Description
This Creamy Cajun Salmon recipe combines crispy, tender salmon fillets with a rich Cajun cream sauce that’s bursting with bold flavors. It’s the perfect dish to make for a comforting weeknight meal or a fancy dinner that feels like dining out. With smoky paprika, juicy cherry tomatoes, and melted Parmesan cheese, every bite is a delightful blend of spice, creaminess, and freshness.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish and Serving:
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Serve with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables
Instructions
1. Prepare the Salmon
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Season the fillets on both sides with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning.
2. Sear the Salmon
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden.
- Flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.
- Once melted, add the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and remaining Cajun seasoning, coating the tomatoes evenly.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
4. Add the Parmesan Cheese
- Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
5. Combine the Salmon and Sauce
- Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Spoon the sauce over the fillets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
6. Serve and Garnish
- Serve the creamy Cajun salmon over a bed of rice, pasta, or with steamed vegetables.
- Spoon additional sauce over the top and garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Salmon Options: Skinless salmon works just as well if you prefer it.
- Make it Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast as substitutes for heavy cream and Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired