Description
Sweet, spicy, and buttery—this Cajun Honey Butter Salmon is a quick 30-minute recipe that’s healthy, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook 4–5 minutes until crispy. Flip and cook 2–3 more minutes until nearly done. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey and lemon juice, whisking until smooth. Add a pinch of Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Return salmon to skillet. Spoon sauce over fillets and cook for 1–2 minutes until glazed and cooked through (internal temp 145°F / 63°C).
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
- Patting salmon dry helps get a crisp sear.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to control the spice level.
- Swap lemon for orange juice for a sweeter citrus twist.
- If baking instead of pan-searing, cook salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, then brush with glaze.
- Leftover salmon reheats best on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes