🍽️ Blackened Salmon Bites with Creamy Garlic-Herb Sauce & Rice
🕒 Time
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: ~45 minutes
🍴 Servings
3–4 servings
🧾 Ingredients
🐟 Salmon
1½ lbs salmon fillets, skin removed
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Blackening Seasoning
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
🍚 Seasoned Rice
1½ cups long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati)
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 tbsp butter
¼ cup diced onion
¼ cup green peas
Salt to taste
🥛 Creamy Garlic-Herb Sauce
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill or thyme (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Rice
Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.
Sauté diced onion until soft and fragrant.
Add rice and stir for 1 minute to lightly toast.
Pour in broth and add salt.
Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer on low for 15 minutes.
Stir in peas, cover again, and rest 5 minutes.
Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
2️⃣ Season the Salmon
Cut salmon into large bite-size cubes.
Pat dry with paper towels.
Toss with olive oil.
Mix all blackening spices and coat salmon evenly.
3️⃣ Cook the Salmon Bites
Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
Add a little oil.
Sear salmon cubes 2–3 minutes per side, until:
Deeply golden and slightly charred
Just cooked inside (don’t overcook)
🔥 Remove and set aside.
4️⃣ Make the Creamy Garlic-Herb Sauce
In the same pan, lower heat to medium.
Melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
Add chicken broth and simmer 2 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan.
Simmer gently until slightly thickened.
Add lemon juice, parsley, herbs, salt & pepper.
5️⃣ Assemble
Spoon rice onto plates.
Top with salmon bites.
Drizzle generously with creamy herb sauce.
Finish with extra chopped parsley.
✨ Final Result
Bold, smoky salmon
Creamy, garlicky sauce with fresh herbs
Fluffy, savory rice
Perfect balance of richness and freshness
🔁 Variations
Chicken version: Swap salmon for chicken breast bites
Spicy: Add Cajun seasoning or extra cayenne
Low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice
Air fryer salmon: 200°C / 400°F for 7–9 minutes
