Description
This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon recipe offers a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and buttery flavors. Salmon fillets are seasoned with Cajun spices, pan-seared to golden perfection, and then glazed with a luscious honey butter sauce infused with garlic and lemon. A quick and elegant main course that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Honey Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then evenly rub Cajun seasoning over both sides of each fillet to ensure a flavorful crust.
- Heat Olive Oil: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Sear the Salmon: Add the salmon fillets to the skillet, skin-side down if using skin-on. Sear without moving for 3 to 4 minutes until the skin is crispy and the fillet is browned.
- Flip and Cook: Carefully flip the fillets and cook the other side for 2 to 3 minutes, until the salmon is nearly cooked through but still moist inside.
- Prepare Honey Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and push the salmon to one side of the pan. In the empty space, add the butter, honey, and minced garlic. Stir frequently until the butter melts and the mixture is bubbly and fragrant.
- Baste the Salmon: Spoon the honey butter sauce over the salmon repeatedly as it finishes cooking, about 1 to 2 more minutes, to infuse the fillets with the sweet and savory flavor.
- Add Lemon Juice and Finish: Drizzle the lemon juice over the salmon and give one last baste with the sauce. Remove the pan from heat to prevent overcooking.
- Serve: Plate the salmon fillets, spoon extra honey butter sauce over them, and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning quantity to suit your spice tolerance.
- This salmon pairs wonderfully with rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
- For a richer caramelized texture, after searing, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F and bake for 12 to 14 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
