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A close-up of a perfectly cooked savory Cajun spiced salmon fillet.

Classic Savory Cajun Spiced Salmon

This classic recipe features salmon fillets generously seasoned with Cajun spices, pan-seared to perfection, and served with a squeeze of fresh lemon for a delicious and easy meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 fillets
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Paper towels
  • Small bowl
  • Large non-stick or cast-iron skillet
  • Plate

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2-4 count Salmon Fillets about 6 oz each, skin on or off, your preference
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil or avocado oil
  • 2 tsp Cajun Seasoning homemade or store-bought; adjust to your spice preference
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
  • Salt Pinch; if your Cajun seasoning isn't heavily salted

For Serving

  • Fresh Lemon Wedges
  • Fresh Parsley or Cilantro chopped, for garnish, optional

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.

Seasoning the Salmon

  • Combine Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a small bowl, then sprinkle and press the mixture onto both sides of the salmon fillets.

Cooking the Salmon

  • Heat olive oil in a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-6 minutes until crispy and halfway cooked.
  • Flip the salmon, reduce heat to medium, and cook for another 3-5 minutes until cooked through and easily flaked with a fork.
  • Remove the salmon from the pan and let it rest for a couple of minutes to redistribute the juices.

Serving

  • Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level. A meat thermometer can be used to check for doneness; salmon is typically cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).