Description
This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon recipe features perfectly seared salmon fillets coated with a flavorful Cajun seasoning and topped with a luscious honey butter sauce infused with garlic and soy. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an easy, elegant dish that pairs beautifully with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a zesty, savory finish.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each, skin on)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt, to taste
Honey Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
- Black sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step ensures the seasoning adheres well and helps achieve a crispy, golden crust when cooking.
- Season the Salmon: Rub each fillet with olive oil, then sprinkle Cajun seasoning evenly over all sides along with a pinch of salt. The oil helps the spices stick and creates a rich, flavorful exterior.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place the salmon fillets skin-side up and sear undisturbed for about 3 minutes to develop a crust. Flip the fillets skin-side down and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Make the Honey Butter Sauce: While the salmon cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Pour the honey butter sauce over the salmon in the skillet. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes, spooning the sauce over the fillets frequently, until the salmon is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salmon to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the fillets. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and optional black sesame seeds. Serve immediately with lemon wedges to add zesty freshness.
Notes
- Patting the salmon dry is essential to get a crispy crust and prevent steaming.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to avoid excessive saltiness in the honey butter sauce.
- Black sesame seeds add a nice visual contrast and subtle nuttiness but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets; ensure the fish is opaque and flakes easily.