Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon is the perfect blend of bold, spicy flavors and a sweet, silky finish. The Cajun seasoning adds a kick of heat, while the honey-butter sauce brings a rich sweetness that complements the fish beautifully. Quick to prepare, this recipe transforms a simple dinner into a flavorful experience that everyone will love.
Ingredients
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Salmon fillets, skin on (6 oz each)
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Olive oil
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Cajun seasoning
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Salt (to taste)
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Butter
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Honey
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Soy sauce (low sodium)
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Garlic, minced
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Lemon juice
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Lemon wedges (optional)
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Black sesame seeds (optional)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub each fillet with olive oil and generously season with Cajun seasoning and a bit of salt.
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Sear the Salmon: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side up and sear for about 3 minutes until a crust forms. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
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Make the Honey Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir until well combined and simmer for a couple of minutes. Remove from heat and add lemon juice.
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Combine and Finish Cooking: Pour the honey butter sauce over the salmon fillets. Spoon the sauce over the salmon as it cooks for 3-5 more minutes until cooked through. Garnish with parsley, lemon wedges, and sesame seeds.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Preparation time: 5 minutes
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Cooking time: 15 minutes
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Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
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Spice it up: Add extra cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the Cajun seasoning for more heat.
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Different fish: Try this recipe with other fish fillets like tilapia or trout for a different flavor profile.
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Dairy-free option: Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Reheat the salmon in a skillet over low heat, basting with some of the leftover honey butter sauce to keep it moist.
FAQs
How can I make this recipe without Cajun seasoning?
You can create your own blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking.
What can I serve with Cajun Honey Butter Salmon?
This dish pairs well with jasmine rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or sautéed green beans.
How do I know when the salmon is done cooking?
The salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Can I substitute honey with something else?
Yes, maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey.
Is it okay to use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used in place of butter if preferred.
Can I use lemon juice from a bottle instead of fresh lemon?
Fresh lemon juice is best for this recipe, but bottled lemon juice can be used as an alternative.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning?
The spice level can vary depending on the brand of Cajun seasoning used, but it typically offers a moderate heat that’s balanced by the sweetness of the honey.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While the salmon is best fresh, you can prepare the honey butter sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What other herbs can I use instead of parsley?
Cilantro or dill can be used as alternatives to parsley for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon is a quick and easy dish that brings together the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. It’s ideal for busy weeknights but impressive enough for a special occasion. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. Enjoy the flavor explosion that this dish offers with your favorite sides!
Cajun Honey Butter Salmon Recipe
This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon recipe combines spicy Cajun seasoning with a sweet and rich honey butter sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Quick, easy, and full of bold taste, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-seared
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Salmon fillets, skin on (6 oz each)
Olive oil
Cajun seasoning
Salt (to taste)
Butter
Honey
Soy sauce (low sodium)
Garlic, minced
Lemon juice
Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges (optional)
Black sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub each fillet with olive oil and generously season with Cajun seasoning and salt.
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Sear the Salmon: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side up and sear for about 3 minutes until a crust forms. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
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Make the Honey Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir until well combined and simmer for a couple of minutes. Remove from heat and add lemon juice.
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Combine and Finish Cooking: Pour the honey butter sauce over the salmon fillets. Spoon the sauce over the salmon as it cooks for 3-5 more minutes until cooked through. Garnish with parsley, lemon wedges, and sesame seeds.
Notes
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You can add extra cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the Cajun seasoning for more heat.
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Substitute butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
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This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or sautéed veggies.
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For leftovers, store the salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet.
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