Cajun Honey Butter Salmon Recipe

Introduction

This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines spicy, sweet, and savory elements for a perfect seafood meal. With a crispy seared crust and a rich honey butter sauce, it’s sure to impress at any dinner table.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (skin on)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• Salt (to taste)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)
• Black sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub each fillet with olive oil and season generously with Cajun seasoning and salt, if needed.
2. Step 2: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side up and sear for about 3 minutes until a nice crust forms.
3. Step 3: Flip the salmon over so the skin side is down and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Step 4: While the salmon cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir well and simmer for a couple of minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
5. Step 5: Pour the honey butter sauce over the salmon fillets. Continue cooking the salmon, spooning the sauce over regularly, for another 3–5 minutes until cooked through.
6. Step 6: Garnish the salmon with freshly chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crisp skin, use a stainless steel skillet and press the salmon gently as it cooks.
• Substitute maple syrup for honey for a slightly different sweetness.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the Cajun seasoning for a smoky depth.
• Serve with steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the salmon’s texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out the fish.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before cooking to ensure a good sear and prevent excess moisture.

Is it necessary to use soy sauce in the honey butter sauce?

Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor that balances the sweetness of the honey, but you can omit it or replace it with coconut aminos for a soy-free option.

Cajun Honey Butter Salmon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 98 reviews

This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon recipe delivers a perfect balance of bold, spicy Cajun seasoning with a sweet and savory honey butter sauce. Pan-seared to achieve a crispy crust and finished with a luscious honey garlic glaze, this dish is both flavorful and elegant, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (skin on)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• Salt (to taste)

Honey Butter Sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Juice of ½ lemon

Garnish

• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)
• Black sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Rub each fillet evenly with olive oil, then generously season with Cajun seasoning and salt to taste.
2. Sear the Salmon: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side up and sear for about 3 minutes without moving them so they develop a crispy crust. Flip the salmon so the skin side is down and cook for another 2 minutes to crisp the skin.
3. Make the Honey Butter Sauce: While the salmon cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic, stirring until combined. Let the mixture simmer gently for a couple of minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice for brightness.
4. Combine and Cook: Pour the honey butter sauce over the salmon fillets in the skillet. Continue cooking the salmon while spooning the sauce over the fillets regularly for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the salmon to finish cooking through.
5. Garnish and Serve: Once the salmon is fully cooked, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, sprinkle with black sesame seeds, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.

Notes

• Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the salmon to achieve a nice crust.
• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference.
• Using skin-on salmon helps to keep the fillets intact and adds a crispy texture.
• For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: Cajun salmon, honey butter salmon, pan-seared salmon, spicy salmon recipe, quick salmon dinner