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This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon is sweet, spicy, smoky, and buttery — the ultimate combination for a mouthwatering salmon dish. It’s pan-seared to crispy perfection, coated in a sticky honey butter glaze, and seasoned with bold Cajun spices. Quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve to guests.
⏱️ Prep Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 20–25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (about 6 oz)
🔧 Equipment
- Large non-stick skillet or cast iron pan
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or spatula
- Small saucepan (optional, for glaze)
- Measuring spoons
- Paper towels
🥘 Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, ~6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Honey Butter Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2–3 tablespoons honey (adjust for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced or grated)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Cajun Seasoning: Store-bought works great, or make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Salmon: Choose center-cut fillets for even cooking. Pat dry before seasoning for better browning.
- Butter + Honey: This combo creates a sticky, caramelized glaze. Adjust honey depending on your preferred sweetness.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth to the glaze.
👨🍳 Instructions
- Prep the salmon: Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Make the honey butter glaze: In a small saucepan or bowl, melt 3 tbsp butter. Stir in honey, garlic, smoked paprika, and lemon juice (if using). Set aside.
- Sear the salmon:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on) and sear for 3–4 minutes until crispy.
- Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until just cooked through.
- Glaze and finish:
- Reduce heat to low.
- Pour the honey butter glaze over the salmon. Spoon the glaze over the fillets repeatedly for 1–2 minutes until sticky and glossy.
- Serve: Plate immediately, spooning extra sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, lemon wedges, or chili flakes if desired.
🔍 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 380mg
(Varies based on size of fillets and amount of glaze used)
💡 Tips
- Don’t overcook salmon: Internal temp should be 125–130°F (52–54°C) for moist, flaky fish.
- And Add extra cayenne or hot sauce to the glaze.
- Use a spoon to baste: This helps coat the salmon evenly with the honey butter.
- Pairing idea: Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad.
🔄 Variations
- Grilled Version: Grill salmon fillets and brush with glaze in the last minute of cooking.
- Air Fryer Method: Air fry seasoned salmon at 400°F for 10–12 minutes; warm and drizzle the glaze after cooking.
- Add Shrimp: Sear some shrimp in the same pan with leftover glaze for a surf & surf twist.
- Honey Garlic Cajun Chicken: Substitute salmon with boneless chicken thighs or breasts.
