Cajun Honey Butter Salmon Recipe
Introduction
This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon recipe brings together bold spices and sweet, buttery sauce for a deliciously balanced meal. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it’s perfect for an impressive weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (skin on)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt (to taste)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Black sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub each fillet with olive oil and season generously with Cajun seasoning and salt if needed.
- Step 2: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets skin-side up and sear for about 3 minutes until they develop a nice crust. Flip the salmon so the skin side is down and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Step 3: While the salmon cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir well and simmer for a couple of minutes. Remove from heat and squeeze in the lemon juice.
- Step 4: Pour the honey butter sauce over the salmon fillets in the skillet. Continue cooking, spooning the sauce over the salmon regularly, for another 3 to 5 minutes until cooked through.
- Step 5: Garnish the salmon with freshly chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds. Serve immediately for best taste.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crisp skin, press down gently on the salmon with a spatula when it’s skin-side down and cook without moving for the full time.
- Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the Cajun seasoning or use a milder spice blend.
Storage
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid drying out the fish. It’s best enjoyed fresh but keeps well for a quick meal later.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure a good sear and even cooking.
Is the honey butter sauce suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Prepare the sauce ahead and reheat gently when ready to serve. The salmon and sauce can be stored separately to keep textures intact.
PrintCajun Honey Butter Salmon Recipe
This Cajun Honey Butter Salmon recipe delivers a deliciously seared salmon fillet coated in a spicy Cajun seasoning and topped with a luscious honey butter sauce. The combination of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and zesty lemon juice perfectly balances the bold Cajun spices, making it a quick and flavorful dish that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (skin on)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt to taste
Honey Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
- Black sesame seeds
Instructions
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Rub each fillet evenly with olive oil, then generously sprinkle both sides with Cajun seasoning and salt if needed to taste.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side up in the skillet and sear for about 3 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip the fillets so the skin side is down and cook for an additional 2 minutes to crisp the skin.
- Make the Honey Butter Sauce: While the salmon cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic; combine well and let it simmer gently for a few minutes. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice to brighten the sauce.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared honey butter sauce over the partially cooked salmon fillets in the skillet. Continue cooking the salmon, spooning the sauce over the fillets regularly, for another 3 to 5 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and glazed.
- Garnish: Once cooked, remove the salmon from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, lemon wedges on the side, and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and texture. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Patting the salmon dry before seasoning helps achieve a better sear and crust.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
- Use a nonstick skillet to prevent the salmon skin from sticking and breaking apart.
- Be careful not to overcook the salmon; the fish should flake easily but remain moist.
- The honey butter sauce can be prepared ahead and warmed gently before serving.
Keywords: Cajun salmon, honey butter salmon, pan-seared salmon, spicy salmon recipe, quick dinner, easy salmon recipe

