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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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