Description
Craving tender, spicy salmon with bold Cajun flavors? This easy baked Cajun salmon recipe delivers flaky fillets coated in a homemade spice mix, ready in just 15 minutes using simple pantry staples and a foil trick for juicy results every time.
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, 1.5–2 lbs total), patted dry
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp homemade Cajun seasoning (see notes)
1 tsp brown sugar
Lemon wedges and fresh parsley, for serving
Homemade Cajun Seasoning:
2 tsp paprika (smoked preferred)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne (adjust for heat)
3/4 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line baking sheet with crinkled foil (scrunch then unfold for elevation) and spray lightly with oil.
2.
3. 2. Whisk olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and brown sugar into paste. Rub evenly over salmon fillets (flesh side if skin-on). Place skin-side down, spaced apart.
4.
5. 3. Bake 12-15 minutes until edges caramelize and center flakes (125-145°F internal). Broil 1-2 minutes for crispier top if desired.
6.
7. 4. Rest 2 minutes. Squeeze lemon over top, garnish with parsley. Optional: brush with honey butter (1 tbsp butter + 1 tsp honey).
Notes
• Pat fillets dry for better browning
• Use meat thermometer: 125°F medium, 145°F well-done
• Brown sugar creates caramelization
• Store extra seasoning in jar up to 6 months
• Air fryer variation: 400°F, 8-10 minutes
• Sheet pan: add veggies tossed in 1 tbsp oil + seasoning
- Prep Time: PT5M
- Cook Time: PT15M
- Category: Dinner,Main Course,Seafood
- Method: Baked,Oven
- Cuisine: Cajun,American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg