Description
This Crispy Cajun Honey Butter Salmon recipe offers a perfect balance of bold Cajun spices, sweet honey glaze, and savory butter, resulting in a crispy-skinned, flavorful salmon fillet that’s quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, it combines smoky, spicy, and sweet elements that will delight seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Cooking and Glaze
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For Serving
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then evenly season both sides with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to build a flavorful crust.
- Heat the Skillet: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough for frying.
- Cook Skin-Side Down: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down into the hot skillet without overcrowding, and cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes. This allows the skin to crisp up and turn golden brown.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip the fillets over using a spatula and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the salmon is cooked through but remains moist in the center.
- Prepare the Honey Butter Glaze: Lower the heat to low, then add unsalted butter, honey, and lemon juice directly to the skillet. Let the butter melt and combine with the honey and lemon juice to create a glossy glaze.
- Glaze the Salmon: Spoon the melted honey butter mixture over the salmon repeatedly for 1-2 minutes, allowing the fillets to be coated evenly and absorb the sweet and tangy flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the salmon for a fresh, herbal note. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty flavor boost.
Notes
- Ensure the salmon skin is as dry as possible before cooking to achieve extra crispy skin.
- For an alternative sweetener, try using maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey for the glaze.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad, making it versatile for various meal options.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spice level according to your taste preferences.
