If you need a quick, flavor-packed dinner, this Cajun Honey Butter Salmon is the move. You get a beautiful sear on tender salmon, then finish it with a sticky honey garlic butter sauce that tastes like something from a restaurant. It’s bold, slightly sweet, and perfectly spicy yet it comes together in about 20 minutes with simple ingredients. Serve it with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad for an easy weeknight win. This recipe is also great for meal prep because the sauce keeps the salmon juicy when reheated. Save this one for your go-to easy salmon dinner!
table of contents
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients List
Cajun Salmon
- 1 lb salmon (3–4 fillets)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (see tip below if using store-bought)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Cajun Honey Butter Sauce
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ tsp Cajun seasoning
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
Optional garnish: chopped parsley + lemon slices
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Non-stick skillet
- Spatula or fish spatula
- Small bowl (for sauce)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Knife & cutting board
- Paper towels (to pat salmon dry)
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Season the salmon: Sprinkle salmon with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning and rub on both sides. Set aside.
- Heat the pan: Add olive oil to a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, stir together melted butter, honey, ¼ tsp Cajun seasoning, and minced garlic. 😊
- Sear salmon: Place salmon skin-side up and cook about 3 minutes until nicely browned.
- Flip + finish: Flip salmon and cook about 3 minutes more, until opaque and flaky.
- Glaze it: In the last minute, turn heat to medium-low and spoon half the sauce over salmon. Let it warm and lightly caramelize (don’t burn). ✨
- Serve: Plate salmon, pour the remaining sauce on top, and add parsley + lemon slices. 🍋
Pro Tips
- Using store-bought Cajun seasoning: It’s often saltier—start with ½ tsp per pound and add more if needed.
- Don’t burn the sauce: Lower the heat before adding honey butter.
- Check for pin bones: Run your fingers over the salmon and pull any tiny bones with tweezers.
- Serving ideas: Amazing with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli, or a crisp salad.
Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 filet | 400 | 23g | 20g | 26g | 1g | 18g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season salmon with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning and rub on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Mix melted butter, honey, 1/4 tsp Cajun seasoning, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
- Add salmon to the pan skin-side up and cook about 3 minutes to brown.
- Flip salmon and cook about 3 minutes more until opaque.
- During the last minute, reduce heat to medium-low and spoon half the sauce over salmon to warm and caramelize gently.
- Serve with remaining sauce and garnish with parsley and lemon slices.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon is bold, glossy, and ridiculously easy—perfect for quick dinners that still feel special.