Cajun Salmon recipe is perfectly seasoned with zesty Cajun spice blend, the salmon is pan-seared to golden perfection, creating tender and a lightly crisp crust. It’s a quick, flavor-packed dish that pairs beautifully with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad for a satisfying weeknight dinner
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Salmon Recipe
- Bold Flavors: The Cajun seasoning adds a smoky, spicy kick that pairs beautifully with salmon’s natural richness.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with Omega-3s, this dish is as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings.
- Versatile: Works equally well on the grill, stovetop, or in the oven.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Cajun Salmon
- Choose Quality Salmon: Opt for fresh, wild-caught salmon for the best flavor. If using frozen, thaw it completely before cooking.
- Don’t Overcook: Salmon is best when it’s just cooked through. Look for an internal temperature of 125-130°F for medium doneness.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes to redistribute its juices.
- Homemade Cajun Seasoning: If you prefer to control the spice level, make your own seasoning by mixing paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme.
Variations
- Creamy Cajun Salmon: After cooking, top the salmon with a creamy sauce made from heavy cream, garlic, and a touch of Cajun seasoning.
- Cajun Salmon Tacos: Flake the salmon and serve in tortillas with avocado, slaw, and a drizzle of lime crema.
- Blackened Cajun Salmon: Use a cast-iron skillet for a deep, charred crust that enhances the smoky flavors.
- Sheet Pan Cajun Salmon and Veggies: Roast the salmon alongside seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a complete one-pan meal.
How to Serve Cajun Salmon
Cajun salmon is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Rice: Serve with fluffy white rice, brown rice, or Cajun dirty rice for a complete meal.
- Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a fresh garden salad make great accompaniments.
- Pasta: Pair it with creamy Alfredo pasta or a simple garlic butter spaghetti.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting twist, serve with creamy mashed potatoes or sweet potato mash.
How to Store Cajun Salmon
- Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave to prevent drying out.
- Freeze: Wrap cooked salmon in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before applying the seasoning.
Is Cajun salmon spicy?
It depends on the seasoning blend. Store-bought Cajun seasonings vary in heat levels. Adjust the cayenne or paprika if making your own blend to suit your spice tolerance.
Can I cook Cajun salmon in an air fryer?
Yes! Preheat the air fryer to 400°F, place the salmon fillets in the basket, and cook for 8-10 minutes.
What wine pairs well with Cajun salmon?
A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir complements the smoky, spicy flavors beautifully.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or keto-friendly?
Certainly! This recipe is naturally dairy-free. For keto, serve it with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice or sautéed spinach.
Cajun Salmon
Cajun Salmon recipe is perfectly seasoned with zesty Cajun spice blend, the salmon is pan-seared to golden perfection, creating tender and a lightly crisp crust. It's a quick, flavor-packed dish that pairs beautifully with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad for a satisfying weeknight dinner
Ingredients
- 2-3 salmon fillets (skin-on, about 1 lb.)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter (divided)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup white wine (use your favorite)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rub the fillets with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon flesh-side down and cook for 5 minutes per side or until perfectly cooked. Set aside.
- In the same pan, melt 1 tbsp butter and sauté the garlic for 1 minute. Pour in the wine and simmer until reduced by more than half (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the remaining butter, parsley, lemon juice, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning. Let it simmer gently.
- Return the salmon to the pan and spoon the sauce over it. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 979Total Fat 66gSaturated Fat 20gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 41gCholesterol 260mgSodium 2136mgCarbohydrates 5gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 76g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Cajun salmon is a simple yet spectacular dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its bold flavors, ease of preparation, and versatility make it a must-try recipe for home cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re serving it with a side of rice, tucking it into tacos, or enjoying it on its own, this Cajun salmon recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try, and let me know in the comments how you made it your own!
Check my other salmon recipes:
