Blackened Salmon with Cajun Butter Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Rest Time 2 mins
Total Time 32 mins
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine: ,
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 200  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

This Blackened Salmon with Cajun Butter is a restaurant-quality dish that brings bold, smoky flavors right to your kitchen. Perfectly seared salmon fillets are coated in a homemade Cajun spice mix, then finished with a rich, garlicky Cajun butter sauce. This dish is quick, easy, and healthy while offering a touch of indulgence—ideal for busy weeknights or special dinners.

Ingredients
    For the Salmon
  • 4 fillets salmon ((skin-on, 170 g each) fresh or thawed)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
    • For the Cajun Seasoning Mix
  • 2 tsp paprika (smoked for deeper flavor)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 tsp salt (fine sea salt preferred)
    • For the Cajun Butter Sauce
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened, divided)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (plus extra wedges for serving)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
  • 0 tsp 0.5 Cajun seasoning (from above mix)
    • Optional Garnishes
  • Lemon wedges
  • Fresh parsley sprigs
Instructions
    Prepare the Cajun Seasoning
  1. 1
    Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
    2. Season the Salmon
  2. 2
    Pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel (this ensures a crispy crust). Brush both sides with a little olive oil. Generously coat each fillet with the Cajun seasoning mix, pressing it gently into the flesh.
    3. Sear the Salmon
  3. 3
    Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until very hot (around 200°C). Add olive oil. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes without moving, until the skin is crispy. Flip carefully and cook another 3–4 minutes, until the salmon is just opaque in the center. Transfer to a plate and rest for 2 minutes.
    4. Make the Cajun Butter
  4. 4
    In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, parsley, and 0.5 tsp Cajun seasoning. Whisk in remaining 2 tbsp butter until melted into a silky sauce.
    5. Serve
  5. 5
    Spoon the Cajun butter over the salmon fillets. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve hot with rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
Note
  • Adjusting spice: Reduce cayenne for a milder version.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven (not microwave to avoid drying).
  • Variations:
    • Swap salmon for trout or snapper.
    • Add honey to the Cajun butter for a sweet-spicy glaze.
    • Serve with Cajun-style rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
Keywords: healthy salmon recipe, quick dinner, Cajun salmon, stovetop fish recipe, spicy seafood
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/blackened-salmon-with-cajun-butter-recipe/