Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make baked Cajun salmon recipe featuring tender salmon fillets coated in a spicy Cajun seasoning blend, perfect for a quick and healthy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Brush the seasoning mixture evenly over the tops and sides of the salmon fillets. Top each fillet with a lemon slice.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- If using frozen salmon, thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight.
- If your Cajun seasoning is clumpy, mix it with a spoon before using.
- It’s better to slightly undercook the salmon as it will continue to cook while resting.
- Lime juice can be used as a substitute for lemon juice.
- Any baking tray can be used; if you don’t have parchment paper or foil, oil the tray well.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days and reheated gently in the oven or eaten cold.
- This dish pairs well with roasted potatoes and steamed green beans.
- Rubbing the seasoning into the salmon by hand enhances the flavor distribution.
- Keep salmon pieces relatively chunky to prevent drying out quickly.
- Adding lemon juice after baking is also an option.
- The spice level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of Cajun seasoning used.
- Eating the salmon skin is a personal preference; it can be crispy and delicious.
- This dish can be made ahead and is good flaked over a salad the next day.
- Sauvignon Blanc or fizzy water with lemon are good beverage pairings.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 calories
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 0mg