This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon brings together sweet, spicy, and buttery flavors for a seafood dish that’s irresistibly good. It’s quick to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), patted dry with a paper towel
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cajun Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper (or ½ teaspoon finely ground black pepper)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
For the Honey Butter:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- â…“ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (from the above mix)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cajun Seasoning
- In a small bowl, mix all the Cajun seasoning ingredients together.
- Reserve 1 tablespoon for the honey butter and store the rest in an airtight container for future use.
2. Make the Cajun Honey Butter
- Using an electric hand mixer, beat the butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the honey and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Mix until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
3. Season the Salmon
- Rub the salmon fillets with olive oil.
- Season them generously with salt, pepper, and a light dusting of the Cajun seasoning mix.
4. Cook the Salmon
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the fish is opaque and forms a slight crust.
5. Add the Cajun Honey Butter
- Once the salmon is cooked, turn off the heat.
- Immediately spread a generous amount of Cajun Honey Butter over each fillet.
- Let the butter melt for about 30 seconds, then use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly.
- Flip the salmon and repeat on the other side.
6. Serve
- Transfer the salmon to a serving plate and spoon any extra melted Cajun Honey Butter from the grill over the fillets.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Success
- For Extra Crispiness: Preheat the grill or pan until very hot before adding the salmon.
- Don’t Overcook: Remove the salmon when it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F. It will continue to cook slightly after being removed from heat.
- Pairing Tip: Serve with lemon wedges for a zesty contrast to the sweet and spicy flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I bake the salmon instead?
Yes! Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the seasoned salmon for 12-15 minutes, adding the Cajun Honey Butter during the last 5 minutes.
2. What type of salmon works best?
Fresh fillets like Atlantic or sockeye salmon work well. Frozen fillets are also fine—just thaw them completely before cooking.
3. Can I use pre-made Cajun seasoning?
Absolutely! If you have a store-bought Cajun seasoning blend, use about 2-3 tablespoons for the recipe.
Conclusion
This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon delivers a delicious blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors. It’s easy to prepare and sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home!
Enjoy the flavors of this dish and serve it with pride!