These Smoked Blackened Salmon Sliders are packed with flavor! The spicy blackening seasoning brings a nice kick to tender smoked salmon, all served in a soft slider bun.
If you love seafood, you’ll find these sliders hard to resist. I love adding a creamy sauce on top to balance the spice—it makes every bite simply incredible! 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are best for these sliders, providing great texture and flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, trout or even a firm white fish like cod can work, though they might not have the same richness.
Smoked Paprika: This is crucial for that smoky flavor. If it’s unavailable, regular paprika with a dash of liquid smoke can be a good substitute. I personally love the depth that smoked paprika adds, so try to use it if you can!
Cayenne Pepper: Spice lovers will enjoy this, but you can reduce the amount or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor. Alternatively, use a milder spice blend if you want to keep a little heat without overwhelming the dish.
Slider Buns: Pretzel buns add a nice chewiness and flavor contrast. If you can’t find them, any soft dinner roll or brioche bun works. My favorite is a slightly crusty roll that holds up well to the filling.
How Do You Get the Perfect Blackened Salmon Crust?
Achieving that perfect blackened crust is all about the spice mix and cooking technique. Here’s how to nail it:
- Make sure to pat your salmon dry—this helps the spice mix stick better and promotes a nice crust.
- Don’t rush the cooking! Medium-high heat is key; let each side cook for 4-5 minutes. Look for a charred appearance on the outside.
- Using a grill or smoker not only cooks the salmon but also infuses a deeper flavor. If using a skillet, a touch of oil helps prevent sticking.
After cooking, let the salmon rest for a few minutes before flaking it; this keeps it moist and flaky. Happy cooking!
How to Make Smoked Blackened Salmon Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Sliders:
- 4 slider buns (preferably pretzel buns)
- Fresh arugula or spinach
- Pickled red onions (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and about 10 minutes for cooking. Altogether, it takes around 25 minutes to whip up these delicious smoked blackened salmon sliders!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill:
First, get your grill or smoker ready. Preheat it to medium-high heat, which is about 375°F. This will give your salmon that lovely charred flavor.
2. Make the Blackening Spice Mix:
In a bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy), dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix them well until they are evenly blended. This mix is what gives the salmon its bold flavor!
3. Prepare the Salmon:
Pat your salmon fillet dry using paper towels. Then, drizzle it with olive oil and rub it all over. Generously sprinkle the blackening spice mix on both sides of the salmon so it’s well-coated.
4. Grill the Salmon:
Place the seasoned salmon on your grill or smoker. Cook it for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 145°F, which means it’s cooked through. When done, the salmon should have a nice char on the outside. Once cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes before flaking it into pieces.
5. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. This sauce will add a creamy and tangy flavor to the sliders.
6. Prepare the Slider Buns:
If you like, slice the slider buns in half and toast them lightly on the grill until they’re warm and slightly crispy. This adds a nice texture!
7. Assemble Your Sliders:
Take the bottom half of each bun and spread a generous layer of the sauce on it. Next, add a good portion of flaked salmon on top. Then, pile on some fresh arugula and finish it off with pickled red onions for a zesty kick.
8. Final Touch:
Top each slider with the other half of the bun, and your delicious smoked blackened salmon sliders are ready to enjoy! Serve them warm and dig in!
Can I Use Fresh Salmon Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh salmon is great for this recipe. Just make sure it’s from a reliable source and has been stored properly. If using frozen salmon, be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking for the best texture and flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Smoked Paprika?
No worries! If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can substitute it with regular paprika and add a touch of liquid smoke for that smoky flavor. Start with 1 tsp of liquid smoke and adjust to taste as you mix the spices.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, definitely! You can prepare the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice sauce up to a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good stir before using to recombine the ingredients!
How to Store Leftover Sliders?
If you have leftover sliders, store the components separately in airtight containers. The salmon can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, while the sauce is good for another day. Just reassemble when you’re ready to enjoy them again, and you may want to toast the buns lightly for extra freshness!
