Description
This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish. Salmon fillets are pan-seared to crispy perfection, then coated in a rich and savory honey butter sauce with a Cajun kick.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6–8 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1–2 tablespoons)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Black sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them sear properly.
- Season Salmon: Rub the salmon fillets with the olive oil. Season generously with Cajun seasoning and salt to taste.
- Sear Salmon: Heat a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned salmon fillets to the hot skillet, skin-side up (if using skin-on fillets). Sear for about 3 minutes, or until a nice crust forms.
- Flip Salmon: Carefully flip the salmon fillets over so the skin side is down (if using skin-on). Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Make Honey Butter Sauce: While the salmon is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add Aromatics and Liquids: Add the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic to the melted butter. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Add Lemon Juice: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice.
- Pour Sauce Over Salmon: Pour the honey butter sauce evenly over the salmon fillets in the skillet.
- Continue Cooking and Basting: Continue to cook the salmon, spooning the sauce over the fillets regularly, for another 3-5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the salmon with chopped fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and black sesame seeds (if using). Serve immediately.
Notes
- Salmon: You can use skin-on or skinless salmon fillets. If using skin-on, sear the fillets skin-side up first for a crispy skin.
- Cajun Seasoning: Use your favorite Cajun seasoning blend. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Doneness: The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. Use a fork to check for doneness – the salmon should flake easily and be opaque in the center.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this Cajun honey butter salmon with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a salad.