This Texas Roadhouse Salmon is flaky, juicy, and full of flavor! Grilled to perfection, it’s seasoned just right and served with a touch of lemon to brighten up each bite.
You can easily enjoy it with a side of fresh veggies or your favorite potato dish. Honestly, I love how simple it is to make this at home—it feels fancy but is super easy! 🐟✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are key for this dish. Skin-on fillets add flavor and help keep the fish moist. If salmon isn’t available, you can use trout or even another sturdy fish like mahi-mahi.
Blackening Seasoning: This is a blend of spices that gives the salmon its bold flavor. You can easily make your own with smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and thyme if you want to customize it. Store-bought options are convenient for quick meals.
Olive Oil: It’s great for cooking, but feel free to use melted butter for a richer taste. Avocado oil is another healthy alternative that has a high smoke point, perfect for high-heat cooking.
Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives don’t just look nice; they add brightness to the dish. If you’re out of fresh herbs, try a sprinkle of dried herbs, like dill or Italian seasoning, instead.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Salmon Skin?
Achieving crispy salmon skin is all about technique. First, pat your salmon fillets dry—this lets the skin crisp up nicely without steaming. Make sure your pan is hot enough and use enough oil to prevent sticking.
- Heat the skillet until it’s really hot, then add oil and place the salmon skin-side down.
- Avoid moving the salmon around; let it cook for 4-5 minutes to create that crispy layer.
- When flipping, use a spatula and do it gently to keep the skin intact.
Don’t rush this step! Patience pays off with deliciously crispy skin!
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons blackening seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving (optional):
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed or grilled asparagus
- Mixed cherry tomato salad
- Creamy dipping sauce or ranch dressing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of prep time, plus around 10 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll need about 25 minutes to get this delicious salmon dish on the table. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Salmon:
Begin by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This important step helps the seasoning stick better and promotes a nice sear on the fillets.
2. Make the Seasoning Mix:
In a small bowl, combine the blackening seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix them well—this blend is what gives your salmon that fantastic flavor!
3. Season the Salmon:
Brush the olive oil evenly over the salmon fillets on both sides. Now, sprinkle the seasoning mix generously and evenly all over the fillets, pressing lightly to help it adhere.
4. Preheat the Pan:
Heat a large cast-iron skillet or any heavy pan over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan to keep the salmon from sticking.
5. Cook the Salmon:
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook them undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes to form a crispy crust. Carefully flip the fillets and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is cooked to your liking.
6. Serve:
Once cooked, remove the salmon from the heat and transfer it to your serving plates. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over each fillet for added brightness.
7. Garnish & Sides:
Garnish the salmon with freshly chopped parsley or chives. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, grilled or steamed asparagus, and a vibrant mixed cherry tomato salad. A small side of creamy ranch or your favorite dipping sauce is the perfect complement!
Enjoy your perfectly blackened, flavorful Texas Roadhouse style salmon—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with bold, zesty seasonings!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the salmon fillets completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to leave them in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What if I Don’t Have Blackening Seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make your own by mixing equal parts smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. Customize the spices to your taste for a unique flavor profile!
Can I Cook the Salmon in the Oven Instead?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the seasoned salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until they flake easily with a fork. This method is less hands-on and works well!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, making sure not to overcook it to keep it moist.
