Name: Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (skin on); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; Salt (to taste); 4 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic (minced); Juice of ½ lemon; Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish); Lemon wedges (for serving); Black sesame seeds (for garnish)

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This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon is a flavor-packed dish that blends the heat of Cajun spices with the sweet, smooth finish of honey butter. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it’s quick to make and sure to impress anyone at the dinner table. The crispy salmon paired with a rich, buttery sauce makes for an irresistible combination that will leave you craving more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cajun Honey Butter Salmon is a great balance of bold flavors and simple preparation. The Cajun seasoning delivers the perfect amount of heat, while the honey butter sauce brings sweetness that makes the dish truly shine. You’ll love how the salmon crisps up in the skillet, creating a crust while staying tender and flaky inside. Best of all, this meal is ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you still want something delicious and satisfying. It’s the ultimate weeknight comfort food, with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (skin on)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Salt (to taste)
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 cloves garlic (minced)
Juice of ½ lemon
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Black sesame seeds (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub each fillet with olive oil and season generously with Cajun seasoning and salt if needed.
Sear the Salmon
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side up and sear for about 3 minutes until they form a nice crust. Flip the salmon over so the skin side is down and cook for another 2 minutes.
Make the Honey Butter Sauce
While the salmon is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir until well combined and simmer for a couple of minutes. Remove from heat and squeeze in the lemon juice.
Combine and Finish Cooking
Pour the honey butter sauce over the salmon fillets. Continue to cook the salmon, regularly spooning the sauce over the fillets, for another 3-5 minutes until the salmon is cooked through. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and sprinkle black sesame seeds on top.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spice it up: If you like more heat, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Honey Substitute: Maple syrup is a great alternative if you prefer a slightly different sweetness.
Garlic Substitute: If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder for a milder flavor.
Non-Dairy Version: Use margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute if you need a dairy-free option.
Other Fish: This recipe can work with other fish like trout or tilapia.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover Cajun Honey Butter Salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze the cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: When reheating, do so gently. If using a microwave, cover the salmon with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts (20-30 seconds at a time) until warmed through. You can also reheat in a skillet over low heat.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can use a homemade Cajun seasoning mix or other spice blends, such as creole seasoning or even a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just ensure it’s fully thawed in the refrigerator before cooking for the best texture and flavor.

How do I know when my salmon is done?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The flesh should be opaque and no longer translucent.

Can I bake the salmon instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the salmon. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), and bake the seasoned salmon for 12-15 minutes, then pour the honey butter sauce over the salmon halfway through.

Can I add more honey to make it sweeter?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of honey to your taste. More honey will increase the sweetness, balancing the spiciness of the Cajun seasoning.

What can I serve with Cajun Honey Butter Salmon?

This salmon pairs well with sides like jasmine rice, green beans, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a lighter option.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be substituted for butter, but it may affect the richness and flavor of the sauce slightly.

Can I skip the sesame seeds for garnish?

Yes, sesame seeds are optional. You can leave them out or substitute with chopped nuts or other seeds for a different texture.

How long should I cook the salmon for perfect crispiness?

For a crispy exterior and moist interior, sear the salmon for about 3 minutes on the skin-side up and 2 minutes on the skin-side down.

Can I use a different fish for this recipe?

Yes, while salmon works best, you can try the recipe with other firm, white fish like tilapia or trout.

Conclusion

Cajun Honey Butter Salmon is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of spicy Cajun seasoning and sweet honey butter makes this a meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe offers a delicious balance of heat, sweetness, and richness. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy!

Cajun Honey Butter Salmon