Cajun Honey Butter Salmon a flaky salmon fillets pan-seared to perfection, then smothered in a sweet and spicy Cajun honey butter sauce. I love how bold and flavorful this dish is, and the best part is that it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. The salmon gets a beautiful golden crust in the skillet, and the honey butter sauce clings to each bite, making it rich and indulgent without being heavy. I find it’s quick enough for a busy evening yet impressive enough to serve to guests.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Directions
I pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. AndI remove them and set aside.
In the same skillet, I add butter and garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Then I stir in honey and lemon juice, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
I return the salmon to the skillet and spoon the sauce generously over the fillets, letting them simmer for 1–2 minutes so the flavors soak in.
I garnish with parsley or green onions before serving hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: about 360 per serving
Variations
I sometimes switch up the flavors by using maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper sweetness. If I want more heat, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra Cajun seasoning. For a lighter twist, I swap butter with olive oil and reduce the honey for a less rich sauce.
Storage/Reheating
I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place the salmon in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. I avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the fish.
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FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, I can use frozen salmon, but I make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and cooking.
What can I serve with Cajun honey butter salmon?
I like pairing it with rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a fresh green salad.
Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing?
Yes, I can bake it at 400°F for about 12–15 minutes, then spoon the honey butter sauce over the top before serving.
How spicy is this recipe?
The Cajun seasoning gives it a mild kick, but I can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning or paprika.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, I can prepare the honey butter sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat it gently before pouring over the salmon.
Conclusion
This Cajun honey butter salmon is one of my favorite quick and flavorful seafood dinners. I love how the sweet honey, zesty lemon, and Cajun spice come together in a silky sauce that coats the salmon beautifully. It’s simple, versatile, and always a hit at the table.
📖 Recipe:
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Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Flaky salmon fillets pan-seared and smothered in a bold, sweet, and spicy Cajun honey butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in honey and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Return the salmon to the skillet. Spoon the sauce generously over the fillets and let them simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper sweetness.
Add cayenne or extra Cajun seasoning for more heat.
Swap butter with olive oil and reduce honey for a lighter version.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
