Description
Cajun Honey Butter Salmon is a flavorful, easy-to-make skillet dish combining perfectly seared salmon fillets with a luscious, sweet and spicy honey butter sauce. This quick weeknight dinner delivers a delicious balance of smoky Cajun spices and rich buttery sweetness, enhanced by garlic and fresh lemon juice for a vibrant finish. Ideal for a gluten-free, pescatarian-friendly meal that pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Cooking and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of half a lemon
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning along with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper if desired, ensuring even coating for maximum flavor.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet skin-side down if applicable. Sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until the exterior is golden brown and the salmon is cooked through but still moist.
- Prepare the Honey Butter Sauce: Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside. Lower the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter, honey, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir consistently until the butter melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the skillet and stir the sauce to blend the tangy brightness with the sweet and buttery flavors.
- Coat the Salmon: Return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet. Spoon the warm honey butter sauce over the salmon to coat them evenly. Let the fillets simmer in the sauce for an additional minute to absorb the flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the salmon immediately, spooning extra honey butter sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges if desired for a fresh, vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
- This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Use skin-on salmon to get a crispier texture, but skinless works just as well.
- Ensure not to overcook the salmon to maintain its tender and flaky texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
