Description
When you want a dinner that’s bold yet effortless, this Honey Cajun Butter Salmon delivers. Succulent salmon fillets are coated in a fragrant Cajun spice rub, then finished with a rich honey-butter glaze that caramelizes beautifully. The result is sweet meets spicy, with buttery richness and a tender salmon fillet that’s perfect for any weeknight or special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
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4 salmon fillets (≈6 oz each) — skin on or off, your choice
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2 Tbsp olive oil
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1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust based on spice preference)
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Salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
For the Honey Butter Glaze
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4 Tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature
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2 Tbsp honey (or more if you like it sweeter)
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1–2 Tbsp additional Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ lemon (juice) or 1 Tbsp lemon juice
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Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
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Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
1. Prep the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
Rub each fillet with 1 Tbsp olive oil, then season on both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Make the Honey Butter Glaze
In a small bowl, combine softened butter, honey, additional Cajun seasoning, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and well blended. Set aside.
3. Sear the Salmon
Heat a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining olive oil.
Place salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on). Cook for ~3–4 minutes without moving to develop a golden crust.
Flip and cook another ~2–3 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon is just cooked through (it should flake easily and appear opaque).
4. Add the Glaze
Reduce heat to medium-low. Spoon or spread the honey-butter glaze over each fillet, allowing it to melt and caramelize slightly for 1–2 minutes.
Spoon the glaze over the fish repeatedly so it becomes glossy, sticky, and richly coated.
5. Serve
Transfer salmon to plates. Drizzle remaining glaze from the skillet over the top.
Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and serve with lemon wedges for brightness.
Notes
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Pat salmon dry before seasoning for the best sear and flavor.
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Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level — some blends are saltier or hotter.
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Avoid overcooking; aim for medium doneness (slightly pink center).
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Add the glaze near the end to prevent honey from burning.
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Let the salmon rest 1–2 minutes before serving to retain juiciness.
- Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 115mg