Description
A flavorful Cajun Salmon recipe featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets coated with a robust Cajun spice blend, served with a creamy and zesty avocado lime crema. This versatile dish can be enjoyed as bowls with rice, beans, and corn, handheld tacos, or plated meals, making it a delightful and healthy option for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cajun 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
For Serving and Assembly
- 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 the seasoning adheres well and promotes a good sear.
- Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a flavorful paste, then rub it evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
- Marinate (Optional): To deepen the flavors, let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes or up to 30 minutes if time permits.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet (cast iron preferred) over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Heat until the oil shimmers, indicating it’s hot and ready for searing.
- Sear the Salmon: Carefully place salmon fillets skin-side down if skin is on. Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and salmon releases easily from the pan.
- Flip and Cook: Turn the salmon over and cook for 3-4 more minutes until cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for optimal doneness.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: You can also cook salmon by baking at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, grilling for 4-5 minutes per side, or air frying at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes.
- Rest: Remove the salmon from heat and let it rest briefly to allow juices to redistribute.
- Prepare the Avocado Lime Crema: Halve avocados, remove pits, and scoop flesh into a food processor or blender.
- Add Ingredients: Add sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and optional cayenne pepper to the blender.
- Blend: Process until smooth and creamy. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, if the crema is too thick, blending until desired consistency is achieved.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the crema and adjust seasoning as needed to balance flavor.
- Chill (Optional): For enhanced flavor melding, chill the avocado lime crema in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prepare Your Base: While salmon cooks or rests, prepare rice, beans, corn, and warm tortillas if using, to assemble your meal.
- Flake the Salmon: Gently flake the rested salmon with a fork for easy serving in bowls or tacos.
- Assemble Your Dish: Use the flaked salmon to create bowls over rice, beans, and corn topped with red onion, tomatoes, and drizzle with avocado lime crema. For tacos, fill warm tortillas with shredded lettuce, salmon, onion, tomatoes, and crema. Or plate the salmon with sides of rice, beans, and crema.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish dishes with fresh lime wedges and extra cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Marinating the salmon is optional but enhances flavor depth.
- Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream reduces fat and increases protein.
- The avocado lime crema can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Adjust cayenne pepper in the crema for spice preference or omit for a milder dip.
- This recipe is versatile: try it with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- The salmon can be cooked skin-on for crispy texture or skinless for ease of eating.
- Use fresh lime juice rather than bottled for best flavor in the crema.
- Cook salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure safety and juiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Keywords: Cajun salmon, avocado lime crema, healthy salmon recipe, easy Cajun seasoning, seared salmon, salmon bowls, salmon tacos, quick dinner
