Blackened Salmon with Cajun Garlicky Kale
The ultimate comfort food, Blackened Salmon with Cajun Garlicky Kale combines smoky, tender salmon with vibrant, garlicky greens. This easy weeknight dinner is packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a must-try for your next meal!
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Skillet
- Chef's Knife
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Tbsp avocado oil
- 1 pound salmon fillet
- 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 heads lacinato kale chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Begin by sprinkling the salmon fillets generously with Cajun seasoning and sea salt. Make sure to coat them evenly for that bold flavor. Allow the fillets to sit for a few minutes to absorb the seasoning.
- Heat avocado oil in a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, indicating it's hot enough. You'll want the oil to be very hot to achieve that perfect blackened crust.
- Carefully place the seasoned salmon in the hot skillet, flesh-side down. Let it cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes. This will allow a beautiful crust to form.
- Using tongs, carefully flip the salmon and cook on the skin side for about 6 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the salmon should be cooked through and flaky, depending on its thickness. If necessary, continue cooking and flipping until done, which could take an additional 2 to 10 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the salmon to a plate. Set it aside while you prepare the kale.
- Allow the skillet to cool a bit until it’s no longer smoking, then return it to the burner over low heat. Add a little more avocado oil along with the minced garlic. Sauté, stirring frequently, until the garlic has softened, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Next, add the chopped kale, lemon zest, and an additional sprinkling of Cajun seasoning. Cover the skillet and cook until the kale has wilted, which will take about 2 minutes.
- Remove the cover and continue cooking, stirring occasionally until any excess liquid has evaporated. The kale should be tender yet vibrant green.
- Serve your perfectly cooked salmon alongside the garlicky kale. Enjoy the harmony of flavors in every bite!
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently to maintain texture.