Cajun Honey Butter Salmon

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Cajun Honey Butter Salmon is a bold and flavorful dish that combines spicy, smoky Cajun seasoning with a sweet and savory honey butter glaze. Perfectly seared salmon fillets are finished in a rich garlic butter sauce, brightened with a splash of lemon juice and topped with fresh parsley and sesame seeds. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a restaurant-quality dinner made right at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• High-protein, low-carb meal perfect for keto and clean eating plans

• Spicy-sweet glaze made with pantry staples

• Quick-cook dinner ideal for weeknights

Ingredients Breakdown

Salmon:

• Salmon Fillets (4, skin on): Rich in healthy fats and protein; the star of the dish.

• Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Helps create a golden crust while locking in moisture.

• Cajun Seasoning (2 tbsp): Provides bold, spicy flavor with smoky undertones.

• Salt (to taste): Enhances all the seasonings and balances the flavors.

Honey Butter Sauce:

• Butter (4 tbsp): Base of the sauce, adding richness and a silky texture.

• Honey (2 tbsp): Adds natural sweetness to contrast the Cajun spice.

• Soy Sauce (1 tbsp): Adds a savory umami punch and balances sweetness.

• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives depth and aromatic flavor.

• Lemon Juice (from ½ lemon): Brightens the dish and cuts through the richness.

For Garnish:

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.

• Lemon Wedges: Optional for serving, enhances brightness.

• Black Sesame Seeds: Add texture and visual appeal.

Tips and Tricks:

• Crispier skin: Make sure the pan is hot before adding the salmon.

• Don’t overcook: Remove salmon from heat as soon as it flakes easily.

• Balance spice level: Use less Cajun seasoning for a milder dish or add red pepper flakes for more heat.

• Use a fish spatula to prevent breaking the fillets during flipping.

Variations and Customizations:

• Maple-Glazed Salmon: Swap honey for maple syrup for a deeper, woodsy flavor.

• Garlic Herb Version: Replace Cajun seasoning with a blend of Italian herbs and minced garlic.

• Baked Option: Bake at 400°F for 12–14 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes after adding the glaze.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Side dishes: Serve with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or jasmine rice.

• Drinks: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a citrusy mocktail.

• Salads: A simple arugula and cherry tomato salad complements the richness of the salmon.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or leftover sauce.

• Freezing: Not recommended as the glaze may separate when thawed.

Popular Questions:

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, but make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and searing.

What Cajun seasoning should I use?

Use your favorite store-bought blend or make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and oregano.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes—use a plant-based butter alternative or olive oil in the glaze

Cajun Honey Butter Salmon

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Cajun Honey Butter Salmon – Spicy Cajun-seasoned salmon seared to perfection and glazed with a sweet-savory honey butter sauce. Topped with garlic, lemon, parsley, and sesame seeds. Ready in 20 minutes for a restaurant-quality meal at home

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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

• Lemon wedges

• Black sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Prep the Salmon

• Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels.

• Rub each fillet with olive oil, then generously coat with Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt.

2. Sear the Salmon

• Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

• Place salmon skin-side up in the pan and sear for 3 minutes.

• Flip the fillets skin-side down and cook for another 2 minutes until skin is crisp and the top is golden.

3. Make the Honey Butter Sauce

• In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

• Stir in honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.

• Let it simmer gently for about 2 minutes, then remove from heat and add lemon juice.

4. Glaze and Finish

• Pour the honey butter sauce over the salmon in the skillet.

• Let the salmon simmer in the sauce for 3–5 minutes, spooning sauce over the top frequently.

• Cook until salmon flakes easily with a fork and is fully glazed.

5. Garnish and Serve

• Plate the salmon and spoon remaining sauce over the top.

• Garnish with parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds.

• Serve immediately.

Notes

This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. From its crisp seared crust to its sticky-sweet glaze, every bite offers a satisfying punch of heat and richness. Whether you’re meal-prepping or hosting dinner guests, this dish always impresses

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Pan-Searing
• Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired / Fusion

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