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