Recipe

This Cajun Salmon recipe is a fast and simple weeknight dinner you'll want to make on repeat.

Cajun seasoning adds a burst of flavor that creates an excellent crust right on the pan with a flakey and perfectly cooked salmon texture we all love.

Is Cajun Seasoning Good on Salmon?

This seasoning is PERFECT for salmon. It’s slightly spicy and a little smoky, and it pairs great with a neutral fish without overpowering its taste.

The best part is that a little Cajun seasoning goes a long way, and you can either make your own or purchase your favorite brand. Love Cajun seasoning? Check out these classic New Orleans recipes.

What You Need

Other than your favorite pan, you’ll need fresh or frozen salmon fillets (thawed if frozen), olive oil for a terrific seared crust and keeping the fish from sticking, salt, pepper, unsalted butter at room temperature, and Cajun seasoning.

top: raw salmon fillets in a dish, bowls with butter, oli, and seasonings; bottom: spiced cajun salmon before and after cooking

How to Make Cajun Salmon in a Pan

Follow the simple step-by-step instructions to cook flaky salmon:

Prepare the salmon.
Pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel so the seasonings stick to them. Rub all over with oil, then season.
Sear the salmon.
First, skin side up (if using with skin), then flip and cook until the salmon flakes separate easily. Cooking time will vary by the thickness of the salmon pieces.
Prepare the seasoning.
While the salmon cooks, combine the softened butter with the remaining Cajun seasoning.
Combine and serve.
Top each salmon fillet with a generous dollop of Cajun butter and allow it to melt for 30 seconds. Then, spread Cajun butter over the top with the back of a spoon.

If you prefer to make this recipe in the oven, use the salmon in foil method or bake Cajun salmon on a sheet pan.

How to Know When Salmon is Done

An easy way to check if your spicy salmon is cooked all the way is to press the it with a fork in the thickest part. It should flake into pieces easily, indicating that it’s done. You can also use a meat thermometer or read this full article on time and temperature of cooking salmon.

What to Serve with Cajun Salmon

My go-to recipe to serve with this Cajun salmon is spicy green beans. They are meant to each other! Other favorites are these delicious smashed potatoes and this crunchy corn and tomato salad.

Quick Cajun Salmon

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 20

This Cajun Salmon recipe is a fast and simple weeknight dinner you’ll want to make on repeat.

5 from 36 votes

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Ingredients

4 salmon fillets
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, for seasoning
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided

Instructions

Season:

Pat salmon fillets dry on both sides with a paper towel. Rub all over with oil, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning on top of the salmon fillets.

Cook:

Heat a pan over medium-high heat, place salmon fillets, skin side-up (if using with skin), and sear the tops for about 4 to 6 minutes, flip the salmon, and cook an additional 6 to 8 minutes, until the salmon flakes separate easily. Turn off the heat. Salmon cooking times will vary by the thickness of the salmon pieces.

Add the Cajun butter:

While the salmon cooks, combine the softened butter with the remaining 3 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon) in a small dish.
Place a generous dollop of Cajun butter on top of each salmon fillet, allow it to melt for 30 seconds and plate the salmon. Use the back of a spoon to spread Cajun butter over the top.

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