Blackened Salmon & Garlic Butter Shrimp
Blackened Salmon & Garlic Butter Shrimp with Roasted Asparagus
Yield
Serves 4–6 (easily scalable for catering pans)
Ingredients
Salmon
4–6 salmon fillets (6–8 oz each, skin off)
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Blackening Seasoning
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp cayenne (optional, for heat)
½ tsp dried thyme or oregano
Shrimp
1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp Old Bay or Cajun seasoning
Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Juice of ½ lemon
Asparagus
1½–2 lbs fresh asparagus, trimmed
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & cracked black pepper to taste
Finishing
2 tbsp butter (melted)
Juice of ½–1 lemon
Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Fresh grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Prep the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F
Lightly grease a foil pan or baking dish
2. Season the Salmon
Pat salmon dry
Brush lightly with olive oil or butter
Coat generously with blackening seasoning on all sides
Set aside at room temp for 10 minutes
3. Roast the Asparagus
Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper
Arrange along the sides of the pan
Roast 10 minutes first to get a head start
4. Cook the Salmon
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat
Sear salmon 2–3 minutes per side until a dark crust forms
Transfer salmon into the pan between the asparagus
Bake 8–10 minutes until internal temp reaches 135–140°F
5. Garlic Butter Shrimp
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds
Add shrimp, paprika, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes
Cook 2 minutes per side until pink and curled
Finish with lemon juice
Preparing a meal with blackened salmon and garlic butter shrimp is one of my favorite ways to experience rich, vibrant flavors while keeping dinner nutritious and satisfying. When making the blackening seasoning, I like to customize the amount of cayenne pepper depending on who I'm cooking for—some enjoy more heat, while others prefer just a subtle kick. You can also experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano to slightly alter the flavor profile. For the asparagus, tossing it with olive oil and seasoning before roasting elevates its natural sweetness and adds a satisfying texture. Roasting at 400°F allows it to stay crisp yet tender, which complements the richness of the seafood beautifully. A cast-iron skillet is essential for searing the salmon to develop that signature dark crust that locks in moisture. Remember not to overcrowd the pan—giving the fillets enough space will help achieve an even sear. The garlic butter shrimp are a quick and delicious addition. Using both paprika and Old Bay or Cajun seasoning builds a complex, savory taste. Adding lemon juice at the end brightens the dish and balances the richness. Serving this meal with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a fresh herbaceous note and a little umami punch to finish it off. If you're catering to a larger group, scaling this recipe up is straightforward since it can be cooked in larger pans and adjusted easily. Overall, this dish combines the smoky, spicy qualities of the blackening seasoning with the savory richness of garlic butter shrimp and the crisp freshness of roasted asparagus, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal option for any occasion.
