendly and ready in just 20 minutes.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keyword: blackened salmon, garlilc butter salmon, lemon butter salmon, pan-fried salmon

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 20

Servings:

Calories: 601kcal