Blackened Salmon Bowls with Mango Salsa
These Blackened Salmon Bowls are bold, vibrant, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Spiced salmon meets fresh mango salsa over rice – easy to make, packed with flavor, and ready in about 30 minutes!
Equipment
Ingredients
For the blackened salmon:
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 lb salmon, (skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tbsp neutral cooking oil
For the mango salsa:
- 1 serrano or jalapeno, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 mango, peeled and finely chopped
- 1/4 bunch of cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- 1/4 white onion, finely chopped
- Juice of 1-2 limes, (depending on how juicy they are)
- Salt to taste
For assembling:
- Cooked white rice
- Lime wedges
- Sliced avocado
Instructions
- Make the mango salsa by combining the mango, tomato, onion, cilantro, serrano, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Toss and taste – adjust seasoning as needed, then set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix all the spices for the blackened salmon. Rub the seasoning evenly over the salmon fillets, pressing gently so it sticks.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- If searing skin-on salmon: Place the salmon skin-side down, press gently for 10–15 seconds to prevent curling, and cook undisturbed 4–5 minutes until the skin is deeply crisp; flip and cook about 2 minutes more just until just cooked through and still juicy. If your salmon fillets are thick, make sure to sear off the sides for 15-20 seconds each to ensure everything cooks evenly.
- If searing skinless salmon: Place the seasoned salmon in the skillet and sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to form a dark crust, then flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until just cooked through but still juicy in the center.
- To assemble the bowls, start with a base of white rice, then top with the blackened salmon and a generous spoonful of mango salsa.
- Serve with lime wedges and sliced avocado on the side and enjoy!
Notes
- Swap salmon for shrimp or tofu for a twist.
- Make the mango salsa ahead of time for even more flavor.
- Adjust the heat by using more or less serrano/jalapeño.
- Great for meal prep—store ingredients separately and assemble when ready to eat.
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