Cajun Honey Butter Salmon

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Make It A Meal: How To Serve It

Plate the salmon and spoon with a little more sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped chives, fresh thyme or oregano and/or a slice of lemon if you like. I love to serve it over a fluffy mound of mashed potatoes or with my easiest one-pan au gratin potatoes. Or keep it super simple and serve with warm baguette as the starch.

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.

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).

Other Salmon Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of easy weeknight dinners, add my Baked Salmon with Mayonnaise to your weekly rotation. This recipe features a melt-in-your-mouth piece of salmon that’s baked in a creamy, beautifully-balanced sauce, making it both simple and healthy.

And for a sweet and savory option, try my Honey Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Bowl, featuring tender and flaky salmon coated in a flavorful 3-ingredient glaze and a simple yet tasty creamy sesame sauce.

Last Updated on May 23, 2023 by Jennifer Pallian BSc, RD