Recently, I shared this Blackened Red Snapper recipe on the blog. With the leftover blackening seasoning + some of my leftover Whole30 Tartar Sauce, I put together this easy-peasy Blackened Pan Seared Salmon with tartar sauce on my Instagram stories. Y’all loved it, so I felt it needed a proper place on the blog– so you never forget it 😉
So here it is in all its glory! An easy blackened pan-seared salmon served with a tangy, dill-y tartar sauce that will make your Whole30 weeknight cooking taste like heaven! But honestly, just the blackened salmon alone is delicious!
CLICK HERE for the Tartar Sauce Recipe.
Blackened Salmon with Tartar Sauce

Ingredients
For the Seasoning Mixture:
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for spice
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
For the Salmon:
- 4 6oz salmon filets
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/2 lemon, sliced into wedges
Instructions
For the Seasoning Mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine all of the seasoning mixture ingredients and stir until well combined.
For the Salmon:
- Using your hands, evenly divide the seasoning mixture among the salmon filets and gently rub into the tops of each filet.
- Heat avocado oil in a non stick skillet over medium high heat. When the oil is hot, but not smoking, place the salmon into the pan, flesh side down, until a deep blackened crust forms, about 3 minutes. Then, using a sturdy spatula flip the filets to the skin side and continue cooking until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily, about 2-3 more minutes.
- Serve alongside my Whole30 Tartar Sauce and sliced lemon.
19 Comments
Sarah
January 8, 2022 at 1:22 amWe love this at my house. Even the kids devour it.
Paige
October 19, 2021 at 12:16 amSo easy, and delicious! Best salmon I’ve had in a long time!
Kelly Jo
April 21, 2021 at 5:34 amProbably the best (and easiest) salmon I have had in a long time. Had it with a lime garlic aioli and WOW! Will definitely be a reoccurring dish in our house!
Adri cecjl
May 4, 2021 at 1:33 amWhat’s the recipe for the lime garlic aioli?!
Alex
May 4, 2021 at 11:45 amI think you mean the tartar sauce– and it’s linked in the body of the blog post!
Holly
February 20, 2021 at 4:52 pmMy husband says this is the best meal I’ve ever cooked and I agree!! Do not skip the tartar sauce it is amazing!!
Emily
February 18, 2021 at 10:42 pmLove this recipe – it’s on repeat at our house! It’s the only way my husband will eat salmon now!
Heather Tickner
February 7, 2021 at 2:31 amI always seem to burn the outside and majorly undercook the middle! What am I doing wrong?! 😭😭
BTW- the salmon and tarter sauce is still fire even burnt 😂
I’ve been making this weekly and can’t seem to figure out what I’m doing wrong.
Alex
February 8, 2021 at 12:18 pmtry lowering your heat and cooking a little longer next time!
Amanda
January 30, 2021 at 3:37 amThis blackening spice has been made in bulk and I use it as an all purpose seasoning for my different protein. So delish! Thank you 🙏🏾
Kayla
January 26, 2021 at 11:58 pmMade this tonight – was absolutely delicious. So much flavour! Will for sure be making this again.
Thanks for sharing!
Marcia
January 12, 2021 at 12:08 amLoved it! Will be making it again!
Abby Durden
November 5, 2020 at 9:33 pmAbsolutely delicious, added to my regular meal rotation !
Alex
November 5, 2020 at 9:51 pmYay!!
Kelly Spears
October 24, 2020 at 10:40 pmSO GOOD! This is a staple weeknight meal in our home. Thank you!
Alex
October 25, 2020 at 8:58 pmYay! Thank you!!
Courtney
January 3, 2021 at 10:26 pmMy favorite way to make salmon now! So delicious and easy!
Alex
January 4, 2021 at 1:37 pmone of my faves, too!!
Allie Del Principe
October 19, 2020 at 11:17 pmOmg this was amazing! I didn’t have lemon so used lime instead and loved it. Thanks for the recipe, Alex 🙂