Cajun Salmon

Cajun Salmon is a bold and flavorful dish featuring salmon fillets coated in a spicy Cajun seasoning and either pan-seared or baked to perfection. It’s quick to make and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides for a delicious meal. Here's how to prepare it:

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Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each), skin on or off
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade, recipe below)
• 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)
• Salt, to taste (optional, depending on the Cajun seasoning)

Optional Homemade Cajun Seasoning:

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salmon:

• Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
• Rub both sides of each fillet with olive oil or melted butter.
• Generously coat the salmon with Cajun seasoning, pressing it onto the surface to adhere.

2. Cook the Salmon:

• For Pan-Seared Cajun Salmon:
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter.
  • Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if applicable) and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them, allowing the skin to crisp up.
  • Flip the fillets carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
• For Baked Cajun Salmon:
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  • Place the seasoned salmon fillets on the baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, or until the salmon is cooked through.

3. Serve:

• Transfer the cooked salmon to a serving platter.
• Garnish with lemon slices or wedges for squeezing over the top.

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Serving Suggestions:

• Sides: Pair the Cajun salmon with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
• Rice or Pasta: Serve over white rice, Cajun dirty rice, or buttered pasta for a hearty meal.
• Sauce Option: Add a drizzle of garlic aioli, tartar sauce, or a squeeze of lime crema for an extra layer of flavor.

Tips:

• Adjust the cayenne pepper in the seasoning blend to control the spice level.
• Use fresh salmon for the best flavor, but frozen fillets (thawed) work well too.
• Avoid overcooking the salmon to keep it moist and tender.

This Cajun Salmon dish is a vibrant and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort. Enjoy!