Hey y'all! If you're craving a dinner that's bursting with flavor, you've got to try this Cajun Honey Butter Salmon. Juicy salmon fillets get a sweet and spicy kick from a melted honey butter glaze, while Cajun seasoning brings a zesty southern vibe. It's gourmet enough for company, yet simple enough for busy weeknights. Whether you're a seafood lover or need a dish that impresses without the fuss, this recipe fits the bill. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
- Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for hectic days.
- Packed with flavor – Spicy Cajun seasoning and sweet honey butter create an unforgettable glaze.
- Versatile – Works for date nights, meal prep, or family dinners.
- Healthy – Salmon is rich in omega-3s, making this both delicious and nutritious (source).
- Minimal cleanup – Cooked in one skillet for easy kitchen cleanup.
Ingredients for Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skinless or skin-on)
- 2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoon honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How to Make Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, pressing gently to adhere the spices to the fish.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down if skin is on. Sear undisturbed for 4 minutes, until golden and crisp. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes, or until just cooked through. Transfer salmon to a plate and loosely cover with foil.
Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Glaze
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter. Once melted, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in the honey and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 1 minute, until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
Return salmon to the skillet and spoon the honey butter glaze over the fillets, letting the flavors meld for about 1 minute. Plate your Cajun Honey Butter Salmon, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges. Enjoy!
Notes for Perfect Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
- If your fillets are extra thick, sear for an extra minute or finish in a 400°F oven for 3-4 minutes.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if needed for even searing.
- For more ideas on sourcing sustainable salmon, check the Seafood Watch program.
Variations on Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
- Lemon-Pepper Honey Salmon: Swap Cajun seasoning for lemon-pepper blend for a milder taste.
- Cajun Honey Butter Shrimp: Use large peeled shrimp in place of salmon and reduce cooking time to 2-3 minutes per side.
- Sheet Pan Cajun Honey Butter Salmon: Place seasoned salmon on a lined sheet pan, bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, and brush with honey butter during the final 5 minutes.
Equipment Needed for Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
- Large nonstick skillet or cast-iron pan
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Small bowl (for mixing glaze)
- Paper towels
Storage & Shelf Life for Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
Store cooled salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap fillets tightly and store for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Pairings & Serving Suggestions for Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the glaze.
- Pair with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or a fresh green salad.
- For a Southern twist, add a side of skillet cornbread (cornbread recipe).
Pro Tips for the Best Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
- Use wild-caught salmon for the richest flavor and best texture.
- Check doneness with a fork; perfectly cooked salmon flakes easily and is just opaque in the center (learn more).
- Let salmon rest 1-2 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
FAQ: Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
- Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking. - Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: It's mildly spicy; adjust the Cajun seasoning to your heat preference. - Q: Can I bake instead of sear?
A: Absolutely—bake at 400°F for 12 minutes, then broil 1-2 minutes to finish.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
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2In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until salmon is almost cooked through.
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3Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, garlic, and honey to the skillet. Spoon the melted honey butter sauce over the salmon as it finishes cooking, about 2 more minutes.
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4Add lemon juice and simmer for another minute until the salmon is thoroughly glazed and cooked to desired doneness.
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5Serve immediately, spooning extra honey butter sauce over the top. Garnish with lemon slices or fresh parsley if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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