Cajun Honey Butter Salmon Recipe

Introduction

This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon is a delightful blend of spicy and sweet flavors that perfectly complements the richness of the salmon. It’s quick to prepare and makes for a delicious, healthy dinner that impresses without stress.

Ingredients

• 4 fillets Salmon (skin on)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• 4 tablespoons Butter (unsalted recommended)
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Fresh Parsley (chopped)
• Lemon Wedges

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle olive oil over them and rub in the Cajun seasoning along with a light sprinkle of salt, ensuring each fillet is evenly coated.
2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and nicely charred.
3. Step 3: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce is well combined and slightly thickened.
4. Step 4: Remove salmon from heat and spoon the warm Cajun honey butter sauce generously over each fillet. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra splash of brightness.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or choose a blend with less heat.
• Maple syrup can replace honey for a deeper sweetness in the butter sauce.
• Using tamari instead of soy sauce makes this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
• Serve over a bed of rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. The honey butter sauce can be reheated separately and poured over the salmon before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salmon fillets without skin?

Yes, you can use skinless fillets, but cooking skin-on helps keep the salmon moist and adds a crispy texture when seared.

Is Cajun seasoning very spicy?

The heat level varies by brand, so start with 1 tablespoon if you prefer less spice and adjust to taste.

Cajun Honey Butter Salmon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 133 reviews

This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon recipe delivers a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and buttery flavors. Pan-seared to achieve a crispy skin and tender interior, the salmon fillets are coated with a rich butter sauce infused with honey, garlic, and Cajun seasoning. The addition of lemon juice and fresh parsley brightens the dish, making it an ideal quick and flavorful weeknight meal packed with omega-3 fatty acids.

• Author: Matteo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon and Seasoning

• 4 fillets Salmon (skin on)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning
• Salt, to taste

Cajun Honey Butter Sauce

• 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• Juice of ½ lemon

Garnish

• Fresh Parsley, chopped
• Lemon Wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and evenly sprinkle the Cajun seasoning on top to your preferred spice level.
2. Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking to ensure a good sear.
3. Sear the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot oil. Cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and releases easily from the pan. Flip the fillets carefully and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes until the salmon is cooked through but still moist.
4. Make Cajun Honey Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the pan and allow it to melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice, stirring to combine everything into a smooth, flavorful sauce.
5. Coat the Salmon: Spoon the hot Cajun honey butter sauce over the salmon fillets, coating them well and allowing the flavors to meld together for a minute or two while the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Serve and Garnish: Remove the salmon from heat and plate immediately. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges on the side for an extra citrusy brightness. Serve warm for best taste.

Notes

• Use skin-on salmon fillets for optimal texture and to keep the fish moist during cooking.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity to control the heat; start with less if you prefer it milder.
• Maple syrup can be used instead of honey for a different sweetness profile.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
• Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Do not overcook salmon to maintain its flaky, tender texture.

Keywords: Cajun salmon, Honey butter salmon, Pan-seared salmon, Spicy salmon recipe, Quick salmon dish