Cajun Honey Butter Salmon is a flavorful and satisfying dish that perfectly balances the bold spices of Cajun seasoning with the sweetness of honey. The rich, creamy butter sauce melts over the hot, crispy salmon, infusing every bite with a delectable combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
This dish is not only easy to make but also impressive enough to serve for a special occasion. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or using a grill pan indoors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
This recipe brings out the best in salmon, enhancing its natural richness with a well-balanced Cajun spice mix and a luscious honey butter glaze. The result is a meal that’s bursting with flavor and texture, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast.
Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets, salted and seasoned to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil (for rubbing the salmon)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cajun Honey Butter:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (recipe below)
For the Cajun Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons paprika (smoked paprika, if available)
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper (or 1/2 teaspoon finely ground black pepper)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Directions:
- Prepare the Cajun Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper. This mixture will be used for both the salmon and the Cajun Honey Butter. You can store any leftover seasoning in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Make the Cajun Honey Butter: Using an electric hand mixer, beat the room-temperature butter for about 2 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. Add the honey and 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning, and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set the Cajun Honey Butter aside.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Rub the fillets with oil, then season them with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Salmon: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the salmon is opaque and has a nice crust on the outside. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Apply the Cajun Honey Butter: Once the salmon is cooked, turn off the grill (or remove the pan from the stove). Immediately spread a generous amount of the Cajun Honey Butter over each fillet. Allow the butter to melt for about 30 seconds, then use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly over the salmon. Flip the salmon over and repeat the process on the other side.
- Serve: Garnish the salmon with chopped cilantro or parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
