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 Seafood Recipes You’ll Love
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!
Ingredients
For Cajun Spice Mix:
- 1 ¼ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ¾ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
For Cajun Honey Butter Salmon:
- 2 tsp avocado oil
- 4 5-6 oz salmon portions
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp red chilli flakes
Instructions
- Combine all spices together in a small bowl. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and sprinkle the spice mix evenly over both sides of the fish.
- Preheat a cast iron (or nonstick) skillet for several minutes over medium-high heat. Add oil and let it preheat for 30 seconds before addinmg 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.
- Add the honey to the pan with a pinch of salt and chili flakes; simmer until slightly thickened and glossy, less than a minute. Spoon the sauce over the salmon and serve.
Video
Notes
- You can swap 2 tbsp cajun seasoning for the spice blend if you have it on hand.
- Preheating the pan and then the oil are the keys to ensuring your fish doesn’t stick.
Nutrition
Calories: 418kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 124mg | Sodium: 664mg | Potassium: 886mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 917IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment!
The spice rub gave the salmon a perfect kick of flavor, and the honey butter sauce added a delicious sweetness. Highly recommend trying this recipe!