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Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Crema Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 122 reviews

This Cajun Salmon Avocado Lime recipe features perfectly seasoned salmon fillets with a flavorful Cajun spice rub, pan-seared to crispy perfection. Served alongside a creamy avocado lime crema, it’s a vibrant dish perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal. The recipe also includes suggestions for sides like rice, black beans, corn, and tortillas to make salmon tacos or bowls bursting with fresh flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon and Seasoning

  • 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Avocado Lime Crema

  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
  • 2–3 tablespoons water, to thin to desired consistency

Suggested Sides and Toppings

  • Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
  • Black beans
  • Corn kernels
  • Chopped red onion
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Lime wedges
  • Tortillas (corn or flour)
  • Shredded lettuce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps in achieving a good sear.
  2. Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, mix Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to form a paste. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
  3. Marinate (Optional): Place the seasoned salmon in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes to let the flavors penetrate the fish for a more intense taste.
  4. Heat the Pan: Preheat a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and heat it until shimmering, indicating it’s hot enough for searing.
  5. Sear the Salmon: Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down if skin is on, into the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden and the fish releases easily from the pan.
  6. Flip and Cook: Turn the fillets over and cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
  7. Alternative Cooking Methods: For variety, you can bake, grill, or air fry the salmon:
    – Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), place fillets on parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake 12-15 minutes.
    – Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high, oil grates, and grill fillets 4-5 minutes each side.
    – Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and cook fillets for 8-10 minutes.
  8. Rest the Salmon: Remove the salmon from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender fish.
  9. Prepare the Avocado Lime Crema: Halve avocados, remove pits, and scoop the flesh into a food processor or blender.
  10. Add Ingredients: To the avocados, add sour cream (or Greek yogurt), fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper if using.
  11. Blend: Process until creamy and smooth. Add water one tablespoon at a time to reach the desired consistency.
  12. Taste and Adjust: Taste the crema and adjust salt or lime juice as needed for balanced flavor.

Notes

  • The marinating step is optional but recommended for enhanced flavor.
  • For a healthier option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the crema.
  • If cooking skin-on salmon, searing skin-side down first results in crispier texture.
  • Ensure not to overcook salmon to keep it moist and tender.
  • The avocado lime crema can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day.
  • Use fresh lime juice for best flavor; bottled lime juice may alter the taste.
  • Serve with tortillas and toppings to turn this into delicious salmon tacos or as a bowl with rice and beans.

Keywords: Cajun salmon, avocado lime crema, pan-seared salmon, healthy salmon recipe, seafood tacos, easy dinner, southwestern flavors

Find it online: https://tastewithamy.com/cajun-salmon-with-avocado-lime-crema-recipe/