Easy Cajun honey butter salmon has a sweet and spicy honey butter glaze over perfectly cooked salmon. Cajun seasoning coated salmon with seared crispy outside and a tender flaky inside. This easy recipe is ready in under 15 minutes, and is absolutely delicious!
WHIP: Combine butter, honey, and 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning in a small bowl and whip with a fork until combined and ingredients are well incorporated. Set aside. (You can also whip with a hand mixer if you want a more whipped texture.)
PREP: Pat salmon filets dry with paper towels. Run your finger along the top and sides to check for pin bones and remove them. Leave the skin side on for more even cooking. Sprinkle about ½ teaspoon of cajun seasoning over the top of each filet. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
1 ½ pounds salmon, 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
SEAR: Add oil to the hot pan to heat, then place filets in the hot oil, skin side down first. Sear for about 2-3 minutes then flip. Turn down heat to medium, and sear on the other side for another 2-3 minutes until cooked to your liking.
2 tablespoon avocado oil
FINISH: Once cooked, transfer salmon to a plate, and top with a heaping tablespoon of cajun honey butter. Option to top with fresh chopped herbs and a squeeze of lemon.
Fresh herbs, Lemon wedges
Notes
Cooking time for the salmon will depend on the thickness and size of the salmon. Thinner pieces will take less time to cook.
For me, perfectly cooked salmon is medium to medium well, with a slight pink center.
Drizzle any extra honey butter over your veggies, like broccoli.
To make a large batch of this salmon, it is better to bake the fillets in the oven.
Different Cajun seasoning blends have different levels of saltiness, so start with a little, then add more as you need it.
How to store leftovers: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
How to freeze: I do not recommend freezing this recipe once it has been cooked.
How to reheat salmon: For best results, reheat salmon in the oven at 275°F (135°C). Place salmon on an aluminum foil or parchment paper lined baking sheet. Add cajun honey butter or olive oil to the top of the salmon to keep it moist. Reheat for about 15 minutes until heated throughout. Be careful not to overcook.
Make ahead instructions: You can make the cajun seasoning way in advance and store in your spice cabinet. Make cajun honey butter one day in advance and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Baking instructions: You can bake the salmon instead on a baking sheet at 400°F (204°C) for about 10-15 minutes until it reaches your preferred level of doneness.