PF
A colorful gourmet platter with grilled salmon and fresh vegetables on a white dish.
Stovetop~25 minComplexity

Blackened Salmon

This Blackened Salmon provides 1g protein and 28 calories per serving — a minimal-calorie flavoring component rather than a standalone protein source. Four stovetop portions function best as a side element paired with your primary protein, letting you layer tastes without inflating macros.

Rate this recipe:

Ingredients

4 servings
  • Salmon
  • Paprika, Ground(15g)
  • Brown sugar(5g)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Onion powder(4g)
  • Garlic powder(4g)
  • Cayenne Pepper, Ground(3g)
  • Oregano, Dried(3g)
  • Thyme, Dried(3g)
  • Unsalted Butter(30g)
  • Lemon
  • Chopped fresh parsley or thyme (for serving)

Instructions

  1. 1Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place flesh-side up on a plate.
  2. 2In a small bowl, stir together the paprika, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme until evenly combined.
  3. 3Melt the butter in a separate small bowl, then brush it evenly over the flesh side of each salmon fillet. Sprinkle the spice mixture generously over the buttered flesh and lightly pat to adhere.
  4. 4Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes until completely hot (a water droplet should dance across the surface). Place the salmon fillets flesh-side down in the dry pan and cook for 2–3 minutes without moving them, until the surface is deeply blackened and charred.
  5. 5Carefully flip each fillet and cook skin-side down over medium heat for 5–6 minutes until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 145°F at the thickest part, confirmed with an instant-read thermometer; the flesh should flake easily with a fork.
  6. 6Transfer the cooked salmon fillets to a cutting board and squeeze fresh lemon juice over each one.
  7. 7Divide the salmon evenly into 4 airtight containers while still warm, allowing to cool slightly before sealing.
  8. 8Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes before serving with lemon wedges.

Nutrition — Per Serving

28

calories

1g

protein

7g

fat

Carbohydrates
6g
Saturated fat
0.1g
Sodium
6 mg
Dietary fiber
2.4g

4 servings per batch · ~17g each

Macro data sourced from USDA FoodData Central

+ Add to Meal Plan

AI Swap Engine

Swap any ingredient and get recalculated macros instantly.

Set up your profile to unlock

Common questions

How much protein does Blackened Salmon have per serving?

This recipe contains only 1g of protein per serving at 28 calories, making it more of a side or flavor component than a protein source. You'll need to pair it with a primary protein like chicken, beef, or Greek yogurt to hit your daily targets.

How long does Blackened Salmon take to prep?

It's marked as quick prep and yields 4 servings on the stovetop, so you can have it ready in minimal time for a weeknight dinner or meal prep batch.

Is Blackened Salmon good for fat loss?

At only 28 calories and 1g protein per serving, this is best used as a seasoning-forward side dish rather than a standalone meal for fat loss goals. Combine it with high-protein, lower-calorie vegetables or lean proteins to create a complete fat-loss meal.

Crockpot Lasagna

Slow Cooker · 6 servings

63g protein490 cal8g fat
Complexity
View Recipe →+ Plan

Slow Cooker Beef Pasta

Slow Cooker · 10 servings

70g protein540 cal11g fat
Complexity
View Recipe →+ Plan

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Stovetop · 8 servings

59g protein530 cal14g fat
Complexity
View Recipe →+ Plan

Beef Bacon Pasta

Stovetop · 10 servings

67g protein600 cal18g fat
Complexity
View Recipe →+ Plan