Cajun Honey Butter Salmon

Cajun Honey Butter Salmon

By Jennifer Pallian BSc, RD

5 from 10 votes

Updated Jun 18, 2024

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This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon recipe has the tastiest spice rub and pan sauce. Flaky salmon packed with Cajun flavor. A 10-minute easy meal.

A cast iron skillet contains 4 salmon fillets that have been seasoned with Cajun spices and brushed with honey butter.

Cajun Honey Butter Salmon: Why You’ll Love this Recipe

SO tasty: buttery, flaky salmon generously spiced with a scrumptious blend of Cajun spices (which all happen to be pantry staples), finished with a sticky, spicy sauce: this recipe will undoubtedly make it into your regular weeknight rotation.
Quick and easy: Salmon fillets could in minutes, and this buttery cajun honey pan sauce is so simple and fast.
As healthy as it is delicious: loaded with protein and nutritious omega 3 fats, this is one lip-smacking dish that also happens to be good for you.

Gather Your Ingredients

Ingredients for Cajun Honey Butter Salmon laid out on a kitchen countertop

Cajun Spice Mix: An aromatic blend of paprika, salt, onion powder, thyme, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper and cayenne pepper to give a unique kick of flavours. Make this spice mix from scratch with the recipe below or swap in storebought.
Avocado Oil: For cooking the salmon; it is heat-stable and has a neutral taste that won’t overpower the spice mix.
Salmon: For this recipe you’ll need 4 5-6 oz portions of salmon.
Butter: To add creaminess and flavour to the pan sauce.
Honey: Sweetens up the pan sauce and adds a nice contrast against the spiciness of the Cajun spices.
Red Chilli Flakes: To give an extra bit of heat to the dish.

Grab These Tools

Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for cutting salmon if you’re going to buy one large filet and cut it into smaller portions.
Cast Iron Skillet: If you have one, use it – it gives fish an amazing texture and a beautiful golden sear!
Thermometer: Use this to check that your salmon has reached the perfect temperature of 125 degrees F (for perfectly cooked, moist fish).
Small Mixing Bowl: For combining all the wonderful spices together into a unique flavour blend.

The spices are mixed together in a small bowl. Then, the salmon is patted dry with paper towels and the spice mix is sprinkled evenly over both sides of the fish.

How To Make It: Step-by-Step Directions For Preparing The Dish

Mix Spices: Combine all spices together in a small bowl.
Prepare Salmon: Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and sprinkle the spice mix evenly over both sides of the fish.

In the cast iron skillet, the salmon is cooked undisturbed until it releases easily from the pan over medium-high heat with preheated oil for about 4 minutes.

Cook Salmon: Preheat a cast iron (or nonstick) skillet for several minutes over medium-high heat. Add oil and let it preheat for 30 seconds before adding the salmon (skin-side-down if it has skin). Cook undisturbed until it releases easily from the pan, about 4 minutes.
Flip the salmon and add the butter to the pan. Once melted, tilt the pan and spoon the butter over the salmon for 1-2 minutes until salmon is cooked through (it should reach 125ºF for perfectly moist fish.
If you don’t have a thermometer, test with a knife – it will flake easily and be opaque when done). Transfer salmon to a plate to rest for a few minutes.

NEXT READING: Moist Salmon Recipes (+ a food science expert’s 7 PRO tips for meltingly moist and tender salmon every time!)

Salmon is flipped, and butter is added to the pan. Once melted, the pan is tilted and the butter is spooned over the salmon for 1-2 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.

Make Sauce: Add honey to the pan with a pinch of salt and chili flakes; simmer until slightly thickened and glossy, less than a minute. Spoon sauce over cooked salmon fillet before serving.

The sauce is made by adding honey to the pan with a pinch of salt and chili flakes. It is simmered until slightly thickened and glossy, which takes less than a minute. The finished sauce is then spooned over the cooked salmon fillet before serving.

Choose the Perfect Side Dishes

Vegetables: From Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts to simple pan-fried asparagus, veggies add nutrition, texture and colour to your plate.
Couscous: One of these Israeli couscous recipes or simple fluffy plain couscous (here’s how to cook perfect couscous) make lovely accompaniments.
Salads: Whether you prefer a Greek pasta salad or a classic spinach strawberry salad, fresh greens are always a great option to pair with pan-seared fish.

RELATED: 35+ Best Side Dishes for Salmon

Cajun Honey Butter Salmon served over a fluffy mound of mashed potatoes and beans, topped with a drizzle of the honey sauce.

Make Ahead And Storage Tips

Container Prep: For quick storage, portion out individual servings of cooked salmon into airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to four days for easy lunches.
Leftover Love: When you have leftovers, transform them with creative recipes. Salmon wraps or salmon tacos are always a hit!
If using frozen salmon, thaw it in the fridge overnight or submerged in cool water for 30-60 minutes (as long as it’s in an airtight bag).

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