There’s something magical about sitting down with family to a meal that warms both the heart and the palate. One of my family’s favorites—and a dish that has quickly become a staple in my kitchen—is the Spicy Blackened Salmon Bowl with Avocado Cilantro Sauce. This dish beautifully marries the bold, smoky flavors of blackened salmon with the creamy, refreshing Avocado Cilantro Sauce. I still remember the first time I made this recipe; the kitchen was filled with laughter, and the tantalizing aroma of spices. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone together, and it’s simple enough to make even on a busy weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Family-Friendly and Versatile: This recipe is perfect for family dinners. The spicy blackened salmon is a hit with adults, while the creamy avocado sauce is mild enough to please even the youngest members of the family.
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Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of about 10 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Perfect for those evenings when you want something healthy yet satisfying.
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Nutrient-Rich: This dish is packed with healthy fats, omega-3s from the salmon, and essential vitamins from the avocado and cilantro. It’s a meal you can feel good about serving to your loved ones.
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Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust the spiciness to suit your family’s taste. You can easily tone down or amp up the heat in both the salmon and the sauce.
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Pairs Well with Many Sides: This dish is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides such as rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad, making it adaptable to what you have on hand.
The Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: Approximately 450
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 1 pound salmon fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Bowl:
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
For the Avocado Cilantro Sauce:
- 1 avocado, pitted and peeled
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Season the Salmon: Start by combining the salmon pieces with olive oil, onion powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl. Let the salmon marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If time permits, marinate for up to 2 hours for even more robust flavor.
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Blacken the Salmon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon pieces. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until the salmon is cooked through and has a nice blackened crust.
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Make the Avocado Cilantro Sauce: While the salmon is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, Greek yogurt, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. If you like a bit more kick, consider adding extra cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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Assemble the Bowls: Divide the sliced avocado among four bowls. Top each with the blackened salmon and a generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Drizzle the Avocado Cilantro Sauce over the top just before serving.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large Skillet: Essential for achieving that perfect blackened crust on the salmon.
- Blender or Food Processor: Necessary for making the Avocado Cilantro Sauce smooth and creamy.
- Mixing Bowl: To marinate the salmon and mix the spices evenly.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For preparing the salmon, avocado, and cilantro.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
- Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health and reducing inflammation.
- Avocado: Full of healthy fats and fiber, avocados are also a good source of vitamins C, E, K, and B-6.
- Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess to the sauce while providing a good source of protein and probiotics.
- Cilantro: Offers a fresh and citrusy flavor that complements the spiciness of the salmon. It’s also packed with antioxidants.
What to Serve With This Dish
This Spicy Blackened Salmon Bowl pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some suggestions to complete your meal:
- Steamed Rice or Quinoa: These grains soak up the flavors of the sauce and provide a hearty base for the meal.
- Green Salad: A simple salad with leafy greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try serving the salmon with a side of roasted asparagus or bell peppers for added color and nutrients.
For more ideas, check out my Easy Quinoa Salad or Simple Green Salad recipes.
Storage & Leftover Tips
If you happen to have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Here are some tips to keep them fresh:
- Separate Components: Keep the salmon, avocado slices, and sauce in separate containers to maintain their textures.
- Reheating Salmon: Gently reheat the salmon in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying it out.
- Avocado Sauce Freshness: To prevent the sauce from browning, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on its surface before sealing the container.
For more on salmon storage, you might find this guide from Serious Eats helpful.
In the end, the joy of cooking is as much about sharing as it is about preparing, and this Spicy Blackened Salmon Bowl with Avocado Cilantro Sauce is sure to become a beloved addition to your family’s table. Happy cooking, and here’s to many more meals shared with loved ones!
Spicy Blackened Salmon Bowl with Avocado Cilantro Sauce 🔥
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine salmon with olive oil, onion powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, Greek yogurt, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Divide the avocado among bowls. Top with blackened salmon and cilantro. Drizzle generously with the Avocado Cilantro Sauce.