Description
Succulent Cajun honey butter salmon dances with bold Louisianan spices and golden sweetness. Crispy edges and juicy center invite passionate seafood enthusiasts to savor this quick, irresistible dinner that lets you explore Southern coastal flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces/170 grams each)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Garnish:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (57 grams)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Arrange the oven rack in the center position and heat to 375°F (190°C), lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp exterior and optimal seasoning adherence.
- Create a robust flavor profile by generously sprinkling Cajun seasoning across both sides of the salmon, complemented with a delicate balance of salt and black pepper.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, introducing minced garlic and allowing it to release its aromatic essence until golden and fragrant.
- Drizzle honey into the butter-garlic mixture, whisking gently to create a harmonious, glossy sauce that will caramelize during cooking.
- Carefully drench each salmon fillet with the warm honey-butter glaze, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
- Transfer the prepared salmon to the prepared baking sheet, positioning fillets with slight spacing between them for consistent heat circulation.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, monitoring the salmon’s transformation to a flaky, translucent texture.
- Remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes to allow residual heat to complete the cooking process.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant burst of color and herbaceous brightness before serving immediately.
Notes
- Spice Adjustment: Customize the Cajun seasoning intensity by reducing or increasing the amount based on personal heat tolerance.
- Honey Selection: Choose raw, local honey for richer flavor and potential health benefits, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Dietary Modifications: Replace butter with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil for a dairy-free version, keeping the recipe versatile for different dietary needs.
- Cooking Precision: Use a meat thermometer to ensure salmon reaches 145°F internally, preventing overcooking and maintaining moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg