Description

This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon recipe offers a delectable balance of spicy Cajun seasoning and sweet honey butter sauce, delivering a flavorful and moist salmon fillet. The method combines searing in a skillet to create a crisp crust and finishes with a luscious honey butter sauce infused with garlic, soy sauce, and lemon juice for brightness. Perfect for a quick and impressive weeknight dinner, this dish is garnished with fresh parsley, black sesame seeds, and zesty lemon wedges for a beautifully presented plate.

Ingredients

Scale

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
Black sesame seeds (optional)
Lemon wedges

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Instructions

Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step ensures the seasoning adheres properly and helps achieve a crispier, golden crust when searing.
Season the Salmon: Rub each salmon fillet with olive oil. Evenly sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over all sides of the fillets and add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor. The olive oil helps the spices stick and adds richness.
Sear the Salmon: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place the salmon fillets skin-side up in the skillet and cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes to develop a flavorful crust. Flip the fillets so the skin side is down and cook for another 2 minutes.
Make the Honey Butter Sauce: While the salmon is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice to add brightness and acidity.
Combine and Finish Cooking: Pour the honey butter sauce over the salmon fillets directly in the skillet. Continue cooking, spooning the sauce over the fillets for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, ensuring it is perfectly cooked and infused with flavor.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the cooked salmon to a serving platter. Drizzle the remaining honey butter sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and black sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately alongside lemon wedges for a zesty finish.

Notes

Patting the salmon dry is essential for a crispy crust during searing.
Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
The soy sauce used is low-sodium to keep saltiness balanced.
Black sesame seeds add a nice visual contrast and slight nuttiness but are optional.
Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.