Blackened Salmon with Charred Vegetables Recipe

If you’re looking to shake up dinner with something bold, vibrant, and absolutely packed with flavor, let me introduce you to my obsession: Blackened Salmon with Charred Vegetables. This dish delivers juicy, perfectly blackened salmon fillets perched on a bed of caramelized veggies, all crowned with a bright squeeze of lemon. It’s as striking on the plate as it is delicious, and you won’t believe how straightforward it is to prepare. Whether you’re hosting friends or just making a weekday meal that feels special, this recipe is about to become one of your go-tos.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You can create Blackened Salmon with Charred Vegetables with just a handful of fresh ingredients, but each one really brings their own personality to the table! From the smoky heat of the seasoning to the sweetness of roasted veggies, every element adds something special to this colorful, crowd-pleasing dish.

• Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, thick-cut fillets for expertly tender, flaky results and a beautiful presentation.
• Blackening seasoning: This blend creates the dish’s signature crust with just the right amount of spice; store-bought works well, or you can blend your own!
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps those veggies roast to golden, slightly crispy perfection.
• Zucchini, sliced: Offers a buttery bite and turns beautifully golden and soft in the oven.
• Red bell pepper, sliced: Provides sweetness and a pop of color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
• Red onion, sliced: Roasts down to mellow, caramelized strands that complement the fish’s bold flavors.
• Smoked paprika: Imparts a gentle smokiness that deepens the flavor of both veg and fish.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for making all the individual ingredients sing.
• Lemon wedges for garnish: A classic finishing touch for salmon, adding brightness and zing just before serving.

How to Make Blackened Salmon with Charred Vegetables

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and give it a few minutes to really heat up. Roasting at high heat is the secret to vegetables with golden edges and concentrated flavor. While it warms, you can prep your fish and veggies.

Step 2: Season Your Salmon

Pat your salmon fillets dry, then sprinkle them generously with blackening seasoning on all sides. This not only adds a beautiful crust and deep, smoky flavor, but also keeps your salmon moist as it cooks. Let the fish hang out at room temperature for a few minutes – this helps it cook more evenly on the skillet.

Step 3: Toss and Roast the Vegetables

In a roomy bowl, toss together the zucchini, red bell pepper, and red onion with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a solid mix so each veggie gets coated. Spread them out on a large baking sheet in a single layer, then pop them into the oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway, until everything is charred and irresistible.

Step 4: Sear the Salmon

While the veggies finish up, heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron, if you have it) over medium-high. Add a tiny bit of oil if your pan needs it. Lay down the salmon fillets, flesh-side first, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side. You’re looking for a deep, dark crust and a tender, just-cooked interior. Don’t worry if the spice blend darkens a bit – that’s how you know it’s truly blackened!

Step 5: Assemble and Garnish

Pile those gorgeous, deeply roasted vegetables onto plates, then top with a salmon fillet. Finish with a big squeeze of lemon juice over the top – the acidity will cut through the richness and tie everything together. And just like that, your Blackened Salmon with Charred Vegetables is ready to shine.

How to Serve Blackened Salmon with Charred Vegetables

Garnishes

Don’t skip the lemon wedges! A generous squeeze brightens the smoky salmon and roasted veggies beautifully. You could also sprinkle over some fresh chopped parsley, a dash more smoked paprika, or even paper-thin slices of fresh chili if you love a little extra heat.

Side Dishes

Blackened Salmon with Charred Vegetables is pretty satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, you have loads of options. A fluffy bed of couscous or quinoa makes a lovely base for soaking up all those tasty juices. Garlic bread or a simple green salad on the side also works fabulously – anything that complements the bold, smoky flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

This dish is open to plenty of fun presentations! Try serving the salmon and charred vegetables family-style on a big platter for a social, relaxed vibe. For a special twist, flake the salmon and wrap it with the veggies into warm tortillas for effortless tacos. Or layer everything into a bountiful grain bowl topped with a drizzle of yogurt sauce for an easy lunch prep.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Blackened Salmon with Charred Vegetables (lucky you!), let everything cool before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The veg might soften a little more, but the flavors only get deeper and richer.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze leftover salmon: just wrap the fillets tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. The vegetables won’t hold their wonderful charred texture once thawed, so it’s better to freeze the salmon on its own and prep fresh veggies when ready to serve again.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the salmon and vegetables in a covered skillet over low heat – this helps keep the fish tender and prevents it from drying out. If you prefer the oven, arrange leftovers on a baking sheet and cover with foil, then bake at 325°F (163°C) until just heated through. Try to avoid microwaving if you can, as it can overcook the salmon quickly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets for Blackened Salmon with Charred Vegetables. Just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and cooking, to ensure you get that beautiful crust.

What vegetables work best if I want to switch things up?

Feel free to get creative! Asparagus, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even sweet potato rounds will all roast beautifully and add new textures to your Blackened Salmon with Charred Vegetables.

How spicy is traditional blackening seasoning?

It usually brings a mild to moderate kick, with smoky, peppery notes. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can use a little less or opt for a milder blend. Or ramp it up if you love spice!

Can I grill the salmon instead of searing it in a skillet?

Absolutely! Grilling gives the salmon a fantastic smoky flavor and lovely seared marks. Just oil the grates well and grill the seasoned fillets for about 3-4 minutes per side over medium-high heat.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Blackened Salmon with Charred Vegetables makes a fantastic meal-prep lunch. Just keep the garnishes and lemon wedges separate, and assemble right before eating for maximum freshness.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Blackened Salmon with Charred Vegetables, you’ll seriously wonder how such a simple recipe can deliver so much wow-factor. I hope you dive in and make this dish your own – it’s fresh, colorful, and never fails to impress. Give it a go, and let your kitchen be filled with those irresistible aromas and flavors!

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