Introduction

This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon recipe combines spicy Cajun seasoning with rich, sweet honey butter for a deliciously balanced seafood dish. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.

The image shows four thick salmon fillets cooking in a dark grey skillet. Each fillet has a richly browned and slightly charred surface from spices and searing, with a glistening glaze of oil and sauce that makes them look juicy. Small green herb bits are sprinkled on top, adding a touch of fresh color. The skillet holds some oil with tiny bits and juices from the fish, creating a shiny, textured base beneath the salmon. The background shows a white marbled texture surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (skin on)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Salt to taste
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of ½ lemon
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Black sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the salmon fillets dry and rub both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning and salt evenly over the fillets.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir frequently until the butter melts and the mixture is combined and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Squeeze lemon juice into the honey butter sauce and stir. Return the salmon to the pan, spooning some of the sauce over the fillets to coat them.
Step 5: Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and black sesame seeds. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, broil the salmon for 1-2 minutes after cooking to crisp the top.
Swap soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey butter for extra heat.
Serve over steamed rice or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain moisture and flavor. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the fish.

How to Serve

The image shows four thick, cooked salmon fillets in a black non-stick frying pan. Each fillet is a rich, deep orange color with a slightly charred, crispy outer layer having dark brown sear marks. The fish is sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. There is a light glaze of oil and cooking juices around the salmon, adding shine and a slightly oily texture. The edges of the salmon are firm and well-cooked, and the pan is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salmon fillets without skin?

Yes, you can use skinless fillets but cooking times may be slightly shorter. The skin helps keep the salmon moist and adds texture, though.

Is Cajun seasoning very spicy?

Cajun seasoning has a mild to moderate heat level depending on the brand. You can adjust the amount or choose a milder blend if you prefer less spice.

Cajun Honey Butter Salmon Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.4 from 116 reviews

This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon recipe features perfectly seared salmon fillets coated with a flavorful Cajun seasoning, then topped with a savory-sweet honey butter sauce infused with garlic and lemon. Garnished with fresh parsley, black sesame seeds, and served with lemon wedges, this dish delivers a delightful balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors, perfect for a quick and elegant weeknight dinner.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

4 salmon fillets (skin on)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Salt, to taste

Honey Butter Sauce

4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of ½ lemon

Garnish and Serving

Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges
Black sesame seeds

Instructions

Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Rub olive oil evenly over the fillets, then season each side generously with Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt.
Sear the Salmon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down. Cook without moving for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and the salmon is cooked halfway through. Carefully flip and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes until the salmon is cooked to your preferred doneness.
Make the Honey Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan or separate skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
Glaze the Salmon: Spoon the honey butter sauce generously over the cooked salmon fillets in the skillet, briefly letting the sauce heat through with the salmon for about 1 minute, ensuring the fillets are well coated.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the glazed salmon to serving plates. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and black sesame seeds. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of fresh citrus flavor.

Notes

For crispier skin, make sure the skillet and oil are hot before adding the salmon.
Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey amount by half.
Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
Salmon skin is edible and adds texture, but can be removed if preferred.

Keywords: Cajun salmon, honey butter salmon, seared salmon, easy salmon recipe, Cajun seasoning, quick dinner, seafood recipe