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Cajun Honey Butter Salmon Recipe

Cajun Honey Butter Salmon Recipe

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4.9 from 68 reviews

This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon recipe features succulent salmon fillets seared to perfection, then glazed with a sweet and savory honey butter sauce infused with Cajun spices and a splash of lemon. Finished with fresh parsley and optional black sesame seeds, this dish is an impressive yet simple main course that comes together in just 30 minutes, bursting with bold Southern flavor and a tantalizing balance of sweet heat.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Salmon

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each, skin on)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • Salt, to taste

For the Honey Butter Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Serving & Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges
  • Black sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels. Drying ensures the seasoning adheres to the fish and helps achieve a crispier, golden crust.
  2. Season the Salmon: Rub each salmon fillet with olive oil. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning evenly over all sides, plus a pinch of salt for flavor. The oil helps the spices stick and delivers a rich, flavorful exterior.
  3. Sear the Salmon: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, lay the salmon fillets skin-side up. Sear for about 3 minutes, undisturbed, to develop the crust. Flip so the skin side is down; cook for another 2 minutes.
  4. Make the Honey Butter Sauce: While salmon cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened and glossy. Remove from heat and mix in the lemon juice for brightness.
  5. Combine and Finish Cooking: Pour the honey butter sauce over the salmon in the skillet. Continue cooking, spooning the sauce over the fillets for 3-5 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salmon to a platter. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the fillets. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and optional black sesame seeds. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for a zesty finish.

Notes

  • For less spice, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning.
  • Use unsalted butter to control sodium; adjust salt as needed.
  • Patting salmon fillets dry before seasoning ensures the best crust.
  • This recipe is best with skin-on salmon for added texture, but works with skinless fillets as well.
  • The sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southern, American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg