Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Crema Recipe
This Cajun Salmon Avocado Lime recipe combines tender, spicy salmon fillets with a creamy, tangy avocado lime crema. Perfect for healthy bowls, tacos, or plated meals, it offers bold Cajun flavors balanced with fresh herbs and citrus, ideal for a quick, flavorful, and nutritious dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Avocado Lime Crema
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
- 2–3 tablespoons water, to thin to desired consistency
Optional Accompaniments
- Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- Black beans
- Corn kernels
- Chopped red onion
- Diced tomatoes
- Lime wedges
- Tortillas (corn or flour)
- Shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper; mix to form a paste. Rub this evenly over both sides of the salmon.
- Marinate (Optional): For enhanced flavor, refrigerate the seasoned salmon for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Heat the Pan: Warm a skillet over medium-high heat; add olive oil and let it shimmer.
- Sear the Salmon: Place salmon skin-side down (if skin is on) in the hot pan; cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden.
- Flip and Cook: Turn the fillets and cook 3-4 more minutes until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily; internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C).
- Alternative Cooking Methods: You may bake (400°F for 12-15 minutes), grill (medium-high heat, 4-5 minutes per side), or air fry (400°F for 8-10 minutes) the seasoned salmon instead of pan-searing.
- Rest: Remove salmon from heat and let it rest a few minutes.
- Prepare the Avocado Lime Crema: Halve avocados, remove pits, and scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor.
- Add Ingredients: Add sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and optional cayenne pepper.
- Blend: Process until smooth; add water tablespoon by tablespoon if needed to reach creamy consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample and adjust seasoning to preference.
- Chill (Optional): Refrigerate crema for 30 minutes for best flavor before serving.
- Prepare Your Base: While salmon cooks or rests, prepare rice, black beans, corn, and warm tortillas if using.
- Flake the Salmon: Gently break up the cooked salmon with a fork for serving.
- Assemble Your Dish: For bowls, layer rice, beans, corn, flaked salmon, chopped onion, diced tomatoes, and drizzle avocado crema; garnish with lime and cilantro. For tacos, fill warm tortillas with lettuce, salmon, onion, tomatoes, crema, and garnish. For plates, serve salmon with rice, beans, and crema on the side.
- Garnish and Serve: Add lime wedges and extra cilantro, serve immediately, and enjoy!
Notes
- Marinating the salmon enhances flavor but is optional.
- Cayenne pepper in the crema adds heat but can be omitted for milder taste.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier crema.
- Various cooking methods allow flexibility based on kitchen equipment.
- Salmon skin crisps beautifully when pan-seared but can be removed based on preference.
- This recipe pairs well with rice bowls, tacos, or plated meals.
Keywords: Cajun salmon, avocado lime crema, healthy salmon recipe, Cajun seasoning, salmon tacos, salmon bowls
