Description
A flavorful Cajun Salmon recipe served with a creamy avocado lime crema, perfect for bowls, tacos, or plates. The salmon is seasoned with a blend of Cajun spices and seared to perfection, complemented by a zesty avocado lime sauce that adds a refreshing and creamy contrast.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon
- 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Avocado Lime Crema
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
- 2–3 tablespoons water, to thin to desired consistency
Additional Ingredients for Serving
- Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- Black beans
- Corn kernels
- Chopped red onion
- Diced tomatoes
- Lime wedges
- Tortillas (corn or flour)
- Shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing and seasoning adhesion.
- Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, mix Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a flavorful paste. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
- Marinate (Optional): For enhanced flavor, refrigerate the salmon with the seasoning for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Heat the Pan: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and heat until it shimmers.
- Sear the Salmon: Gently place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down if applicable. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and releases easily from the pan.
- Flip and Cook: Turn the salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Alternative Cooking Methods: Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), place salmon on parchment-lined sheet, bake 12-15 minutes. Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high, oil grates, grill salmon 4-5 minutes per side. Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (200°C), air fry salmon 8-10 minutes.
- Rest: Remove salmon from heat and let rest for a few minutes to retain juices.
- Prepare the Avocado Lime Crema: Halve avocados, remove pits, scoop flesh into a food processor or blender.
- Add Ingredients: Add sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and optional cayenne pepper to the blender.
- Blend: Process until smooth and creamy. Add water gradually to achieve desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Season crema to your preference with additional salt or cayenne pepper if desired.
- Chill (Optional): Refrigerate crema for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
- Prepare Your Base: Cook rice, warm black beans and corn, and heat tortillas if using, during or after salmon cooking.
- Flake the Salmon: Use a fork to gently break salmon into bite-sized pieces for easy serving.
- Assemble Your Dish: Bowls: Layer rice, black beans, and corn, top with flaked salmon, diced tomatoes, red onion, and avocado crema. Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro. Tacos: Fill tortillas with shredded lettuce, salmon, red onion, tomatoes, and avocado crema; garnish with lime and cilantro. Plates: Serve salmon alongside rice, beans, and avocado crema with lime wedges and cilantro.
- Garnish and Serve: Add extra cilantro and lime wedges to your dish before serving immediately. Enjoy your Cajun Salmon Avocado Lime meal!
Notes
- Marinating the salmon enhances the flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
- The avocado lime crema can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- Use Greek yogurt as a healthier substitute for sour cream to reduce fat and calories.
- If skin-on salmon is used, be sure to cook skin-side first for crispy texture.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, gluten-free option.
- Ensure salmon is cooked to 145°F internal temperature for food safety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American Cajun
Keywords: Cajun salmon, avocado lime crema, salmon recipe, seafood bowl, fish tacos, healthy dinner, Cajun seasoning, quick salmon dish
