This easy Cajun baked salmon is inspired by the flavors of southern Louisiana. This healthy dinner is full of Cajun seasoning and topped with a honey butter. A favorite way to make a quick and simple weeknight dinner or a crowd pleaser on the weekend.
Serve with my Vegetarian Dirty Rice for a complete meal.
Why you'll love it
Easy recipe - uses a few simple ingredients but results in amazing flavor.
Quick weeknight dinner idea - we love this easy Cajun baked salmon because it's tasty and comes together quickly with minimal effort.
Pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted broccoli, or your favorite side dish.
Ingredients
Salmon - I used a large skinless salmon fillet and kept it whole. I find it a bit easier and faster to prepare it this way and then cut it into serving sizes when it's done cooking. You can use pre-cut salmon fillets if that's what's available at your grocery store.
Olive oil - I always use extra-virgin olive or, but another mild flavored oil like canola oil can also work.
Cajun seasoning - I use my homemade Louisiana rub recipe, which has a touch of brown sugar, or you can use your favorite cajun seasoning. If you don't have anything pre-made on hand, you can mix your own using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper.
Garlic - freshly chopped garlic is best. I use jarred garlic all the time, but fresh is best for this recipe.
Kosher or sea salt
Black pepper
Butter - salted or unsalted butter will work.
Honey - maple syrup can also be used
Lime or lemon juice - freshly squeezed tastes best. You can also top with a couple teaspoons of zested lime or lemon.
Garnishes like sliced green onions, chives, fresh parsley, or cilantro.
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
Pat salmon dry with paper towels. Mix olive oil, cajun spices, chopped garlic, salt and pepper together then rub this mixture over the salmon filet.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F in the thickest portion of the filet. Cooked salmon should flake easily with a fork.
Mix softened butter (you can leave it out at room temperature, or microwave it for 10 seconds) and honey together. Spread over cooked salmon. If desired, place under the broiler until desired crispness is reached.
Squeeze with fresh lime or lemon juice, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or parsley.
Quick facts
Salmon is great source of protein, healthy fatty acids, and many essential vitamins and minerals.
Typical Cajun spices and flavors include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
Some of my favorites include Slap Ya Mama, McCormick Cajun seasoning, and Tony Chachere's Creole seasoning.
Top tips
- I like using a large baking sheet pan for this recipe, but a glass or ceramic baking dish will also work.
- This meat thermometer is a great way to be sure your foods are cooked to the proper temperature.
- If your spice mixture isn't as spicy as you like, then add a couple drops of hot sauce to the honey mixture.
- If you don't know how to remove salmon skin, be sure to buy it skinless. Or ask your fishmonger to remove it.
- Use wild salmon or farmed Atlantic salmon
How to store and reheat
Store leftover cajun baked salmon in an airtight container for 3 or 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave until hot. Or, reheat covered in foil in the oven at 300 degrees F until heated through.
Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then follow reheating instructions.
What tastes good with Cajun Baked Salmon?
Easy Cajun Baked Salmon
Ingredients
- 1.5-2 lb salmon filet
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoon Louisiana rub or cajun/creole seasoning
- 1 tablespoon garlic
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoon butter softened
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Squeeze fresh lime or lemon juice
- Garnishes like sliced green onions or chopped parsley/cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Pat salmon dry with paper towels. Mix olive oil, cajun spices, salt and pepper together then rub this mixture over the salmon filet.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F in the thickest portion of the filet. Cooked salmon should flake easily with a fork.
- Mix softened butter and honey together. Spread over cooked salmon. If desired, place under the broiler until desired crispness is reached.
- Squeeze with fresh lime or lemon juice, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or parsley.
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