Cajun Honey Butter Salmon: A Quick & Flavorful Dinner (Print Version)

Quick & tender Cajun Honey Butter Salmon recipe! Sweet, spicy, and buttery, this salmon is a weeknight favorite. Easy to make with simple ingredients.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American (Southern-inspired)
Dietary: Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets (skin on or off)
02 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tablespoons honey

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or more, to taste)
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1/2 lemon, for juicing

→ Fresh Touches

07 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

→ Pantry Staples

08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
09 - 1 teaspoon olive oil (for searing)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that oven ready. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it's heating up, grab your salmon fillets. Pat them super dry with paper towels – this is crucial for getting that lovely sear. I can't tell you how many times I've rushed this step, and the salmon just steams instead of searing, which is a total bummer. Give 'em a good sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides, just a little to enhance the flavor before the Cajun magic happens.
02 - Now for the star of the show: the Cajun honey butter. In a small bowl, melt your unsalted butter. You can do this in the microwave for 30 seconds or gently on the stovetop. Once it's liquid gold, stir in the honey, your beloved Cajun seasoning, and the freshly minced garlic. Give it a good whisk until everything is beautifully combined. I always take a little sniff at this point; it smells absolutely divine and gets me so excited for dinner!
03 - Grab an oven-safe skillet, preferably cast iron if you have one – it’s a game-changer for searing! Heat a tiny bit of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat until it's shimmering. Place your salmon fillets, skin-side down if they have skin, into the hot pan. Let them sear for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden. You’ll hear that glorious sizzle, and honestly, that’s when the magic really starts to happen. Don't touch 'em, just let them do their thing!
04 - Carefully flip the salmon fillets to the other side. Now, generously brush about half of that incredible Cajun honey butter mixture all over the top of each fillet. Make sure every nook and cranny gets covered! This is where the flavors really start to meld and caramelize. I always try to get some of the garlic bits directly on top, because, well, more garlic is always better, right? It's going to smell so good, your neighbors might just pop over.
05 - Transfer that skillet straight into your preheated oven. Let the salmon bake for about 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon and how well-done you like it. I usually aim for around 10 minutes for a perfectly flaky, moist fillet. You'll see the edges getting slightly caramelized, and the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Don't overcook it; dry salmon is a sad salmon, believe me, I've had my share of those!
06 - Once your salmon is beautifully cooked, pull that skillet out of the oven. Brush the remaining Cajun honey butter over the salmon – this adds an extra layer of glossy deliciousness. Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over everything; it really brightens up the flavors. Finally, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Let it rest for a minute or two, then serve immediately. The aroma alone is going to make your mouth water, honestly!

# Notes:

01 - Don't skip patting the salmon dry; it’s the secret to a crispy skin and good sear, I learned this the hard way with steamed fish!
02 - Always use fresh garlic! The jarred stuff just doesn't deliver the same punch, and you want that vibrant flavor.
03 - Watch your oven time – salmon cooks fast! Overcooked salmon is dry and sad, and I've shed a tear over many a dry fillet.
04 - For an extra kick, a tiny dash of hot sauce in the honey butter mixture makes it sing!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Oven-safe skillet (cast iron recommended)
02 - small bowl
03 - whisk
04 - measuring spoons
05 - cutting board
06 - knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 30-40g
Total Carbohydrate: 15-20g
Protein: 35-45g

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