Introduction

Few meals strike the perfect balance between flavor, nutrition, and elegance like Blackened Salmon with Garlic Butter Broccoli. This dish features tender, flaky salmon coated in bold Cajun-inspired blackening spices, seared to perfection for a smoky crust, then paired with crisp-tender broccoli tossed in a luscious garlic butter sauce.

This recipe is the perfect marriage of indulgence and health—high in protein, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and packed with fiber and antioxidants from the broccoli. Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for both busy weeknights and elegant weekend dinners.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s:

• Bold and flavorful: The blackened seasoning on the salmon creates a crust that’s smoky, spicy, and deeply satisfying.
• Nutritious yet indulgent: The garlic butter broccoli feels comforting while still being light and healthy.
• Quick and easy: You can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in less than half an hour.
• Versatile: Works equally well for family dinners, meal prep, or even date night.

The combination of blackened salmon and buttery broccoli is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve treated yourself without breaking your diet or spending hours in the kitchen.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• Packed with nutrition: Salmon is loaded with omega-3s, and broccoli is rich in vitamins and fiber.
• Elevated yet simple: The recipe feels gourmet but requires minimal effort.
• Customizable: Adjust spice levels, change the veggie pairing, or swap seasonings to fit your mood.
• Crowd-pleasing: Even picky eaters will love the buttery, garlicky broccoli alongside perfectly seasoned fish.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~420 calories per serving
• Course: Main Dish
• Cuisine: American (Southern-inspired)

Ingredients

For the Blackened Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Garlic Butter Broccoli:

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for freshness)

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the salmon seasoning: Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, black pepper, and salt in a bowl.
2. Season salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry, brush with olive oil or butter, then coat generously with spice mix.
3. Cook salmon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon skin-side down first for 3–4 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
4. Prepare broccoli: Steam broccoli until crisp-tender (about 3–4 minutes). Drain well.
5. Make garlic butter sauce: In a skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant (about 1 minute), then toss in broccoli. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
6. Serve: Plate salmon fillets alongside garlic butter broccoli and enjoy immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Dry the salmon: Use paper towels to remove moisture so the spices stick well.
2. Mix spices: Combine all seasoning ingredients in a bowl.
3. Coat salmon: Brush salmon with oil/butter and rub spice mixture evenly over both sides.
4. Sear salmon: Place salmon fillets in a hot skillet, sear 3–4 minutes per side until crispy and flaky inside.
5. Steam broccoli: Place broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water until tender-crisp.
6. Prepare garlic butter: Melt butter in a skillet, add garlic and cook until golden. Toss broccoli in the butter, adding salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
7. Plate and serve: Serve salmon hot with garlic butter broccoli on the side.

How to Serve

• Serve salmon fillets directly from the pan alongside broccoli.
• Garnish with lemon wedges or fresh parsley for brightness.
• Pair with rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh salmon for best results, but frozen (thawed) works too.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook salmon in batches if needed.
• For extra smoky flavor, cook salmon on a grill instead of stovetop.
• Add a splash of white wine to the garlic butter sauce for depth.

Variations

1. Spice Adjustments: Reduce cayenne for a milder flavor, or add chili powder for extra kick.
2. Different Veggies: Swap broccoli with green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
3. Creamy Broccoli: Toss broccoli with a touch of cream or Parmesan for richness.
4. Herb Butter Salmon: Replace Cajun spices with fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil.
5. Air Fryer Salmon: Cook salmon fillets in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes for a crispy crust without oil.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing Salmon: Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven.
• Broccoli: Best eaten fresh, but can be refrigerated for 2–3 days. Freezing is not recommended as it loses texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Skillet (cast iron works best for blackening)
• Steamer basket or pot with lid (for broccoli)
• Spatula or fish turner
• Mixing bowls

FAQ

Q1: Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing?
A: Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until salmon flakes easily.

Q2: How do I know when the salmon is done?
A: The flesh should flake easily with a fork, and internal temp should reach 145°F (63°C).

Q3: Can I make the broccoli without butter?
A: Yes, substitute olive oil for a lighter, dairy-free version.

Q4: Is this recipe spicy?
A: It has a kick, but you can adjust cayenne pepper to your preference.

Q5: Can I meal prep this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Cook salmon and broccoli, store separately, and reheat for quick weekday lunches.

Conclusion

The Blackened Salmon with Garlic Butter Broccoli is a dish that celebrates the perfect union of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. It’s quick enough for weeknights but sophisticated enough to serve guests. With its smoky, spiced crust and buttery, garlicky broccoli, it’s a satisfying and nutritious meal that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.