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Cajun Salmon Recipe

A flavorful, restaurant-quality Cajun salmon with a crispy skin and a perfectly seasoned spice crust, finished with a buttery garlic baste.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salmon and Aromatics
  • 4 fillets salmon fillets 6 oz / 170g each, skin-on
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lemon lemon cut into wedges
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Spice Rub
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Equipment

  • Large cast-iron skillet
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Fish spatula

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy sear.
  2. Combine paprika, oregano, cayenne, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl.
  3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the flesh side of each fillet.
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Place salmon skin-side down in the skillet and press gently with a spatula.
  3. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
  4. Flip the fillets carefully using a fish spatula.
  5. Add butter and minced garlic to the pan, basting the salmon with the foaming butter for 30 seconds.
  6. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  7. Remove from heat, squeeze lemon juice over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, let salmon sit uncovered in the fridge for 1 hour before cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.