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Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets, skin-on (about 5–6 ounces each)
- 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne (reduce or omit for mild)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- olive oil
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- optional for serving: lemon or lime wedges, fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, or parsley)
Instructions
- Combine the cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and stir to mix.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle or spritz olive oil on the flesh side, then rub the seasoning evenly over the top.
- In a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Place the salmon flesh-side down and cook for about 4 minutes until seared and blackened.
- Gently flip the salmon with a spatula and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is crispy and the salmon flakes easily or reaches 145°F.
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Adjust the cayenne pepper to taste for desired heat level.
For best results, ensure the skillet is hot before adding the salmon to achieve the perfect sear.
Serve with lemon or lime wedges for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg