Garlic Butter Blackened Salmon

Blackened salmon fillets in garlic butter lime sauce with fresh lime wedges in a cast-iron skillet on marble — Blackened Salmon with Garlic Butter Lime Sauce—pan-seared to perfection in a cast iron skillet with a zesty, buttery finish

Garlic Butter Blackened Salmon is the kind of meal that makes a weeknight feel like a restaurant night. This bold and flavorful recipe combines smoky blackened seasoning with a quick garlic butter lime sauce that takes everything to the next level—yet it’s ready in under 25 minutes.

The beauty of this dish is in the contrast: a crisp, spicy crust seared onto juicy salmon, finished with buttery richness and a splash of citrus for brightness. It’s made entirely in one skillet and uses everyday pantry spices to create something unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing dinner guests, this salmon delivers flavor, texture, and satisfaction in every bite.

Blackening—a Southern cooking technique—became popular in the 1980s thanks to Chef Paul Prudhomme, who brought Cajun flair to the mainstream. Today, it’s still celebrated for its ability to lock in bold flavor fast—and this version with garlic butter and lime gives it a modern twist you’ll crave again and again.

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tsp lime zest
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, stir together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper until evenly blended.

2. Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Rub each fillet with olive oil on all sides. Generously coat the top and sides of the salmon with the blackened seasoning blend, pressing gently so it sticks.

3. Sear the salmon: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot (about 2–3 min). Add 1 tbsp olive oil and swirl to coat. Carefully place the salmon fillets into the skillet, seasoned side down. Sear for 3–4 min without moving until a deep crust forms.

4. Flip and finish: Flip the fillets gently and cook the other side for 2–3 min, or until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Transfer to a plate.

5. Make the sauce: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Stir in garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add lime juice and zest. Stir well, scraping up any brown bits.

6. Serve and garnish: Spoon the warm garlic butter lime sauce over the salmon. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lime wedges.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

Use a hot skillet: A very hot cast-iron skillet gives the salmon that signature blackened crust. Let it heat for a few minutes before adding the fish.
Balance the spice: For a milder version, reduce cayenne or swap for a smoky chili powder. You’ll still get great flavor without the burn.
Don’t skip the sauce: The quick garlic butter lime sauce ties the whole dish together—bright, buttery, and savory all in one spoonful.

Cooked it? 🍳 Loved it? ❤️ Changed it up? 🔄 Your opinion matters! Log in with Google or Facebook using the button below, share your foodie adventure, and let’s make cooking even more fun together! 🎉