Cajun Honey Butter Salmon

The strong, spicy Cajun spices and honey sweetness of Cajun Honey Butter Salmon create a perfectly balanced entrée. After pan-frying the salmon to golden perfection, the honey butter sauce adds richness and taste that will have you going back. This recipe is easy to make but full of flavor, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Indulge in healthful salmon with this tasty twist.

This recipe calls for homemade Cajun salmon flavor, a luscious honey butter sauce, and a few simple steps.

Ingredients:

For Cajun Salmon:

4 6-ounce salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)

1 tablespoon olive oil (or other cooking oil)

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade | see below)

1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for smokiness)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

To make Cajun Honey Butter Sauce:

1/2 stick unsalted butter

2 tablespoons honey (adjust for sweetness)

Tbsp. Cajun seasoning

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or to taste)

1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional for flavor)

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For garnish:

Optional chopped fresh parsley

Optional lemon wedges

Instructions:

 Make Cajun seasoning.

Making Cajun seasoning at home is simple if you don’t have it. Make your own Cajun seasoning by mixing these ingredients:

1 tablespoon paprika

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/4tsp ground black pepper

1/4 tsp salt

Mix everything and store in an airtight jar. This yields enough for this recipe and more!

 Season Salmon

Dry the salmon fillets lightly with paper towels. This enhances seasoning adhesion and sear.

Salmon seasoning: Apply generous Cajun seasoning to both sides of each salmon fillet. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle smoked paprika over top for added smokiness.

 Cook salmon

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet when the oil is hot and shimmering.

Salmon fillets should be seared for 4-5 minutes on the first side, depending on thickness. You want a crispy, golden crust. Keep the fish still while cooking to develop a crust.

Flip the salmon: Carefully flip the fillets and cook for 3–4 minutes until done. Full-cooked meat should be 145°F (63°C), or slightly lower for medium-rare.

Remove from heat: Plate the salmon after cooking it in the skillet.

 Make Cajun Honey Butter Sauce

Reduce skillet heat to medium to melt butter. Melt the butter and scrape up any fish flavor in the pan.
Add honey and spices: Add honey, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and thyme to melted butter. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring regularly, until it thickens and turns silky and golden.

For a zesty kick, add fresh lemon juice and crushed red pepper flakes. Taste the sauce and add honey for sweetness or Cajun seasoning for heat.

 Serve Salmon

Pour sauce over cooked salmon fillets on plates. Add enough Cajun honey butter sauce to each fillet to cover it nicely.
Finish w

ith fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a citrus punch. You can serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.

Notes:

Tips for Perfect Salmon:

Salmon doneness:

Fillet thickness determines cooking time. Thinner components require earlier doneness checks. The thickest section of the fillet should reach 145°F (63°C) and flake readily with a fork when done.

Skin-on/skinless:

Skin-on salmon fillets grow crispier and hold together better when seared. The method works with skinless fillets, but flip them gently because they are delicate.

Spice it up:

Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spicy tolerance. For a spicy honey butter sauce, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes.

Side Ideas:

Roasted Vegetables:

Roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or sweet potatoes enhance Cajun seasonings.

Rice or Quinoa:

Serve salmon with fluffy rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the honey butter sauce.

Green Salad:

A light green salad with acidic vinaigrette balances salmon and honey butter sauce richness.

Total Time:

Prepare in 5 minutes.
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes

Conclusion:

Cajun Honey Butter Salmon is the right mix of spicy, sweet, and delicious. Cajun flavor provides heat, while honey butter sauce adds decadence. Salmon cooks fast, making it excellent for weeknight or big occasion dinners. Anyone who likes robust, savory meals will adore this dish with a choice of sides! Enjoy!