Cajun Honey Salmon (Print)

Smoky Cajun-spiced salmon glazed with honey and lemon for a quick, satisfying weeknight main.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 4 salmon fillets, approximately 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless

→ Cajun Spice Mix

02 - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
05 - 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
06 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
08 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Honey Glaze

10 - 3 tablespoons honey
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ For Cooking

13 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Garnish (optional)

14 - Fresh chopped parsley
15 - Lemon wedges

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease lightly.
02 - Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
03 - Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil. Evenly coat each fillet with Cajun spice mix.
04 - Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
05 - Whisk honey, lemon juice, and melted butter in a bowl until combined.
06 - Spoon half the honey glaze over the tops of the salmon fillets.
07 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until salmon is nearly cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
08 - Remove from oven, brush salmon with the remaining honey glaze, and broil for 1 to 2 minutes until caramelized.
09 - Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The combination of spicy Cajun rub and syrupy honey glaze satisfies every kind of craving in a single bite.
  • This is my go-to dinner when I need something that looks and tastes impressive but takes barely any time at all.
02 -
  • If you walk away while broiling, the glaze can go from perfect to burnt in seconds — stay close and keep the oven light on.
  • Letting the spice rub sit on the salmon for five minutes before baking makes every bite more flavorful and aromatic.
03 -
  • Bake the salmon just until slightly underdone; the broiler will finish the cooking and give the perfect top.
  • Whisk the glaze ingredients till completely smooth — any unmixed butter or honey can separate on the fish.

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