Description
Sizzling Cajun honey butter salmon delivers a perfect harmony of spicy and sweet flavors from Louisiana’s rich culinary tradition. Succulent fish meets zesty seasoning, creating an irresistible dish that elevates seafood to a gourmet experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tsp cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring optimal seasoning adherence and crispy exterior.
- Thoroughly coat salmon with cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, massaging spices evenly into the fish for maximum flavor penetration.
- Preheat cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until surface is sizzling hot, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Place seasoned salmon skin-side down in hot skillet, allowing each fillet to sear without moving for 4-5 minutes until edges turn golden and crisp.
- Carefully flip salmon and cook opposite side for additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 145°F for perfect doneness.
- While salmon cooks, prepare honey butter sauce by melting butter in separate small saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Incorporate minced garlic, honey, and lemon juice into melted butter, whisking continuously to create a smooth, glossy sauce.
- Once salmon is cooked, generously drizzle hot honey butter sauce over each fillet, ensuring complete coverage.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding vibrant color and herbaceous aroma to the dish.
- Serve immediately, allowing the warm sauce to highlight the salmon’s rich, caramelized exterior and tender, flaky interior.
Notes
- Moisture Matters: Pat salmon fillets completely dry to achieve that golden, crispy exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Spice Massage: Thoroughly work cajun seasoning into the fish, ensuring every crevice absorbs maximum flavor for a bold, zesty profile.
- Heat Control: Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan to create an even, intense heat that develops a beautiful caramelized crust on the salmon.
- Sauce Consistency: Whisk honey butter sauce continuously to prevent burning and create a silky-smooth texture that clings perfectly to the fish.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan version or use coconut aminos instead of honey for a low-sugar alternative that maintains the sweet-spicy balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg