The sweet honey and spicy flavors of cajun seasoning make for a perfect balance with the rich salmon. This delicious dish is packed with bold flavors and is a great source of heart-healthy fats. It's a super easy meal to prepare, the honey butter turns into an amazing savory glaze.
We are a household of salmon lovers. Salmon is one of the few foods that we know all the kids will be excited about. While this recipe's flavor comes from delicious Cajun seasoning- the kids call it taco salmon.
Who cares what they call it when they eat it without whining? The recipe card is for a large piece of fresh salmon- but you can adapt it for a small portion easily.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, combine 5 tablespoons of room-temperature butter, 2.5 tablespoons of Cajun spices, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix these ingredients together until they are fully combined. Line a baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper to simplify cleanup.
Place the salmon fillet skin side down in the prepared baking dish. Spread a generous amount of cajun honey butter on top of the salmon using the back of a spoon. Ensure that the butter evenly coats the salmon for a savory glaze.
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the salmon easily flakes with a fork. To enhance the presentation and flavor, after baking, you can place the salmon under the broiler for about a minute to give it a lovely caramelized glaze.
Homemade cajun seasoning
- 3 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon salt
- ½ tablespoon black pepper
- ½ tablespoon thyme
- ½ tablespoon cayenne pepper
- ½ tablespoon red pepper flakes
Mix the dry spices thoroughly until well combined. The smoked paprika gives it a unique smoky flavor while the blend of herbs and spices adds depth and heat. Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Storage:
To store your homemade Cajun seasoning, here's a handy tip:
Transfer the spice blend into a small spice jar with an airtight seal. Make sure the jar is clean and dry before adding the seasoning. Label the jar so you can easily identify it among your other spices. When stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, your homemade Cajun seasoning can stay fresh and flavorful for several months. It's not only great for Cajun Honey Butter Salmon but can also be used to add a zesty kick to various dishes like grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even popcorn for a spicy movie night treat.
Save those tasty Cajun Honey Butter Salmon leftovers in an airtight container. Cold leftover salmon is one of my favorite breakfasts!
What to serve with Salmon with:
Cajun Honey Butter Salmon is a flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of sides, creating a balanced and delicious meal.
- Green Beans: Steam or blanch fresh green beans to retain their crispness. Season with a touch of butter, garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Sweet Potatoes: Roast sweet potato wedges with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of Cajun spices for a complementary flavor, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. They'll add a touch of sweetness to contrast with the spiciness of the salmon.
- Sautéed Butter Beans: Butter beans sautéed with garlic, onion, and a bit of thyme will provide a creamy and savory side to balance the dish.
- Cucumber Beet Salad: Prepare a refreshing salad with sliced cucumbers and beets. feta cheese and earthy beets come together in this simple and the coolness of the salad will contrast with the warmth of the salmon.
- Coleslaw: A classic coleslaw with a creamy dressing made from Dijon muster, vinegar, and apples is an ideal side for its crisp and slightly tangy qualities.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base for your salmon. Season them with butter, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.
- Roasted Carrots: Continue the roasted theme with carrots seasoned with rosemary and a drizzle of honey. The sweet and savory notes will complement the Cajun honey butter glaze on the salmon.
- Roasted Cauliflower: Roasted cauliflower florets with a sprinkle of paprika or cumin will add a nutty, roasted flavor that pairs nicely with the salmon.
The combination of these sides with the Cajun Honey Butter Salmon creates a well-rounded meal with a variety of flavors, textures, and colors. It offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, spicy, and crisp elements that will please your palate and leave your guests or family members satisfied. Enjoy your delicious feast!
Tricks, Tips, and Alterations:
- Check Store-Bought Cajun Seasoning: If you're using store-bought Cajun seasoning, check to see if it is a salted brand. Some brands may have a higher salt content than others. Taste a small amount before adding additional salt to the recipe. Adjust the amount of salt you add to the dish accordingly to avoid over-salting.
- Experiment with Italian Seasoning: Once realize how easy this method try switching up the flavor profile, consider using Italian seasoning instead of Cajun spices. Italian seasoning typically contains herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, which pair wonderfully with honey and butter.
- Check Store-Bought Cajun Seasoning: If you're using store-bought Cajun seasoning, be mindful of its salt content. Some brands may have a higher salt content than others. Taste a small amount before adding additional salt to the recipe. Adjust the amount of salt you add to the dish accordingly to avoid over-salting.
- Try Grilling: Another fantastic way to enjoy this Cajun salmon recipe is by grilling. To do this, preheat your grill or grill pan and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the salmon flesh-side down on the preheated grill to achieve those beautiful grill marks. Grilling adds a delightful smokiness to the salmon that complements the Cajun honey butter glaze perfectly.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you have a preference for more or less heat, tailor the amount of Cajun seasoning to your liking. You can start with a smaller amount and gradually add more to achieve your desired level of spiciness.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish your finished dish with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives to add a burst of color and freshness.
- Fruit Relish: both pickled pineapple and mango salsa work great with this salmon recipe.
If you’ve tried this Cajun Honey Butter Salmon recipe or any other recipe on BalancingBowls, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more tasty meals and anything else I’m up to.
Recipe
Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
Equipment
- baking sheet
Ingredients
- 2.5-3 lb salmon fillet
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
- 2.5 tablespoons Cajun spices store-bought or homemade
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Lime wedges for garnish
Homemade Cajun Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon salt
- ½ tablespoon black pepper
- ½ tablespoon thyme
- ½ tablespoon cayenne pepper
- ½ tablespoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, combine 5 tablespoons of room temperature butter, 2.5 tablespoons of Cajun spices, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix these ingredients together until they are fully combined. Line a baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper to simplify cleanup.
- Place the salmon fillet skin side down in the prepared baking dish. Spread a generous amount of cajun honey butter on top of the salmon using the back of a spoon. Ensure that the butter is evenly coats the salmon for a savory glaze.
- Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the salmon easily flakes with a fork. To enhance the presentation and flavor, after baking, you can place the salmon under the broiler for about a minute to give it a lovely caramelized glaze.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!