Get ready to transform your weeknight dinners with this unbelievably flavorful and easy Baked Cajun Salmon recipe. In just 20 minutes, you can have a perfectly flaky, spicy, and savory salmon fillet on your table that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant. It’s a healthy, low-carb, and high-protein meal that the whole family will love. This dish is my go-to for busy evenings when I want something impressive without the fuss.
The magic is in the homemade Cajun seasoning blend, combined with a rich garlic butter sauce that gets spooned over the salmon before baking. The oven does all the work, locking in moisture and infusing the fish with incredible flavor. Let’s dive in and make the best Baked Cajun Salmon you’ve ever had!
Dinner is served! Healthy, flavorful, and so easy to make.
Why This is the Best Baked Cajun Salmon Recipe
You’re going to fall in love with this recipe, and here’s why:
Incredibly Fast: This entire meal comes together in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for hectic weeknights.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of bold Cajun spices, rich butter, and fresh garlic creates a taste that is simply irresistible.
Healthy & Nutritious: Salmon is a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids and protein. This recipe is naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly.
Customizable Heat: You control the spice! Easily adjust the cayenne pepper in the seasoning blend to make it as mild or as fiery as you like.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this oven baked cajun salmon is its simple ingredient list. You probably have most of the seasonings in your pantry already!
For the Salmon:
Salmon Fillets: You’ll need four 6-ounce salmon fillets. Look for fillets that are vibrant pink and have a uniform thickness for even cooking. You can use skin-on or skinless.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter forms the base of our rich sauce, helping to keep the salmon moist.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens up all the flavors.
For the Homemade Cajun Seasoning:
Smoked Paprika: Adds a beautiful color and smoky depth.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: The savory backbone of the seasoning blend.
Cayenne Pepper: This brings the heat! Adjust the amount to your personal preference.
Dried Oregano & Dried Thyme: These herbs add a touch of earthy, aromatic complexity.
How to Make Baked Cajun Salmon (Step-by-Step)
Making this spicy baked salmon is as simple as mix, season, and bake. Follow these steps for a perfect result every time.
Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel. This is a crucial step to ensure the seasoning sticks and the outside gets a nice texture.
Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
Make the Garlic Butter: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice.
Season the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the top and sides of each fillet. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning blend evenly over the salmon, gently pressing it into the flesh.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Perfectly seasoned salmon, ready for the oven!
Tips for Perfect, Flaky Salmon Every Time
Here are a few expert tips to ensure your Baked Cajun Salmon comes out perfectly moist and flavorful.
Don’t Overcook: The biggest mistake with salmon is overcooking it. Check for doneness at the 12-minute mark. The fish should be opaque and flake easily. Using an instant-read thermometer is the most reliable way to check.
Dry the Fish: I can’t stress this enough! Patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels is key for getting the seasoning and butter to adhere properly.
Uniform Thickness: If possible, choose a center-cut piece of salmon and portion it yourself to ensure all fillets are a similar thickness and will cook at the same rate.
Let it Rest: Allow the salmon to rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender fillet.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile Cajun salmon pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sides. Keep it low-carb with some veggies or add some grains for a more substantial meal.
Grains: Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice, quinoa, or creamy orzo to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Salads: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a fresh, light contrast to the rich salmon. For another seafood option, try this Shrimp and Avocado Bowl.
Storage and Reheating
Have leftovers? Lucky you! Store them properly to enjoy later.
Storage: Place any leftover salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: The best way to reheat salmon without drying it out is in the oven. Place it on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm at 275°F (135°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also flake the cold salmon and add it to salads or pasta.
The best way to tell is by using a fork to gently test the thickest part of the fillet. If it flakes easily, it’s done. For complete accuracy, use an instant-read thermometer—the internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C).
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a good quality store-bought Cajun or Creole seasoning works perfectly. Just be mindful of the salt content; some brands are saltier than others, so you may want to adjust the added salt in the recipe.
Coho, Sockeye, or King salmon are all excellent choices for baking due to their firm texture and rich flavor. The most important factor is choosing fillets that are of a similar thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
Yes, this is a great way to make it a one-pan meal! Quick-cooking vegetables like asparagus, bell pepper strips, or thinly sliced zucchini can be tossed in a little oil and seasoning and baked on the same sheet pan alongside the salmon.
To control the heat, simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper from the Cajun seasoning blend. The recipe will still be incredibly flavorful from the paprika, garlic, onion, and herbs.
The Perfect Cajun Salmon Recipe Awaits
This Baked Cajun Salmon recipe is a true game-changer for weeknight meals. It’s incredibly fast, bursting with flavor, and packed with healthy nutrients. Give this simple recipe a try and watch it become a new family favorite. If you love it as much as I do, I’d be thrilled if you shared it on Pinterest or left a comment below!
This 20-minute Baked Cajun Salmon will be your new weeknight favorite!
Baked Cajun Salmon
FL Recipes
Baked Cajun Salmon: The Ultimate 20-Minute Dinner
This Baked Cajun Salmon is the ultimate weeknight dinner! Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe features flaky salmon fillets coated in a savory garlic butter sauce and a bold homemade Cajun seasoning blend. Healthy, flavorful, and incredibly easy!
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, stir together the smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
In a separate small bowl, whisk the melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
Arrange the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the garlic butter mixture over each fillet. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over the top, pressing gently to adhere.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories: 410kcalProtein: 39gFat: 26gFiber: 1g
Notes
Don't Overcook: Salmon cooks quickly! Check for doneness at the 12-minute mark to ensure it stays moist and tender. Customize the Spice: Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference. Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
