This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Enjoy the deluxe flavors of Cajun Parmesan Salmon with this delicious recipe. Made with loads of seasonings and ready in under 25 minutes, this meal is a must!
Your new favorite garlic parmesan salmon
Sometimes chicken gets old and I find myself more in a seafood type of mood. Wanting something that’s still really nutritious and full of protein, I tend to gravitate toward salmon!
Salmon has immense benefits (which I’ll touch on later in this post), but it also tastes fantastic. When seasoned with a blend of lemon, garlic, honey, and parmesan, this cajun butter salmon is something you’re going to wish you tried earlier!
Ingredients in this parmesan crusted salmon recipe
In this recipe, it’s all about the seasonings. In order to get that rich cajun x parmesan taste we’re mixing everything from lemon juice and garlic to butter and honey. When all is said and done, the flavor combo is a dream!
- Salmon: First up, we have the salmon! For this recipe you will need 4 filets.
- Salt & pepper: We will start the cooking process by seasoning the filets with salt and pepper. Use whatever amount feels right.
- Avocado oil: Next, we will use 2 tbsp of avocado oil to cook the filets.
- Lemon: First up for the flavorings will be juice from 1 lemon.
- Butter: Then, we will use 2 tbsp of butter. If preferred, you can use additional avocado oil here instead.
- Garlic: Next, mince 2 cloves of garlic. If you want to add a little extra, go for it!
- Cajun seasoning: We will use cajun seasoning to get that strong cajun flavor. 2 tsp will be perfect.
- Honey: To add a subtle sweet flavor, include 1 tbsp of honey. This ingredient truly makes the flavorings complete!
- Parmesan cheese: We will use 2 tbsp of parmesan to add that much needed cheesiness.
- Parsley: And finally, toss in 1 tbsp of chopped parsley.
Tools needed to create this dish
Cajun parmesan salmon only requires three actual kitchen tools, in addition to a paper towel and a couple of measuring cups. Is it just me, or do the simplest recipes always taste the best?
- Paper towel for patting the salmon dry
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Measuring cups: 1 tsp, 1 tbsp
How to make cajun parmesan salmon
We’re keeping things this cajun salmon recipe simple by cooking it right on the stove. We’ll start with the seasonings and then we’ll stick it in a pan and cook it for 5 minutes on each side. We’ll add the sauce, return it to the pan, and voila! Delicious, flavorful cajun parmesan salmon.
To begin, pat the salmon dry and season with salt and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the avocado oil.
Next, add the salmon skin side up and cook for 5 minutes on each side.
Once the salmon is done cooking, take it out and set it aside.
Dump the remaining liquid from the pan, and then place the pan back on the stove top.
Turn the heat to medium and whisk in the lemon juice, butter, garlic, cajun seasoning, honey, parmesan cheese, and parsley.
Let the sauce reduce for a few minutes until thickened, and then add the salmon back in and cook for 2 minutes on each side. Bast the salmon with the sauce as it cooks.
Serve over rice with veggies.
What to serve with stove-cooked salmon
Whether you’re a fish and chips kind of seafood eater or you prefer something heavy in greens, there are so many sides that pair wonderfully with this dish!
Go for starches with Easy Skillet Cornbread or Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes (a faux-starch that tastes like potatoes but packs in the veggie-rich nutrients), or stick to your greens with Garlic Sesame Green Beans or Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts!
Finally, keep things simple with a delicious and sweet Cranberry Quinoa Salad.
P.S. I like to serve it with rice too!
Benefits of salmon
Salmon is absolutely overflowing with benefits. With 17g of protein per 3 oz, it’s a nutrient powerhouse that definitely earns a spot at the top of the seafood pyramid.
In addition to protein, salmon is a great source of potassium, B Vitamins, Omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. It’s great for fighting inflammation too. When I’m in the mood for seafood, salmon is almost always my go-to.
If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!
For more protein-packed dinners that include seafood, try these! Each one is rich in flavor and is pretty simple to whip together!
- Mediterranean Tuna Salad
- Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Coconut Cauliflower Rice
- Easy Tuna Patties with Spicy Aioli
- Easy One Pot Salmon Dinner
Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Quarter Soul Crisis
Cajun Parmesan Salmon
Enjoy the deluxe flavors of Cajun Parmesan Salmon with this delicious recipe. Made with loads of seasonings and ready in under 25 minutes, this meal is a must!
Ingredients
- 4 salmon filets
- salt + pepper
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp butter (or more avocado oil)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp cajun seasoning (or blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, oregano)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Pat salmon dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add avocado oil.
- Add salmon, skin side up and cook for 5 minutes on each side.
- Once done cooking, take salmon out and set aside.
- Dump remaining liquid from pan. Then add pan back to stove top.
- Turn heat to medium and whisk in lemon juice, butter, garlic, cajun seasoning, honey, parmesan cheese, and parsley.
- Let sauce reduce for a few minutes until thickened, then add salmon back in and cook for 2 minutes on each side, basting the salmon with the sauce as it cooks.
- Serve over rice and with veggies.
There may be affiliate links in this post!ย By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat ๐
Erin m says
Amazing! Doubled the sauce and it was a hit
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Erin, so glad you loved it!!
Becca M. says
This is the best salmon recipe ever. Iโm not a huge salmon fan but know itโs a healthy option and can say this recipe makes me enjoy salmon! So much flavor and comes out super tasty every time. Thank you Erin!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Becca, so happy you loved it so much!! ๐
Erin Burnett says
Hi! We plan to cook a large amount and want to grill or use the oven, do you have a suggestion on how to make this recipe on either the grill or in the oven?
Erin says
Hi Erin, yes, cook as is on the grill for about 8 – 10 minutes, and make sauce on stove. Then baste it over the top after its done cooking. Same with oven. Let me know how it comes out!!
Sarah says
Fantastic and surprisingly easy to make for how good it tastes/how much it impresses people! My husband is a big fan ๐ Thanks Erin!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Sarah, so happy you both enjoyed it!!
Rhonda says
This recipe is amazing! We have made it over and over again. The flavors are incredible together. Must try!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Rhonda, so happy you loved it!
Nicole Feinberg says
This is one of our favorite go-to dinners for a weeknight! The salmon is somehow always perfectly cooked. 10/10!!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Nicole, so glad you enjoyed it! ๐
Nicole Feinberg says
This is one of our favorite go-to dinners for a weeknight! The salmon is somehow always perfectly cooked, and the coconut rice is to die for. 10/10!!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Nicole, so happy you loved it!
Katie says
Hi Erin! What kind of salmon do you use? Frozen?
Erin says
Hi Katie, I use fresh, but defrosted from frozen works great too. Let me know how yours comes out!
Julia says
Hi Erin, I am having a small dinner party and I am thinking of having salmon with your pineapple mango salsa. Do you think that I will have to much conflicting flavors if I prepare the cajun parm salmon with the salsa? Your picture sure looked yummy. Thanks
Erin says
Hi Julia, that literally sounds delicious! Go for it and let me know how it all comes out! ๐
Devorah says
Me and my husband are not salmon people at all but it looked so good we decided to try it and OMG. AMAZING. this will be the only salmon recipe I ever use.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Devorah, so happy you both enjoyed it!! ๐
Gwen says
Amazing! My youngest who doesnโt normally love salmon asked if I could make this again. The sauce is a flavor explosion!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Gwen, so happy it was such a hit!!
Ashley says
I make this weekly and constantly crave it! SOO GOOD
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Ashley, so glad you loved it!!
Megan says
This sauce is the BEST! I make it all the time on chicken too! Seriously so easy for a quick but impressive level up for weeknight meals
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Megan, so happy you loved it!!
Katie says
Love love loved this salmon!! Literally never making salmon any other way again! So easy and so flavorful! I had on top of a salad and was delicious!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Katie, I am so glad you loved it!!
Becca says
Deeeelicious!!!!!!!! This is definitely going on repeat in my house! Thanks for another great recipe!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Becca, so happy you loved it!!
Dani says
Oh my goodness! SO good and so easy. I’m going to have dreams about the marinade for sure.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Dani, so happy you loved it!
Caitlin says
My husband calls this a top three meal!! Itโs so easy and so delicious. We serve it with coconut rice and roasted baggies and itโs always a hit!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Caitlin, so happy he loves it and great idea!!
Hannah says
This recipe is delicious and easy! Itโs by far my favorite salmon recipe ever.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Hannah, so glad you loved it!!
Katie says
This salmon recipe was easy, quick, and made the perfect dinner. Will definitely be adding it to our weekly rotation!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Katie, so glad you enjoyed it!!
krista says
SO easy & SO good! Great way to switch up salmon.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Krista, so glad you loved it!!