Cajun Honey Butter Salmon Recipe

Introduction

Cajun Honey Butter Salmon is a deliciously spiced and sweet seafood dish that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. With a crispy skin and a rich honey butter glaze, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
• Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
3. Step 3: Stir in honey and lemon juice, mixing well. Cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Step 4: Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy.
5. Step 5: Flip the salmon fillets carefully and brush them generously with the honey butter mixture. Cook another 4-5 minutes, basting frequently.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the glaze simmer over the salmon for 1-2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
7. Step 7: Check that the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
8. Step 8: Remove salmon from heat and place on a serving platter.
9. Step 9: Drizzle remaining honey butter sauce over the salmon and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
10. Step 10: Serve with lemon wedges for added freshness.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture.
• Let the salmon rest after cooking to keep it tender and juicy.
• For a citrus twist, add orange zest along with lemon juice in the honey butter.
• You can substitute salmon with shrimp or chicken breast, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
• Try fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to vary the flavor profile.

Storage

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days. To freeze cooked salmon, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure the salmon is fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and cooking for the best results.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can create a homemade blend using paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme to mimic Cajun seasoning.

Cajun Honey Butter Salmon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 94 reviews

Cajun Honey Butter Salmon is a deliciously flavorful dish featuring tender salmon fillets seasoned with bold Cajun spices and glazed with a rich honey butter sauce. This recipe combines the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy elements, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion meal. The salmon is pan-seared to achieve a crispy skin and then basted with a luscious honey butter glaze, resulting in a succulent and visually appealing entree.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Honey Butter Glaze

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Garnish & Serving

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning to infuse the fish with robust flavors.
2. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat until liquid and smooth, preparing the base for the honey glaze.
3. Add Honey and Lemon Juice: Stir honey and lemon juice into the melted butter, mixing well. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes, allowing the mixture to slightly thicken into a glaze.
4. Cook the Salmon: Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and browned.
5. Flip the Salmon and Glaze: Carefully turn the salmon fillets over. Generously brush the fillets with the honey butter mixture, cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes while basting frequently to keep the fish moist and flavorful.
6. Glaze the Salmon Further: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the honey butter glaze simmer on the salmon for 1-2 minutes to deepen flavor absorption.
7. Check for Doneness: Verify that the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Adjust cooking time as needed depending on fillet thickness to ensure proper cooking without dryness.
8. Remove from Heat: Transfer the cooked salmon carefully from the skillet to a serving platter.
9. Garnish: Drizzle any leftover honey butter sauce over the salmon. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired to add color and freshness.
10. Serve: Serve the Cajun Honey Butter Salmon with lemon wedges for a zesty contrast that enhances the dish’s rich flavors.

Notes

• Use fresh salmon for the best taste and texture.
• Allow the salmon to rest briefly after cooking to let juices redistribute.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning and honey quantities to your preferred spice and sweetness levels.
• For added flavor, experiment by adding orange zest or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days.
• Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Keywords: Cajun Salmon, Honey Butter Salmon, Pan-seared Salmon, Cajun Seafood Recipe, Honey Glaze Salmon