Oh my goodness, you guys, have I got a delightful recipe for you! This Cajun Honey Butter Glazed Salmon is a total game-changer in our house. My husband has been raving about it ever since I first made it. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, and let me tell you, the aroma that fills your kitchen is simply irresistible! I love how quickly it comes together too—it’s ready in about 20 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or when you’re trying to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
The salmon comes out flaky and buttery, topped with that amazing honey glaze that adds just the right kick of Cajun spice. It’s such a crowd-pleaser! Even my picky eater friends can’t resist it! Serve it with a side of rice or some sautéed vegetables, and you have a wholesome, satisfying meal that everyone will love. If you’re looking for another delicious fish recipe, my Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is another favorite you might enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Honey Butter Glazed Salmon
- Bold, zesty Cajun seasoning pairs perfectly with sweet honey butter
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners
- Skin gets perfectly crispy for a delightful texture contrast
- Oven-baking after searing means less fuss and maximum flavor
- Fresh garlic and lemon juice add depth and brightness to the dish
- Versatile: enjoy it with roasted veggies, rice, or a fresh salad
This recipe combines the heat of Cajun spices with the sweetness of honey, creating a deliciously balanced meal that will impress anyone at the dinner table.
How to Make Cajun Honey Butter Glazed Salmon
This Cajun Honey Butter Glazed Salmon is an absolute delight! It’s quick, bursting with flavor, and perfect for impressing dinner guests or enjoying a nice meal at home. Let’s dive in!
What You’ll Need:
- Salmon fillets – 4 fillets, about 6 oz each. I always opt for fresh, wild-caught salmon when I can for its incredible taste.
- Cajun seasoning – 2 tablespoons. Adjust based on your heat preference; I love the bold flavor it brings!
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons. A good quality extra virgin olive oil, like California Olive Ranch, enhances the dish beautifully.
- Unsalted butter – 4 tablespoons. I find that good butter makes all the difference, so I recommend a high-quality brand.
- Honey – 1/4 cup. Use a local or organic honey if you can—it’s fantastic for balancing out the spices!
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic gives the sauce depth and richness.
- Fresh lemon juice – 1 tablespoon. Freshly squeezed is always best to brighten the flavors.
- Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish. A sprinkle adds a lovely freshness to the dish!
- Salt and pepper – to taste. Always season to your preference!
The Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and sear for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy.
- While the salmon is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic, honey, and lemon juice. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Once the salmon is seared, gently flip the fillets over. Pour the honey butter mixture over the salmon fillets, coating them nicely.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your fabulous Cajun honey butter glazed salmon!
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a light rice dish, making it a complete meal. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or run it under cold water in its packaging for about 30 minutes. Pat it dry before seasoning for the best results.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No problem! You can make a quick substitute by mixing paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Adjust the quantities to your taste for a customizable spice blend that still provides that Cajun flavor!
How to Store Leftover Salmon
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or in a skillet on low heat to prevent it from drying out. You can also enjoy it cold in salads or wraps!
Can I Use Brown Sugar Instead of Honey?
Yes, you can use brown sugar as a substitute for honey. Mix 1/4 cup of brown sugar with a bit of water to help it dissolve, then add it to the melted butter and garlic. This will give you a similar sweetness, but keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit different!
More Delicious Seafood Recipes!
If you love seafood, you’re going to enjoy these tasty recipes. Check them out below:
- Garlic Shrimp Grilled Cheese on Cheesy Bread
- Cajun Honey Butter Glazed Salmon
- Honey Mustard Roasted Potatoes
Cajun Honey Butter Glazed Salmon
This Cajun Honey Butter Glazed Salmon features perfectly seared salmon fillets drizzled with a sweet and spicy honey butter sauce, making it a delectable dish for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Searing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and sear for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy.
- While the salmon is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic, honey, and lemon juice to the melted butter and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Once the salmon is seared, gently flip the fillets over. Pour the honey butter mixture over the salmon fillets.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your fabulous Cajun honey butter glazed salmon!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
- Serve the salmon with sides like roasted vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: salmon recipe, honey glazed salmon, Cajun salmon, easy dinner, seafood