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    Home » Main Course » Cajun Baked Salmon

    Cajun Baked Salmon

    Published: Jul 16, 2023 by Anne Clark · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Cajun Baked Salmon Image for Pinning.

    Cajun Baked Salmon is a delicious dinner that will transport your senses straight to the heart of Louisiana. With its perfect balance of heat, tenderness, and simplicity, this dish is a must-try for seafood lovers and spice enthusiasts alike.

    Let's be real, being a parent is like juggling a circus act while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. It's chaotic, demanding, and downright hilarious at times. So, why add more stress to your plate when you can add some delicious 20-minute Cajun Baked Salmon instead?

    Baked salmon fillet on white plate with three lemon slices.
    Spicy, lemony, and buttery...yes, please!

    For all those salmon lover's out there, here are two more delicious salmon recipes! Grilled BBQ Salmon and Miso Ginger Salmon. Two of my husband's favorites.

    Jump to:
    • Why This Recipe Works
    • What Goes In It
    • Substitutions
    • How to Make It
    • What to Serve With It
    • How to Pick Out Fresh Salmon
    • How to Reheat Salmon
    • Tips for Success
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Cajun Dinner Ideas
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    Why This Recipe Works

    Cajun Baked Salmon is the perfect choice for busy folks seeking a quick and flavorful meal. Its preparation is a breeze, taking only a few minutes to assemble and popping into the oven for only 6-8 minutes. The result is a tender, juicy salmon fillet infused with the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning, satisfying both the need for speed and the hunger for a tasty homemade meal.

    What Goes In It

    Ingredients you'll need for Cajun Baked Salmon.

    Ingredients measured out in individual containers.

    Salmon - for maximum flavor, use skinless salmon fillets (double-side flavor!).

    Cajun seasoning - use your favorite brand. I'm hooked on Ragin' Cajun Seasoning!

    Lemon - use a fresh lemon for the best flavor! You'll be glad you did 🙂

    Broth - chicken or vegetable broth pairs nicely with the other flavors.

    Garlic - y'all know I keep a jar of minced garlic in my fridge at all times! Saves time on prep and just so handy!

    Olive oil - for searing the salmon and again for making the sauce.

    Butter - you'll use butter at the end to bring the lemon garlic sauce together.

    Substitutions

    • You could use trout, tilapia, cod, tuna, snapper, or drum instead of the salmon.
    • Try a creole seasoning like Tony Chachere's instead of the Ragin' Cajun. Or just use some cayenne, salt, and pepper.
    • Substitute the lemon with 2-3 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice (but please try to use the fresh lemon!).
    • You can use water instead of the broth but the flavor of the salmon will be diluted.
    • If all you have is fresh garlic, use 1 peeled and chopped fresh garlic clove.
    • No olive oil? Try canola oil.
    • A good substitute for butter in this recipe is margarine (or simply use your favorite butter replacement).

    How to Make It

    Here's how to make this Cajun Baked Salmon in just 6 steps. Ready to eat in under 20 minutes!

    Two raw salmon fillets sprinkled with Cajun seasoning on white plate.
    Step 1 - Season both sides of salmon with Cajun seasoning.
    Seared salmon fillets in cast iron skillet.
    Step 2 - Sear the salmon in hot skillet then bake until done. Remove salmon from skillet.
    Two lemon halves cut side down in skillet.
    Step 3 - Sear a sliced lemon in hot skillet to release the juices. Squeeze and remove the lemon.
    Minced garlic, lemon juice, and broth in cast iron skillet.
    Step 4 - Add broth and minced garlic to the lemon juice. Cook for 30 seconds.
    Baked salmon fillet on white plate with three lemon slices.
    Step 5 - Whisk in the butter then serve the lemon butter sauce over the salmon.

    What to Serve With It

    Make it a complete meal by serving one or two of the following side dishes:

    Steamed rice, deviled eggs, or Jalapeno Cornbread

    Fried Potatoes and Onions or Mashed Potatoes

    Broccoli Bacon Salad, potato salad, or Corn on the Cob

    Roasted vegetables such as Roasted Brussels Sprouts

    Simple green salad and French bread (to soak up that spicy lemon butter sauce!).

    How to Pick Out Fresh Salmon

    When selecting salmon, it's crucial to ensure its freshness. Look for fillets with firm flesh and a vibrant, shiny appearance. The fish should have a mild, oceanic smell without any off-putting odors. If possible, opt for wild-caught salmon, as it generally has a superior flavor and texture compared to farmed salmon. For additional tips, see How to Choose Salmon at the Grocery Store.

    How to Reheat Salmon

    Reheating salmon can be a little tricky because you don't want to cook it again, but here are 3 of the best ways to reheat salmon:

    Oven - the oven is my favorite way (low and slow) to preserve the moisture and texture of the salmon. Preheat oven to 275°F. Place the cold salmon in a casserole dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes.

    Stovetop - in a non-stick skillet add a little olive oil or butter over low-medium heat. Add the salmon and heat covered for 3-5 minutes on each side. This will slowly steam the salmon to heat it up.

    Microwave - this is the quickest way to reheat salmon. Place the salmon on a plate and cover it with another plate. Heat on 50% power for 1 minute; if not warm enough, flip the salmon and repeat for another 1 minute.

    Tips for Success

    I want you to have the best results making my Cajun Baked Salmon! Here are some tips to ensure juicy, flavorful salmon.

    • Adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste preferences by adding or reducing the amount of Cajun seasoning used. Add a dash of red pepper flakes for another level of spicy goodness.
    • For an added burst of freshness, garnish the baked salmon with chopped parsley or cilantro just before serving.
    • To avoid overcooking, use a timer and monitor the salmon closely during baking. Remove it from the oven as soon as it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) to maintain its moisture and tenderness.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long does cooked salmon last?

    The best way to store cooked salmon is to let the salmon cool completely. Don't let it sit out for more than two hours or bacteria may begin to grow. Wrap it in foil or put it in an airtight container. Label it with the date and place it in the refrigerator. Eat within 2 days (best eaten the next day in my opinion).

    Can you freeze cooked salmon?

    Yes you can freeze cooked salmon. Let it completely cool off. Wrap it in foil or put it in an airtight container. Label it with the date and place it in the freezer. Eat within 2-3 months.

    Can you eat cooked salmon cold?

    Cold salmon is delicious in sandwiches, wraps, and salads; so yes, you can eat cold salmon. This Chopped Salmon Salad is a refreshing way to eat leftover cold salmon!

    Baked salmon fillet on white plate with three lemon slices.

    More Cajun Dinner Ideas

    • dirty rice dressing in bowl
      Easy Cajun Rice Dressing
    • cooked chicken and sausage pastalaya in white bowl.
      Pastalaya
    • fried green tomatoes stacked on white plate with shrimp creole sauce poured on top
      Fried Green Tomatoes with Shrimp Cajun Sauce
    • Two baked potato halves on brown plate with roll and side salad.
      Shrimp Stuffed Baked Potatoes

    If you tried this recipe, please let me know by leaving a comment! I'd love to hear from you.

    If you’d like some recipe inspiration delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for my email newsletter on my subscribe page and receive a free 5-day meal plan.

    Recipe

    Baked salmon fillet on white plate with three lemon slices.

    Cajun Baked Salmon

    Cajun Baked Salmon is the perfect choice for a quick and flavorful meal. Its preparation is a breeze, taking only a few minutes to assemble and baking for only 6-8 minutes.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin For Later Rate
    Course: Dinner, Entree, keto dinner, lunch
    Cuisine: American, salmon, seafood
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 8 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 18 minutes minutes
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 521kcal
    Author: Anne Clark

    Equipment

    • skillet or oven-proof pan
    • measuring cup(s)
    • measuring spoons

    Ingredients

    • 2 8-oz salmon fillets, skinless
    • ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning, such as Tony Chachere's
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
    • 1 fresh lemon cut in half, seeds removed
    • ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
    • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
    • 1 tablespoon butter

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400F. Sprinkle both sides of salmon with Cajun seasoning.
    • Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a cast iron skillet and heat to medium high. When the skillet is hot, add the salmon and cook for 3 minutes. Turn fish over.
    • Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 6-8 minutes (or until the salmon flakes easily when pierced with a fork). Remove the fish from the skillet.
    • To the same skillet, over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the lemon slices (cut side down) and cook for 1 minute. Then carefully squeeze the juice into the skillet. Wear an oven mitt if the lemon slices are too hot to handle with your fingers. You can throw the lemon away at this point.
    • Whisk the broth and garlic into the lemon juice. Bring to a medium boil and cook for 30 seconds. Remove the skillet from the heat.
    • Whisk in the butter then serve the lemon butter sauce over the salmon.

    Notes

    • You could use trout, tilapia, cod, tuna, snapper, or drum instead of the salmon.
    • Try a creole seasoning like Tony Chachere's instead of the Ragin' Cajun. Or just use some cayenne, salt, and pepper.
    • Substitute the lemon with 2-3 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice (but please try to use the fresh lemon!).
    • You can use water instead of the broth but the flavor of the salmon will be diluted.
    • If all you have is fresh garlic, use 1 peeled and chopped fresh garlic clove.
    • No olive oil? Try canola oil.
    • A good substitute for butter in this recipe is margarine (or simply use your favorite butter replacement).
    • Wrap leftovers in foil or put in an airtight container. Label it with the date and place in the refrigerator. Eat within 2 days (best eaten the next day in my opinion).
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @mykitchenserenity or tag #mykitchenserenity on Instagram!!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 521kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 140mg | Sodium: 257mg | Potassium: 1239mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1140IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 3mg
    « Baked Beans with Ground Beef
    Frugal Family Meals »

    About Anne Clark

    Hi! I'm Anne, the founder and content creator at My Kitchen Serenity, a food blog focused on serving the needs of busy moms and dads who are looking for easy and delicious recipes for the family.

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    Hi. I’m Anne and I’m happy to share with you my easy, family-friendly recipes. I’ve been cooking for my family for 30 years, and what I’ve learned is that most busy families appreciate easy homemade meals. Now that the kids are grown, my passion is creating and sharing flavorful food for you and your family to enjoy as well. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at [email protected]. 

    I’d love to hear from you!

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