This sheet-pan blackened salmon with kale is a delightful blend of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors. The key to this dish is the well-balanced spice mix that gives the salmon its blackened crust and the fresh kale that provides a healthy crunch. The recipe is straightforward, perfect for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for a dinner party.
Most ingredients for this recipe are common pantry spices, except perhaps for Tuscan kale which might not be readily available in every household. When shopping, look for Tuscan kale, also known as 'lacinato' or 'dinosaur' kale, which has dark, bumpy leaves and is more tender than traditional curly kale. If Tuscan kale isn't available, you can substitute with regular kale, but make sure to remove the tough stems and ribs.
Ingredients for Sheet-Pan Blackened Salmon with Tuscan Kale
Salmon fillets: This is the star of the dish, always go for fresh fillets.
Tuscan kale: It's a type of kale that's darker and more tender than traditional curly kale. If you can't find it, regular kale can be used.
Extra virgin olive oil: Used to cook the salmon and kale, it adds a rich flavor.
Sweet paprika: Gives a sweet and smoky flavor to the spice mix.
Cayenne pepper: Adds heat to our spice mix. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
Garlic powder: Brings in a subtle garlic flavor without the harshness of fresh garlic.
Dry mustard: Adds a bit of tanginess and heat.
Dried oregano: Adds an herby flavor to our spice mix.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
Garlic cloves: Used to flavor the kale.
Honey: Adds sweetness to balance out the heat.
Lime juice and zest: Adds a tangy freshness to the dish.
One reader, Kaia Butterfield says:
This sheet-pan blackened salmon recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the salmon comes out tender and juicy every time. The combination of spices and honey-lime drizzle is simply divine. Plus, the kale cooks up beautifully alongside the salmon. It's a must-try for any seafood lover!
Techniques for Perfect Blackened Salmon
How to prepare the salmon: Combine the paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, dry mustard, oregano, and salt in a small bowl. Grease a rimmed sheet pan with oil and place the salmon fillets, skin-side down, on the pan. Drizzle the salmon with oil and sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the salmon.
How to prepare the kale: Toss the kale with oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt using tongs in a medium bowl. Arrange the kale around the salmon on the sheet pan.
How to roast the salmon: Place the sheet pan on the lower-middle rack in a preheated oven at 400°F and roast for 12 to 14 minutes for medium-cooked salmon. Adjust the cooking time based on desired doneness.
How to finish the dish: Drizzle honey over the roasted salmon and sprinkle lime zest and juice over the fish before serving.
How To Make Sheet-Pan Blackened Salmon
Soft and flaky blackened salmon crusted with hearty seasonings, and served alongside garlic-tossed kale makes the most flavorful dinner meal!
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½tspsweet paprika
- ½tspcayenne pepper
- 1tspgarlic powder
- 1tspdry mustard
- 1tspdried oregano
- salt
- 5tbspextra virgin olive oil,divided
- 4salmon fillets,skin on
- 1bunchtuscan kale,stems removed, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
- 2garlic cloves,minced
- 1tbsphoney
- 1lime,juiced, zested
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and set an oven rack in the lower-middle position.
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In a small bowl, combine the paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, dry mustard, oregano, and ¾ teaspoon of salt; stir until evenly mixed and no lumps remain.
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Use 1 tablespoon of the oil to grease a rimmed sheet pan. Place the salmon filets, skin-side down, on the pan, leaving space between them, then drizzle the salmon with 2 tablespoons of the oil. Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the salmon.
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In a medium bowl, using tongs, toss the kale with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, the minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Arrange it all around the salmon.
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Place the pan on the lower-middle rack and roast for 12 to 14 minutes for medium-cooked salmon. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes for medium-rare. For well-done, cook 15 to 17 minutes.
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Remove the pan from the oven and drizzle the honey over the fish. Then, sprinkle the lime zest and juice over the fish.
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Serve immediately, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 1101.86kcal
- Fat: 72.20g
- Saturated Fat: 14.63g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 27.48g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 17.95g
- Carbohydrates: 25.33g
- Fiber: 8.15g
- Sugar: 9.27g
- Protein: 90.04g
- Cholesterol: 217.80mg
- Sodium: 1486.94mg
- Calcium: 353.52mg
- Potassium: 2477.80mg
- Iron: 4.81mg
- Vitamin A: 1017.32µg
- Vitamin C: 262.24mg
Crucial Technique for Nailing Blackened Salmon
When preparing the salmon, it's important to leave space between each fillet on the sheet pan. This allows for even heat distribution and ensures that each piece cooks at the same rate. Overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking and can cause the fish to steam rather than roast, affecting the texture and flavor. Similarly, when arranging the kale around the salmon, make sure it's not covering the fish to allow for proper roasting. Remember, the kale will shrink significantly as it roasts, so don't be afraid to pile it up a bit.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Sheet-Pan Salmon
Prep ahead: Marinate the salmon and mix the spice blend the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
One-pan cleanup: Use parchment paper or aluminum foil to line the sheet pan for easy cleanup.
Quick kale prep: Consider using pre-washed and chopped kale to save time on prep work.
Even cooking: Choose salmon fillets of similar thickness for even cooking.
Substitute Ingredients For Sheet-Pan Blackened Salmon Recipe
sweet paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika will add a deeper, smokier flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste of the salmon.
cayenne pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika will provide a milder heat compared to cayenne pepper, making the dish less spicy while still adding a nice flavor.
garlic powder - Substitute with finely minced fresh garlic: Fresh garlic will provide a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
dry mustard - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard will add a tangy flavor and a creamy texture to the dish, complementing the salmon well.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme will provide a slightly different herbaceous flavor, adding depth to the dish while still complementing the salmon.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for cooking the salmon at high heat.
salmon fillets - Substitute with arctic char fillets: Arctic char has a similar texture and flavor profile to salmon, making it a great alternative for this recipe.
tuscan kale - Substitute with Swiss chard: Swiss chard has a similar sturdy texture and earthy flavor to Tuscan kale, making it a suitable substitute for this recipe.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots will provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic, adding a subtle depth to the dish.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup will add a rich, sweet flavor to the dish, complementing the blackened salmon.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice will provide a similar level of acidity and citrusy flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste of the salmon.
lime zest - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest will provide a similar citrusy aroma and flavor to the dish, complementing the blackened salmon.
Presentation Tips for Blackened Salmon
Elevate the salmon: Gently place the blackened salmon fillets on the plate, ensuring they are positioned with precision and care.
Artfully arrange the Tuscan kale: Using delicate tongs, arrange the Tuscan kale around the salmon, creating a visually appealing and balanced composition.
Drizzle with honey: With a steady hand, drizzle a touch of honey over the salmon, adding a hint of sweetness to complement the savory flavors.
Sprinkle with lime zest: Lightly sprinkle the dish with fragrant lime zest, adding a pop of vibrant color and a refreshing citrus aroma.
Squeeze fresh lime juice: Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish, infusing it with a bright and zesty flavor.
Garnish with microgreens: Add a final touch of elegance by garnishing the dish with delicate microgreens, enhancing the visual appeal and adding a subtle hint of earthy freshness.
Plate with precision: Ensure that each element of the dish is meticulously placed on the plate, paying attention to symmetry and balance in the presentation.
Use minimalistic plating: Embrace a minimalist approach to plating, allowing the vibrant colors and natural beauty of the dish to take center stage.
Create a harmonious composition: Strive to create a visually harmonious composition, where each component of the dish complements the others in both flavor and presentation.
Emphasize the natural textures: Highlight the natural textures of the dish, allowing the crispy blackened salmon and tender Tuscan kale to shine through in the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Blackened Salmon
Oven: The oven is used for baking, roasting, and broiling food items. It provides consistent and even heat distribution for cooking various dishes.
Sheet pan: A sheet pan, also known as a baking sheet, is a flat, rectangular metal pan with raised edges. It is used for baking, roasting, and broiling foods in the oven.
Small bowl: A small bowl is used for mixing and combining spices, herbs, and other ingredients to create a spice blend or marinade.
Tongs: Tongs are used for tossing and handling ingredients, such as the kale in this recipe, without the need to touch them directly.
Rimmed sheet pan: A rimmed sheet pan, similar to a regular sheet pan but with raised edges, is used to prevent juices or oils from spilling over while roasting or baking.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is used for tossing the kale with oil and garlic, ensuring that the ingredients are evenly coated before roasting.
Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to accurately measure and portion out small amounts of spices and seasonings for the spice mix.
Tongs: Tongs are used for flipping and serving the salmon fillets without damaging them.
Zester: A zester is used to grate the outer peel of the lime to add citrus flavor and aroma to the dish.
Juicer: A juicer is used to extract the juice from the lime, which is then drizzled over the roasted salmon for added flavor.
Storing and Freezing Leftover Blackened Salmon
If you have any leftover salmon, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The kale will lose its crispiness, but it will still taste delicious.
To reheat, place the salmon and kale on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the salmon may dry out slightly.
If you want to freeze the blackened salmon, it's best to do so before cooking. Place the raw, seasoned salmon fillets on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen fillets to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to cook the frozen salmon, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, follow the recipe instructions as written, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to account for the colder starting temperature of the fish.
The kale is best enjoyed fresh, as it may become soggy and lose its texture when frozen and thawed. If you do choose to freeze the cooked kale, store it separately from the salmon in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
How To Reheat Leftover Blackened Salmon
The best way to reheat leftover sheet-pan blackened salmon is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Drizzle a little olive oil or a pat of butter over the salmon to keep it moist. Loosely cover the salmon with another piece of aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F (52°C to 54°C).
Another great option is to reheat the salmon in a steamer basket. Fill a pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the salmon in the steamer basket, cover, and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the salmon.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat the salmon in the microwave. Place the salmon on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it can quickly become dry and rubbery in the microwave.
For a tasty twist, try flaking the leftover salmon and using it in a salad, pasta dish, or sandwich. The bold flavors of the blackened seasoning will add a nice kick to any dish.
If you want to reheat the kale alongside the salmon, place it in the oven or steamer basket with the salmon. The kale will reheat quickly and retain its texture and flavor.
Interesting Fact About Blackened Salmon
This recipe is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health and can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Salmon is also a good source of high-quality protein and is rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium. Incorporating salmon into your diet can contribute to overall health and well-being.
Is Making Blackened Salmon at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this sheet-pan blackened salmon recipe is quite high. Salmon is a nutrient-rich protein, and the use of kale as a side not only adds to the nutritional value but also keeps the cost down. The spices and seasonings are generally pantry staples, and the overall cost for a household of 4 people would be approximately $25-$30. The versatility and health benefits of this dish make it a solid choice for a family meal. I would rate this recipe an 8 for its balance of cost, nutrition, and flavor.
Is This Blackened Salmon Recipe Healthy?
This sheet-pan blackened salmon recipe is a healthy and nutritious meal option. Here's why:
- Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart and brain health
- Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants
- The spice mix used in this recipe contains a variety of herbs and spices that offer both flavor and potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties
However, there are a few aspects of this recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of olive oil used, as it is high in calories. Instead, try using a cooking spray or a smaller amount of oil to minimize added fats
- Consider using a lower-sodium salt or reducing the amount of salt used in the recipe to help control sodium intake
- Opt for wild-caught salmon, which tends to have lower levels of contaminants compared to farm-raised salmon
To further enhance the nutritional value of this meal, you could:
- Serve the salmon and kale with a side of whole grains, such as quinoa or brown rice, to add more fiber and complex carbohydrates
- Add other colorful vegetables to the sheet pan, such as bell peppers or cherry tomatoes, to increase the variety of nutrients and antioxidants
- Squeeze extra lime juice over the finished dish for added vitamin C and bright flavor
Editor's Opinion on This Blackened Salmon Recipe
The sheet-pan blackened salmon recipe is a delightful combination of bold flavors and healthy ingredients. The blend of sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder creates a rich, spicy crust on the salmon, while the honey and lime add a touch of sweetness and acidity. The Tuscan kale, roasted alongside the salmon, provides a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment. This recipe is a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication, making it an ideal choice for a quick and impressive weeknight dinner.
Why trust this Sheet-Pan Blackened Salmon Recipe:
This sheet-pan blackened salmon recipe is a trustworthy choice for salmon lovers. The blend of sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, and other spices creates a flavorful crust on the salmon. The use of extra virgin olive oil and honey adds depth and richness to the dish. Additionally, the inclusion of Tuscan kale provides a nutritious and vibrant accompaniment. With the careful balance of flavors and the methodical instructions, this recipe promises a delightful and satisfying dining experience.
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