Blackened Salmon from Harry Caray's features tender, spice-crusted salmon fillets seared to perfection, delivering a smoky, flavorful exterior that contrasts with a juicy, flaky interior, served atop a bed of fresh greens for a vibrant, appetizing presentation.
Equipments
- Nonstick skillet or cast iron skillet
- Stove
- Fish spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Plate or platter
- Salad bowl
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skinless)
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cups mixed fresh salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 red onion
- 1/2 cucumber
- 1 lemon
Salmon fillets should be skinless and weighed about 6 ounces each to match the recipe's texture and cooking time accurately. Use a blend of paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to create the signature spice crust critical for achieving the smoky flavor. Olive oil helps sear the salmon perfectly in a nonstick or cast iron skillet, ensuring a crispy exterior while keeping the interior juicy and flaky. Fresh mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and lemon provide a vibrant and refreshing base that balances the richness of the blackened fish. You can recreate the iconic taste and presentation of Blackened Salmon from Harry Caray's copycat menu by carefully combining these key ingredients and cooking techniques.
Instructions
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
- In mixing bowl, combine paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
- Rub both sides of each salmon fillet with olive oil.
- Evenly coat salmon fillets with spice mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Preheat nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat on stove.
- When pan is hot, add salmon fillets, pressing lightly with fish spatula.
- Sear salmon 3-4 minutes per side, or until spice crust is deep brown and fish is cooked to desired doneness.
- Transfer salmon to plate or platter and let rest briefly.
- Rinse and dry mixed salad greens; place in salad bowl.
- Slice cherry tomatoes in half, thinly slice red onion, and slice cucumber; add to greens.
- Toss salad with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper if desired.
- Arrange salad on serving plates.
- Top each salad with a blackened salmon fillet.
- Garnish with extra lemon wedges if desired.
Substitution
Blackened Salmon from Harry Caray's copycat menu relies on a spice blend that can be adjusted to suit your heat preference, so reduce the cayenne pepper for a milder flavor or substitute smoked paprika to enhance smokiness. If skinless salmon fillets are unavailable, you can use salmon with the skin on and sear it skin-side down first for a crisp texture. Use a cast iron skillet to achieve the iconic blackened crust, but a nonstick skillet works well if you don't have a cast iron pan. When mixing the spice rub, combine all dry spices in a mixing bowl to ensure even coating on the salmon before searing with olive oil. Your fresh salad greens can be swapped with arugula or spinach to maintain a vibrant, nutritious base for the dish.
Tips
Ensure the salmon fillets are completely dry before applying the spice rub to help the crust form properly during searing. Use a preheated cast iron or nonstick skillet to achieve a deep brown crust without sticking, and avoid moving the fillets too much while cooking. Press the spice rub firmly into the fish to enhance flavor adhesion and prevent burning. Let your salmon rest briefly after cooking to retain juices, ensuring a moist and flaky texture when served on your fresh mixed greens.
Nutritions
Blackened Salmon from Harry Caray's provides a rich source of high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and growth. The salmon fillets deliver heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation. The dish is also packed with antioxidant vitamins from the fresh salad greens, cherry tomatoes, and lemon juice. Your meal offers a balanced combination of lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich vegetables, promoting overall wellness.
Storage
Store leftover blackened salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. You can place a layer of paper towels inside the container to absorb excess moisture and keep the salmon's texture intact. Consume the stored salmon within 3 days for optimal taste and quality, reheating gently to avoid drying out the delicate fish.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, swap the dried thyme and oregano with fresh herbs like rosemary and basil to give the salmon a brighter, herbaceous flavor profile. You can also substitute the cayenne pepper with smoked paprika for a milder but still smoky taste. Instead of olive oil, try using melted butter to enhance the richness of the spice crust. When cooking, consider finishing the seared fillets in a preheated oven at 400degF for 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking without over-charring the crust.
Allergies
Blackened Salmon from Harry Caray's contains fish, a common allergen that can cause reactions ranging from mild to severe, including anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals. The spice blend includes paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder, which some people may also be allergic to or find irritating. You should ensure your tolerance to these ingredients and consult with a healthcare provider if uncertain about potential allergic reactions.
Why this recipe?
Harry Caray's Blackened Salmon menu captivates diners with its perfectly seasoned, smoky crust paired with tender, flaky salmon, delivering a bold yet balanced flavor profile. The dish's combination of Cajun spices and fresh fish highlights a rich culinary tradition that appeals to both seafood lovers and spice enthusiasts. Replicating this recipe allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality experience at home, capturing the essence of Harry Caray's signature style. Making the copycat version offers a satisfying way to appreciate the complexity and taste that has made this menu item a beloved favorite.