Blackened Salmon Mango Salsa: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Blackened Salmon Mango Salsa: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more! Imagine succulent, flaky salmon, perfectly seasoned and seared to a delightful crisp, paired with the vibrant sweetness of a homemade mango salsa. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience.

While blackened seasoning techniques have roots in Cajun and Creole cuisine, lending a smoky depth to seafood and meats for generations, the addition of mango salsa brings a refreshing, modern twist. Mango salsa itself is a celebration of tropical flavors, often found in Caribbean and Latin American dishes, adding a burst of sunshine to any plate.

What makes Blackened Salmon Mango Salsa so irresistible? It’s the harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The slight char of the salmon contrasts beautifully with the juicy, sweet, and slightly tangy salsa. It’s also incredibly versatile! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dish to serve at a dinner party, this recipe delivers. People adore it because it’s healthy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this unforgettable dish!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Blackened Salmon:
• 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off (your preference!)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning (store-bought or homemade – recipe below!)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• For the Homemade Blackened Seasoning (Optional):
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• For the Mango Salsa:
• 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely diced
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional Garnishes:
• Lime wedges
• Fresh cilantro sprigs

Preparing the Mango Salsa:

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the diced mangoes, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro. I like to use a bowl that’s not too deep, so I can easily toss everything together without bruising the mango.
2. Add the Liquid: Pour in the lime juice and olive oil. The lime juice is key here – it not only adds a bright, citrusy flavor but also helps to prevent the mango from browning.
3. Season to Perfection: Season the salsa with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sometimes, a little extra lime juice or a pinch more salt can really make the flavors pop.
4. Let it Rest (Important!): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salsa to develop its full potential. If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes will make a difference, but the longer it sits, the better it gets! I often make this salsa a few hours in advance.

Preparing the Blackened Salmon:

1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step! Removing excess moisture will help the blackened seasoning adhere better and ensure a nice, crispy crust. If you bought salmon with the skin on, you can leave it on or remove it – it’s entirely up to your preference. I personally love the crispy skin, but some people prefer it without.
2. Mix the Blackened Seasoning (If Making Your Own): If you’re making your own blackened seasoning, combine all the ingredients (smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and white pepper) in a small bowl. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. Store any leftover seasoning in an airtight container for future use. It’s great on chicken, shrimp, or even vegetables!
3. Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, combine the store-bought blackened seasoning (or your homemade blend), garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Generously rub the olive oil all over the salmon fillets, ensuring they are evenly coated. Then, sprinkle the blackened seasoning mixture all over the salmon, pressing it gently into the flesh to help it adhere. Make sure to coat both sides of the fillets if you’re cooking skinless salmon. If you’re cooking skin-on salmon, focus on seasoning the flesh side.
4. Let the Salmon Rest (Optional, but Recommended): Allow the seasoned salmon to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the seasoning to penetrate the fish and helps it cook more evenly. While it’s resting, you can prepare your cooking surface.

Cooking the Blackened Salmon:

1. Heat the Pan: Heat a large cast-iron skillet (or a heavy-bottomed skillet) over medium-high heat. This is important! You want the pan to be screaming hot before you add the salmon. The high heat is what creates that beautiful blackened crust. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, any heavy-bottomed skillet will work, but cast iron is ideal for even heat distribution.
2. Add the Salmon: Carefully place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down if using skin-on salmon. Don’t overcrowd the pan! If necessary, cook the salmon in batches. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and prevent the salmon from browning properly.
3. Sear the Salmon: Sear the salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when the bottom side is nicely blackened and releases easily from the pan. Don’t try to force it if it’s sticking – it just needs a little more time.
4. Check for Doneness: To check for doneness, insert a fork into the thickest part of the salmon and gently twist. If the salmon flakes easily, it’s done. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). I prefer my salmon slightly less cooked, around 135-140°F, for a more moist and tender result. Remember that the salmon will continue to cook slightly after you remove it from the heat.
5. Remove from Heat: Once the salmon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender piece of fish.

Assembling and Serving:

1. Plate the Salmon: Place a salmon fillet on each plate.
2. Top with Mango Salsa: Spoon a generous amount of the mango salsa over the salmon. Don’t be shy! The salsa is what really makes this dish sing.
3. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro sprigs, if desired. A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving adds a final burst of flavor.
4. Serve Immediately: Serve immediately and enjoy! This blackened salmon with mango salsa is delicious on its own, or you can serve it with a side of rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables. It’s also great in tacos or salads.

Conclusion:

This Blackened Salmon with Mango Salsa isn’t just a meal; it’s a vibrant culinary experience waiting to happen! The dance of smoky, spicy salmon against the sweet and tangy salsa is truly unforgettable. I wholeheartedly believe this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. The contrasting flavors and textures will leave everyone wanting more, and honestly, who can resist perfectly cooked salmon?

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s a symphony of flavors that’s surprisingly easy to create. The blackened seasoning gives the salmon a beautiful crust and a delightful kick, while the mango salsa provides a refreshing counterpoint. It’s healthy, delicious, and visually stunning – a triple threat in the world of cooking! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more fish into your diet, and let’s be honest, we could all use a little more of that.

But the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste. For a spicier kick, add a finely chopped jalapeño to the mango salsa. If you prefer a milder flavor, use a less spicy blackened seasoning or reduce the amount you use. You can also swap out the mango for pineapple or papaya for a different tropical twist.

Serving Suggestions: I love serving this Blackened Salmon with Mango Salsa over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice. The grains soak up the delicious juices from the salmon and salsa, creating a complete and satisfying meal. Alternatively, you can serve it with a side of roasted asparagus or grilled zucchini for a lighter option. For a truly decadent experience, try serving it with creamy avocado slices. The richness of the avocado complements the spice of the salmon and the sweetness of the salsa perfectly. You could also turn this into amazing tacos! Just flake the salmon, spoon it into warm tortillas, top with the mango salsa, and add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Don’t be intimidated by the “blackened” part – it’s much easier than it sounds! Just make sure your pan is nice and hot before adding the salmon, and don’t overcrowd the pan. This will ensure that the salmon gets a beautiful, crispy crust. And remember, the key to a great mango salsa is using ripe, but firm, mangoes. They should be sweet and juicy, but not mushy.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you’ll love the combination of flavors and the ease of preparation. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will impress your family and friends.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I promise, you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, have fun with it! Cooking should be an enjoyable experience, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Once you’ve tried this Blackened Salmon Mango Salsa, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using #MyBlackenedSalmon or tag me in your posts. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear about your variations. Happy cooking!