This Cajun Salmon is packed with flavor and cooked to crispy perfection. The spicy kick paired with the cool avocado lime sauce makes it a real treat for your taste buds!
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up. Just season, cook, and blend that creamy sauce. It’s a winner for dinner, and leftovers taste just as good—if they last long enough! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are best for flavor and texture. If you can’t find salmon, other fish like trout or tilapia can work too! Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since they may cook faster.
Cajun seasoning: Store-bought Cajun seasoning is convenient, but you can also make your own using paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, thyme, and oregano. This way, you can control the spice level to suit your taste!
Avocado: Make sure your avocado is ripe for the best creamy result. If avocados are not available, you could use ripe banana for a different flavor or leave it out for a simpler sauce. Greek yogurt adds tanginess and creaminess!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the sauce. If you’re not a cilantro fan, try using parsley or dill instead for a different flavor.
How Do You Get the Salmon Crispy?
Cooking salmon perfectly can be tricky, especially if you want a nice crispy crust. Here’s how:
- Make sure to dry the salmon well. This helps it sear and brown rather than steam.
- Heat the skillet before adding the oil. Then, wait for the oil to shimmer before placing the salmon in. This step helps create that golden crust.
- Don’t move the salmon too much while it cooks. Let it stick to the pan a little, then it will release naturally when it’s ready to flip. Aim for 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on thickness.
Cajun Salmon With Avocado Lime Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cajun Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
- Salt to taste
For the Avocado Lime Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Splash of water or milk to thin sauce if necessary
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cajun Salmon takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 25 minutes from start to finish. Quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cajun Salmon:
Begin by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a nice sear. Next, rub the olive oil evenly over each fillet, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt over all sides of the salmon, gently pressing to help it stick. Set the seasoned fillets aside.
2. Cook the Salmon:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the salmon fillets to the pan. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side without moving them, this allows a crispy crust to form. Flip the fillets and cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through (opaque in the center) but still moist. Remove the salmon from the skillet and keep warm.
3. Make the Avocado Lime Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chopped cilantro, and minced garlic. Blend everything until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or milk to achieve your preferred consistency. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Assemble and Serve:
To serve, plate the cooked Cajun salmon fillets and generously spoon the avocado lime sauce over the top. For a burst of color and flavor, garnish with extra chopped cilantro if desired. Don’t forget to serve some lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty touch.
This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like seasoned corn, rice, or a fresh green salad. Enjoy your flavorful and creamy Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Sauce!
Can I Use Different Fish for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While salmon is perfect for its flavor and texture, you can substitute it with trout, tilapia, or even chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of fish or meat you’re using to ensure it cooks through properly.
What if I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make your own Cajun seasoning by mixing paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano. Adjust the spice level according to your taste. It’s a great way to customize the flavor to your liking!
How Do I Store Leftover Salmon and Sauce?
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The avocado lime sauce can also be stored in a separate container for a maximum of 2 days. To keep the sauce from browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing it.
Can I Prepare the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the avocado lime sauce a few hours ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to press plastic wrap onto the surface to minimize browning. Give it a quick stir before serving, and you’ll be all set!
