Description
Cajun Parmesan Salmon delivers a spicy, cheesy twist on classic seafood. Perfectly seasoned fillets combine zesty Cajun spices with rich Parmesan, creating a restaurant-worthy meal you can effortlessly prepare at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (4 ounces / 113 grams) (preferably wild)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
- Freshly ground black pepper
Garnish and Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Lemon slices, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare a large skillet by heating vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers with a gentle ripple.
- Generously coat salmon fillets with Cajun seasoning and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage on both sides.
- Gently place salmon into the hot skillet, positioning fillets skin-side up, and cook until a deep golden-brown crust forms, approximately 6 minutes.
- Carefully flip the salmon and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes to develop color and partial doneness.
- Transfer salmon to a clean plate, allowing it to rest momentarily while preparing the sauce.
- Reduce skillet heat and add unsalted butter, allowing it to melt completely before introducing minced garlic.
- Pour chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and honey into the skillet, stirring to combine with the butter and garlic.
- Sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of Cajun seasoning into the sauce, then add chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Stir sauce ingredients until smoothly integrated and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce, and continue simmering for 3 to 4 minutes until the fish is fully cooked and sauce slightly reduces.
- Garnish with thin lemon slices and serve immediately, spooning additional sauce over the salmon.
Notes
- Perfectly sear salmon by cooking skin-side up first to achieve a golden-brown crust and lock in rich flavors.
- Adjust cooking time based on salmon thickness to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, juicy texture.
- Create a quick and luxurious pan sauce using butter, broth, and Parmesan for maximum flavor infusion.
- Select fresh, high-quality salmon for the best taste and most appealing presentation.
- Customize Cajun seasoning intensity by adjusting the amount to suit personal spice preferences.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices to enhance visual appeal and brighten overall dish taste.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg