Description
Baked Cajun Salmon is a flavorful and easy-to-prepare dish featuring fresh salmon fillets perfectly seasoned with a vibrant Cajun spice blend. Baked to flaky, juicy perfection, this recipe offers a balanced kick of heat, smokiness, and brightness from fresh lemon and parsley, making it a healthy and impressive meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 4 fresh salmon fillets, skin-on
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (205°C). This temperature allows the salmon to cook evenly and develop a nice, slightly crispy exterior while staying tender inside.
- Prepare the Cajun Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the cayenne to your preferred heat level to achieve the authentic Cajun flavor.
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks well. Drizzle olive oil over each fillet, then generously sprinkle the Cajun spice mix over the top, rubbing it gently with your fingers to cover every inch.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the seasoned fillets skin-side down on a lined baking sheet or in a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork but remains moist inside.
- Finish with Fresh Lemon and Parsley: Once out of the oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon and garnish with chopped parsley for a burst of freshness that perfectly complements the spices.
Notes
- Choose quality salmon: fresh or properly thawed wild-caught salmon offers the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the salmon to keep it moist and tender.
- Use a meat thermometer aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute.
- Customize your spice blend to your preferred heat and flavor balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Baked Cajun Salmon, Cajun salmon recipe, baked salmon, spicy salmon, healthy salmon dinner, easy seafood recipe
