This Cajun Salmon is a tasty dish with a kick! The salmon is seasoned with zesty Cajun spices and cooked to perfection, making it flavorful and juicy. On top, the creamy avocado lime sauce adds a fresh and bright touch!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a little spice in their life? Plus, the avocado lime sauce is so good, I like to put it on everything! It’s a fun and easy way to enjoy a healthy meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are ideal for this recipe because they’re tender and cook quickly. If salmon isn’t available, you could use trout or even chicken breasts as a substitute, adjusting cooking times as needed.
Cajun seasoning: The blend adds a great kick! If you don’t have a pre-made spice mix, you can make your own using paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and a few herbs like thyme and oregano. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste!
Avocado: Ripe avocados are key for smooth sauce texture. If you can’t find ripe avocados, mashed bananas work okay in a pinch, though the flavor will differ. A dollop of guacamole can also work for both texture and taste!
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Both give the sauce a creamy base. Greek yogurt is my favorite for extra protein. If you’re dairy-free, use coconut yogurt or a nut-based yogurt as a substitute.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Cooked Salmon?
Cooking salmon just right can be tricky. You want it flaky and moist, not dry. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Dry the salmon thoroughly with paper towels. This helps it sear better.
- Preheat the pan to medium-high heat before adding the salmon. This creates that nice golden crust!
- Don’t move the salmon around in the pan! Let it cook undisturbed for the first few minutes to develop that beautiful sear.
- When flipping, be gentle to avoid breaking the fillet. A thin spatula works well!
- When it flakes easily with a fork, it’s ready! Overcooking can dry it out quickly, so keep an eye on it.
Cajun Salmon With Avocado Lime Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cajun Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper)
For the Avocado Lime Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons water, as needed for thinning the sauce
Garnish and Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Sliced avocado
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time. So, in just around 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps to get a nice sear. Rub the olive oil evenly over each fillet, then sprinkle the Cajun seasoning on both sides. Set these aside while you prepare the avocado lime sauce.
2. Make the Avocado Lime Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, and ground cumin. Blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Lastly, season with salt and pepper to taste and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
3. Cook the Salmon:
Heat a large non-stick skillet or a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the seasoned salmon fillets to the pan. Cook them without moving for about 4-5 minutes until they have a nice golden sear on the bottom. Carefully flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
4. Plate and Serve:
Once cooked, place the salmon fillets on serving plates. Generously spoon the avocado lime sauce over each fillet. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and add lime wedges and sliced avocado to the side for extra flavor.
5. Enjoy:
Serve immediately, and enjoy your delicious Cajun salmon with the refreshing avocado lime sauce! Pair it with sides like rice, salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
This recipe beautifully highlights the tender, spiced salmon, enhanced by the cool and creamy avocado lime sauce that pairs perfectly with the spice! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator overnight or by placing it in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Pat it dry before seasoning to ensure it cooks evenly.
What Can I Substitute If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, you can create your own by mixing equal parts paprika and garlic powder, then adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and salt. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
How Do I Store Leftover Salmon and Sauce?
To store leftovers, place the salmon fillets and avocado lime sauce in separate airtight containers. The salmon can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, while the sauce can last for about 2 days. Reheat the salmon gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, and give the sauce a stir before serving.
Can I Make the Avocado Lime Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the avocado lime sauce up to a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. If it browns slightly, blend it again before serving to restore its vibrant color and creaminess.
