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Spice up your weeknight dinners with my irresistible Cajun Honey Butter Salmon. The Cajun seasoning brings the heat, while the honey-butter sauce adds a sweet, silky finish, making every bite a delicious adventure.
Easy Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. The Cajun seasoning gives the salmon a bold, spicy flavor, while the honey-butter sauce adds a sweet and rich finish. The combination is irresistible, and it’s so simple to make that it feels like a little bit of magic.
I love how quickly this dish comes together. In just 25 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table. The salmon turns out perfectly cooked every time, with a beautiful crust and tender, flaky interior. Plus, the honey-butter sauce is perfect for spooning over rice or veggies, making the whole meal shine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Salmon fillets, skin on: I used fresh salmon fillets that are about 6 ounces each. If you can’t find fresh fillets, unthawed frozen ones will work great.
- Olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil. If you’re out, canola or vegetable oil works fine.
- Cajun seasoning: Adds bold, spicy flavor; a homemade mix or another spice blend can be used if needed.
- Salt: Adjust to taste.
- Butter: Creates a rich, smooth sauce; margarine can be an alternative.
- Honey: Adds sweetness to balance the spice; maple syrup is a great substitute.
- Soy sauce: I recommend a low sodium soy sauce so that you can control the sodium in your dish.
- Garlic, minced: Use as much or as little garlic as you like. You can always substitute it with some garlic powder if you don’t have any fresh.
- Lemon juice: Brings a bright, citrusy pop.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbal note; cilantro or dill are great alternatives.
- Lemon wedges: For serving, adding an extra citrus kick; optional but recommended.
- Black sesame seeds: Adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal; white sesame seeds can be used if needed.
First, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub each fillet with olive oil and season generously with Cajun seasoning and a bit of salt if needed.
Next, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side up, and sear for about 3 minutes until they form a nice crust. Flip the salmon over so the skin side is down and cook for another 2 minutes.
While the salmon is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir until well combined and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. Remove from heat and squeeze in the lemon juice.
Pour the honey butter sauce over the salmon fillets. Continue to cook the salmon, regularly spooning the sauce over, for another 3-5 minutes until the salmon is cooked through. Once the salmon is done, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and sprinkle black sesame seeds on top.
How To Serve
I love serving this Cajun Honey Butter Salmon with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some of my favorite ideas:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking for the best texture and flavor.
How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The flesh should be opaque and no longer translucent.
Can I bake the salmon instead of searing it in a skillet?
Yes, you can bake the salmon. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the seasoned salmon for about 12-15 minutes. Pour the honey butter sauce over the salmon halfway through the cooking time.
Expert Tips
- Pat the salmon dry: Ensure the salmon fillets are completely dry before seasoning to help the spices stick better and create a nice crust.
- Use medium-high heat: Searing the salmon on medium-high heat helps achieve a crispy skin and a perfectly cooked interior.
- Don’t overcook the salmon: Keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
- Simmer the sauce gently: Avoid boiling the honey butter sauce; a gentle simmer will help blend the flavors without burning the honey.
- Rest before serving: Let the salmon rest for a minute or two after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful bite.
Storage
Store any leftover Cajun Honey Butter Salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked salmon in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
Cajun Honey Butter Salmon: This dish combines bold Cajun spices with a sweet, buttery sauce for a perfect balance of flavors. The salmon fillets are seared to perfection and topped with a rich, honey-butter glaze, making every bite delicious and satisfying.
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Instructions
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Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub each fillet with olive oil and season generously with Cajun seasoning, and salt if needed.
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Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets skin-side up and sear for about 3 minutes until they form a nice crust. Flip the salmon over so the skin side is down and cook for another 2 minutes.
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While the salmon is cooking, in a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir until well combined and simmer for a couple of minutes. Remove from heat and squeeze in the lemon juice.
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Pour the honey butter sauce over the salmon fillets. Continue to cook the salmon, spooning the sauce over regularly, for another 3-5 minutes.
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Once the salmon is cooked, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and sprinkle black sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Pat the salmon dry to help the seasoning stick and create a nice crust.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor in the honey butter sauce.
- If the salmon is too spicy, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcal (23%)Carbohydrates: 11g (4%)Protein: 35g (70%)Fat: 30g (46%)Saturated Fat: 10g (63%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 124mg (41%)Sodium: 224mg (10%)Potassium: 942mg (27%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 9g (10%)Vitamin A: 2142IU (43%)Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)Calcium: 36mg (4%)Iron: 2mg (11%)
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
