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Home By Meal

Cajun Parmesan Salmon

★★★★★ 35 Reviews Recipe Print
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By: Erin3/8/21

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

cajun parmesan salmon
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!

cajun salmon in skillet

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!

cajun salmon in skillet

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.
seasoning salmon

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
cajun sauce in skillet

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.

cajun salmon in skillet

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
cajun salmon in skillet

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Quarter Soul Crisis

cajun salmon in skillet
★★★★★ 5 from 35 reviews

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!

Prep: 15Cook: 15Total: 30 minutes
Yield 4 filets 1x
Print Pin it Rate

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

  1. Pat salmon dry and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add avocado oil.
  3. Add salmon, skin side up and cook for 5 minutes on each side.
  4. Once done cooking, take salmon out and set aside.
  5. Dump remaining liquid from pan. Then add pan back to stove top.
  6. Turn heat to medium and whisk in lemon juice, butter, garlic, cajun seasoning, honey, parmesan cheese, and parsley.
  7. 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.
  8. Serve over rice and with veggies.
Author: ErinCategory: dinner, lunch, meal-prep, gluten-freeMethod: stovetopCuisine: CajunDiet: Gluten Free
cajun salmon in skillet

Did you make this?

Leave a comment below and tag @erinliveswhole on social media!

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There may be affiliate links in this post! 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 🙂

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Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Sarah says

    Posted on 12/28 at 5:22 am

    Fantastic and surprisingly easy to make for how good it tastes/how much it impresses people! My husband is a big fan 🙂 Thanks Erin!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/28 at 10:28 am

      Hi Sarah, so happy you both enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  2. Rhonda says

    Posted on 12/4 at 9:09 pm

    This recipe is amazing! We have made it over and over again. The flavors are incredible together. Must try!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/5 at 2:56 pm

      Hi Rhonda, so happy you loved it!

      Reply
  3. Nicole Feinberg says

    Posted on 12/4 at 4:21 pm

    This is one of our favorite go-to dinners for a weeknight! The salmon is somehow always perfectly cooked. 10/10!!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/5 at 1:23 pm

      Hi Nicole, so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Nicole Feinberg says

    Posted on 12/4 at 4:19 pm

    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!!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/5 at 1:23 pm

      Hi Nicole, so happy you loved it!

      Reply
  5. Katie says

    Posted on 10/19 at 12:07 pm

    Hi Erin! What kind of salmon do you use? Frozen?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/21 at 6:31 pm

      Hi Katie, I use fresh, but defrosted from frozen works great too. Let me know how yours comes out!

      Reply
  6. Julia says

    Posted on 7/3 at 11:59 am

    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

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 7/6 at 6:04 pm

      Hi Julia, that literally sounds delicious! Go for it and let me know how it all comes out! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Devorah says

    Posted on 5/18 at 7:06 pm

    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.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 5/19 at 4:21 pm

      Hi Devorah, so happy you both enjoyed it!! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Gwen says

    Posted on 5/16 at 7:55 pm

    Amazing! My youngest who doesn’t normally love salmon asked if I could make this again. The sauce is a flavor explosion!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 5/19 at 4:18 pm

      Hi Gwen, so happy it was such a hit!!

      Reply
  9. Ashley says

    Posted on 5/16 at 9:51 am

    I make this weekly and constantly crave it! SOO GOOD

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 5/19 at 4:15 pm

      Hi Ashley, so glad you loved it!!

      Reply
  10. Megan says

    Posted on 11/22 at 10:13 pm

    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

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 11/23 at 1:35 pm

      Hi Megan, so happy you loved it!!

      Reply
  11. Katie says

    Posted on 10/25 at 3:00 pm

    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!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/25 at 3:15 pm

      Hi Katie, I am so glad you loved it!!

      Reply
  12. Becca says

    Posted on 8/5 at 8:56 pm

    Deeeelicious!!!!!!!! This is definitely going on repeat in my house! Thanks for another great recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/9 at 4:04 pm

      Hi Becca, so happy you loved it!!

      Reply
  13. Dani says

    Posted on 7/15 at 8:44 pm

    Oh my goodness! SO good and so easy. I’m going to have dreams about the marinade for sure.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 7/15 at 10:44 pm

      Hi Dani, so happy you loved it!

      Reply
  14. Caitlin says

    Posted on 7/7 at 7:51 pm

    My husband calls this a top three meal!! It’s so easy and so delicious. We serve it with coconut rice and roasted baggies and it’s always a hit!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 7/8 at 8:42 pm

      Hi Caitlin, so happy he loves it and great idea!!

      Reply
  15. Hannah says

    Posted on 7/1 at 12:52 pm

    This recipe is delicious and easy! It’s by far my favorite salmon recipe ever.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 7/1 at 6:44 pm

      Hi Hannah, so glad you loved it!!

      Reply
  16. Katie says

    Posted on 6/27 at 9:38 pm

    This salmon recipe was easy, quick, and made the perfect dinner. Will definitely be adding it to our weekly rotation!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/28 at 4:33 pm

      Hi Katie, so glad you enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  17. krista says

    Posted on 6/23 at 9:31 am

    SO easy & SO good! Great way to switch up salmon.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/23 at 1:10 pm

      Hi Krista, so glad you loved it!!

      Reply
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I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

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