Blackened Salmon Mango Salsa (Printable)
Spicy blackened salmon complemented by a refreshing mango avocado salsa and zesty seasonings.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Blackened Salmon
01 - 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skinless or skin-on as preferred)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
07 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
09 - ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
10 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
→ For the Mango Avocado Salsa
11 - 1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and diced
12 - 1 ripe avocado, pitted and diced
13 - ½ small red onion, finely diced
14 - ½ red bell pepper, diced
15 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
16 - Juice of 1 lime
17 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of all spices.
02 - Pat salmon fillets completely dry using paper towels to ensure proper searing. Rub both sides of each fillet with olive oil, then press the spice blend generously onto all surfaces, coating evenly.
03 - Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until smoking hot. Place salmon fillets in the pan, skin side down if applicable. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping once, until deeply browned and internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
04 - While salmon cooks, combine diced mango, avocado, red onion, bell pepper, minced jalapeño, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro in a medium bowl. Toss gently to combine without mashing the avocado. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
05 - Plate each rested salmon fillet and top generously with the mango avocado salsa. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately while salmon is still warm and salsa is fresh.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The spicy crust and cool salsa create the most gorgeous contrast of textures and temperatures
- It looks like something from a restaurant but requires zero fancy techniques
02 -
- Turn on your exhaust fan before you start cooking, the spices can get intense
- Do not move the salmon while it sears, let it develop that gorgeous crust
03 -
- Room temperature salmon cooks more evenly than cold from the fridge
- Leftover salsa makes an incredible breakfast with scrambled eggs