If you enjoy Cajun cuisine, you will love the special blend of spices and herbs that coat this fast and easy Cajun baked salmon.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this easy-to-make recipe for Easy Cajun Baked Salmon.

1. Info for Easy Cajun Baked Salmon

  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Total Time: 20 min
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: 257.71 kcal

2. Ingredients for Easy Cajun Baked Salmon

  • 4 Atlantic salmon filets (5 oz each)
  • 1 ½ tsp. butter
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • ¼ tsp. dried thyme leaves
  • ¼ tsp. dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp. dried parsley
  • ¼ tsp. garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp. onion powder
  • 1/8 tsp. cumin
  • 1/8 cayenne pepper, to taste
  • ¼ tsp. brown sugar
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper
  • 1 lemon

3. Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Gently pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place on the baking sheet, skin side down.
  4. Place the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high until melted, about 20 seconds.
  5. Place the paprika, thyme leaves, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, sugar, salt, and black pepper in the bowl with the butter. Stir with a fork until a thick paste forms.
  6. Using a spoon and clean hands, rub a scant teaspoon of the spice mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet.
  7. Cut the lemon in half. Squeeze the juice of one half evenly over the fillets. Reserve the other half for serving.
  8. Bake the salmon on middle rack of oven until it flakes easily with a fork, 12-15 minutes.
  9. Check to see that salmon is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
  10. Squeeze the reserved lemon over the fillets and serve immediately. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days.

Source

4. Tips for Perfect Cajun Baked Salmon

For the best results with your Cajun baked salmon, choose fillets that are similar in thickness to ensure even cooking. If your fillets vary significantly in size, adjust the cooking time accordingly – thicker pieces may need an extra 2-3 minutes.

Don’t skip the step of patting the salmon dry before applying the spice rub, as this helps the seasoning adhere better and prevents the fish from steaming. For extra flavor, let the seasoned salmon rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking to allow the spices to penetrate the fish.

To check for doneness without overcooking, look for salmon that flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F. The fish should be opaque throughout but still moist and tender.