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If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, contrasting textures, and a touch of smoky heat, look no further than this Blackened Salmon Bowl with Mango Salsa & Chipotle Crema Recipe. This bowl is a delightful harmony of perfectly seasoned blackened salmon, sweet and tangy mango salsa, earthy black beans, and a creamy chipotle crema that ties everything together. Whether you’re after a healthy lunch or an impressive dinner, this dish satisfies all cravings with its colorful ingredients and irresistible combination of tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a balanced, exciting bowl. From fresh fruit to smoky spices, every component adds a unique dimension of flavor and texture that makes this dish truly memorable.
- 1 pound salmon fillet: The star of the bowl, providing rich, flaky protein.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the blackening spices adhere and prevents sticking during cooking.
- 1 ripe mango: Adds juicy sweetness and vibrant color to the salsa.
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice: A nutritious and filling base that soaks up all the flavors.
- 1 cup black beans: Adds earthiness and protein for a well-rounded meal.
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt: Creates the creamy texture in the chipotle crema.
- Fresh cilantro: Bright, herbaceous notes that lift the whole bowl.
- Lime juice: Adds acidity to both the salsa and crema, balancing richness.
- Spices: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, oregano, and salt combine for that iconic blackened flavor with a little heat.
How to Make Blackened Salmon Bowl with Mango Salsa & Chipotle Crema Recipe
Step 1: Create the Blackening Seasoning and Prepare the Salmon
Mix olive oil with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, oregano, and salt in a small bowl. This seasoning blend is what gives the salmon that irresistible smoky crust and subtle heat. Rub it generously onto both sides of the salmon fillet until fully coated. This step infuses the fish with flavor, setting the foundation for the entire bowl.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon to Perfection
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the seasoned salmon fillet skin-side down and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side. The key here is to let the spices char slightly, creating that classic blackened crust while ensuring the salmon stays moist and flaky inside. Cooking salmon just right makes all the difference in texture and taste.
Step 3: Toss Together the Mango Salsa
While the salmon is sizzling, quickly prepare the mango salsa by combining diced ripe mango, finely chopped red onion, bell pepper, optional jalapeño for extra kick, fresh cilantro, fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This salsa is vibrant and refreshing, providing a juicy contrast to the smoky, bold salmon.
Step 4: Whisk Up the Chipotle Crema
In a separate small bowl, whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt with adobo sauce from canned chipotles, a squeeze of lime juice, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt. This crema is creamy with a smoky warmth that ties the entire bowl together beautifully and adds a cooling sensation against the spices.
Step 5: Assemble Your Blackened Salmon Bowl with Mango Salsa & Chipotle Crema Recipe
Begin by layering cooked quinoa or rice at the base of each bowl for a hearty foundation. Add a generous scoop of black beans, then carefully place the blackened salmon fillet on top. Spoon vibrant mango salsa over the salmon, and drizzle the luscious chipotle crema last. Optional slices of avocado make the dish even creamier and add rich color, completing this stunning bowl.
How to Serve Blackened Salmon Bowl with Mango Salsa & Chipotle Crema Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Blackened Salmon Bowl with Mango Salsa & Chipotle Crema Recipe, fresh garnishes such as chopped cilantro leaves, lime wedges, or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds add delightful texture and bursts of fresh flavor. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dash of smoked paprika can also enhance the seasoning right before serving.
Side Dishes
This bowl stands out as a complete meal, but you can complement it with light sides like a crisp green salad dressed with citrus vinaigrette or some grilled corn on the cob. A simple cucumber salad or roasted sweet potatoes work harmoniously, balancing the smoky and spicy elements in the bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Blackened Salmon Bowl with Mango Salsa & Chipotle Crema Recipe in edible tortilla bowls or large lettuce cups to add crunch and extra flavor. Another idea is to layer all ingredients in mason jars for a portable, picnic-ready meal that looks as stunning as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Blackened Salmon Bowl with Mango Salsa & Chipotle Crema Recipe, store the components separately in airtight containers—salmon, salsa, crema, and grains—to maintain freshness. This separation prevents sogginess and keeps flavors vibrant for the next day.
Freezing
While the salmon can be frozen after cooking, it’s best not to freeze the salsa or chipotle crema because fresh ingredients lose their texture upon thawing. Freeze cooked salmon pieces tightly wrapped and thaw gently in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat leftover salmon, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave briefly to avoid drying it out. Reheat quinoa or rice separately and add fresh mango salsa and chipotle crema only after reheating to preserve their bright, fresh flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While salmon is perfect for its richness and texture, you can substitute with other firm fish like mahi-mahi or cod. Just adjust cooking times to ensure the fish is cooked through without drying out.
How spicy is the Blackened Salmon Bowl with Mango Salsa & Chipotle Crema Recipe?
This dish has a mild to moderate spice level, thanks to cayenne in the blackening seasoning and chipotle in the crema. You can adjust the heat by reducing cayenne or skipping jalapeños in the salsa for a milder experience.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
You can! Swap the salmon for grilled tofu or portobello mushrooms. Use dairy-free sour cream or yogurt alternatives for the chipotle crema, and this bowl still delivers incredible flavor and heartiness.
Is it okay to use canned black beans?
Yes, canned black beans work wonderfully here. Just rinse and drain them well before adding to reduce excess salt and improve texture.
What can I use instead of quinoa or rice?
Feel free to get creative with your base: cauliflower rice, farro, or even a bed of mixed greens provide different textures and keep the bowl fresh and exciting.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Blackened Salmon Bowl with Mango Salsa & Chipotle Crema Recipe that makes it one of my all-time favorite meals to prepare and share. It’s colorful, bursting with flavor, and surprisingly simple to make. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again for quick weeknight dinners or casual weekend entertaining. So go ahead, give it a try and watch how it becomes a staple in your kitchen!
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Print
Blackened Salmon Bowl with Mango Salsa & Chipotle Crema Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Blackened Salmon Bowl featuring perfectly seared salmon with a smoky spice rub, paired with a fresh mango salsa, creamy chipotle crema, black beans, and quinoa or rice. This dish balances spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors for a nutritious, satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
For the Blackened Salmon
- 1 pound salmon fillet
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Mango Salsa
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- ½ cup bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chipotle Crema
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1–2 tablespoons adobo sauce from chipotle peppers
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
- 1 cup black beans, cooked or canned and drained
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Blackening Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine olive oil with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, oregano, and salt. Mix well to form a paste and rub it evenly onto both sides of the salmon fillet.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned salmon in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the exterior is blackened and the fish is cooked through but still moist inside.
- Prepare the Mango Salsa: While the salmon cooks, combine diced mango, red onion, bell pepper, jalapeño (if using), chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir gently to mix and let flavors meld.
- Make the Chipotle Crema: In another bowl, whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt, adobo sauce from the chipotle peppers, lime juice, cumin, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Bowls: Layer cooked quinoa or rice into the bottom of bowls. Top with black beans, optional sliced avocado, blackened salmon, mango salsa, and a generous drizzle of chipotle crema. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute rice with quinoa for a protein boost.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and chipotle adobo sauce to control the spice level.
- Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a tangier, protein-rich crema.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure quinoa or rice is certified gluten-free and verify that spices have no gluten additives.
- For meal prep, keep ingredients separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
