Here’s a flavorful, slightly sweet, and spicy recipe for Cajun Honey Butter Salmon — tender salmon fillets coated with a zesty Cajun spice rub, topped with a luscious honey butter glaze. Perfect for a quick, impressive weeknight dinner!
🐟 Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
👥 Serves: 4
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 12–15 mins
🧾 Ingredients
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4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on or off
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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2 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp olive oil
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2 tsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade, see below)
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Lemon wedges, for serving
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Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
Homemade Cajun Seasoning (optional):
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
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1/2 tsp dried oregano
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1/2 tsp dried thyme
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
Mix all spices together and use 2 tsp for this recipe.
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat oven and prepare salmon:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
2. Season the salmon:
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Brush each fillet lightly with olive oil.
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Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the fillets.
3. Make honey butter glaze:
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In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter and honey.
4. Cook the salmon:
Option A – Oven:
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Place salmon on a lined baking sheet or oven-safe dish.
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Bake for 8–10 minutes, until salmon is almost cooked through.
Option B – Stovetop + Oven finish:
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon skin-side down for 3–4 minutes until crispy.
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Flip, brush with honey butter, then transfer to oven for 5–7 minutes to finish cooking.
5. Glaze and serve:
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In the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush salmon generously with the honey butter glaze.
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Remove from oven, let rest for a minute.
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Serve with lemon wedges and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
🍽️ Serving suggestions:
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Steamed rice, quinoa, or creamy mashed potatoes
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Roasted or sautéed veggies (asparagus, green beans, or broccoli)
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A fresh green salad or coleslaw