Cajun Honey Salmon (Printable Version)
Spiced salmon with sweet honey glaze, ready in 25 minutes
# What You Need:
→ Fish
01 - 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
→ Cajun Spice Mix
02 - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
05 - 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
06 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Honey Glaze
10 - 3 tablespoons honey
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ For Cooking
13 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Garnish
14 - Fresh chopped parsley
15 - Lemon wedges
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
02 - Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
03 - Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Press Cajun spice mixture evenly onto the top and sides of each fillet, ensuring good adhesion.
04 - Place seasoned salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if applicable. Space fillets evenly to allow proper heat circulation.
05 - Whisk together honey, fresh lemon juice, and melted unsalted butter in a separate small bowl until smooth and fully incorporated.
06 - Spoon half of the honey glaze mixture evenly over the tops of the spiced salmon fillets, reserving the remainder for later.
07 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until salmon is nearly cooked through and flakes easily when tested with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
08 - Remove from oven and brush remaining honey glaze over each fillet. Switch oven to broil and return salmon for 1 to 2 minutes until glaze bubbles and caramelizes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
09 - Transfer to serving plates. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and accompany with lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The way the spicy rub meets the sweet honey creates a flavor explosion that makes ordinary salmon feel like a restaurant meal
- It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like you spent all day planning something fancy
02 -
- Drying the salmon thoroughly before applying the rub is the difference between spices that stick and spices that slide right off
- Watch the broiler like a hawk because honey can go from perfect to burnt in seconds
03 -
- If your fillets are different thicknesses, check the thinner ones a few minutes early
- Room temperature salmon cooks more evenly, so take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before starting