Short Description
This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon is a perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Juicy, flaky salmon fillets are coated with bold Cajun seasoning, pan-seared to perfection, and finished with a rich honey butter garlic sauce. A quick and easy dish that’s packed with flavor and ready in under 20 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Bold Flavors: Spicy Cajun seasoning balanced with sweet honey butter.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein and omega-3s.
- Versatile: Pairs well with rice, roasted veggies, or salad.
- Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Season the Salmon
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Rub both sides with olive oil, then sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flaky. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Sauce
- In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in honey and lemon juice, letting the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Coat & Serve
- Return the salmon to the pan and spoon the honey butter sauce over the fillets.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Extra Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Garlic Lover’s Version: Use 3-4 cloves of garlic for extra flavor.
- Lemon Butter Twist: Swap honey for lemon zest and an extra tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Oven-Baked Option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes for a crispy finish.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked salmon fillets for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat with a little butter or in the microwave for 30-40 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.
What sides go well with this dish?
Pair with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, rice, or a fresh salad.
Can I use a different fish?
Yes! This works well with trout, cod, or tilapia.
Is Cajun seasoning spicy?
It has mild heat, but you can adjust by using more or less seasoning.
Can I cook this in the oven?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, then broil for a crispy top.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
Make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and salt.
How do I know when salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork, and the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with dairy-free butter or olive oil.
Can I grill the salmon instead?
Yes! Grill over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side.
What’s the best way to get crispy salmon skin?
Cook skin-side down first on high heat without moving it for at least 4 minutes.
Conclusion
This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon is a simple yet flavorful dish that balances heat, sweetness, and buttery richness. Whether cooked on the stovetop, baked, or grilled, it’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Print
Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4- servings
Description
This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon is the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and buttery flavors! Perfectly seared salmon is coated in a rich honey butter sauce infused with garlic and Cajun seasoning, making it an easy yet restaurant-quality meal. Serve it with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad for a complete dish!
Ingredients
✔ 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
✔ 2 tbsp olive oil
✔ 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
✔ Salt and black pepper, to taste
✔ 3 tbsp unsalted butter
✔ 2 tbsp honey
✔ 2 garlic cloves, minced
✔ Juice of 1/2 lemon
✔ 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- If using skin-on salmon, cook skin-side down first for a crispy finish.
- Serve with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or fluffy rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
