Go Back
A close-up of a baked Cajun salmon fillet showing the flaky texture and vibrant spices from the homemade seasoning.

Cajun Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce

This Cajun Salmon is unbelievably flaky, juicy, and bursting with flavor! This easy recipe features a homemade spice blend and garlic butter sauce, perfect for a quick and impressive weeknight dinner in under 30 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 6 oz fillets salmon skinless
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1-2 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed

Equipment

  • 1 Baking sheet
  • 2 Mixing Bowls

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel.
  2. In a small bowl, combine all the Cajun seasoning ingredients: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Brush the salmon fillets on all sides with olive oil. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning generously over the fillets, pressing gently to adhere.
  4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and lemon juice.
  5. Arrange the seasoned salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about half of the garlic butter sauce over the tops.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
  7. Remove the salmon from the oven and drizzle with the remaining garlic butter sauce before serving.

Notes

For an extra crispy top, you can broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.
The spice level can be easily adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper in the seasoning blend.
QR Code linking back to recipe