This easy baked blackened salmon is inspired by the flavors of southern Louisiana. This healthy-ish dinner is full of Cajun seasoning and topped with a broiled honey butter. A favorite way to make a quick and simple weeknight dinner or a crowd pleaser on the weekend.
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Why My Recipe
If you've been searching for a quick, healthy dinner that doesn't skimp on flavor - this is it. This baked blackened salmon comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the ultimate weeknight hero when you need something on the table fast without sacrificing taste.
The magic is in the blackening spice blend. A bold mix of smoky, savory spices creates flavor you'd expect from a restaurant. And trust me, the broiled honey butter takes this recipe over the top!
Unlike pan-frying, baking the salmon locks in moisture while still delivering that signature blackened taste. You get tender, flaky fish with a punch of smoky heat in every single bite - and it's packed with protein to keep you full and fueled through the rest of your evening.
Whether you're meal prepping for the week or getting dinner on the table for the family after a long day, this recipe fits right into your routine. Pair it with my Vegetarian Dirty Rice or some chopped romaine and you've got a complete meal in no time.
This is the baked blackened salmon recipe you'll come back to again and again.
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
- 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.
More Cajun Inspired Recipes
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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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