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Home Recipes By Meal

Cajun Parmesan Salmon

40 Reviews Recipe
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By: Erin Antoniak • Published On March 8, 2021

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!

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 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 40 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: 15 Cook: 15 Total: 30 minutes
Yield 4 filets 1x
Scale
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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: Erin Antoniak Category: dinner, lunch, meal-prep, gluten-free Method: stovetop Cuisine: Cajun Diet: 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. Erin says

    Posted on 6/13 at 7:02 pm

    I have yet to find an ELW recipe I don’t love and this one is no exception!! Quick, easy, healthy and delicious as always!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/14 at 4:34 pm

      Hi Erin, so glad you loved it!

      Reply
  2. Mae says

    Posted on 5/8 at 8:44 pm

    Absolutely delish!!! Need to add this to my weekly rotation!!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 5/9 at 8:17 am

      Hi Mae, so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  3. Kim H says

    Posted on 4/29 at 10:02 pm

    I loved this recipe! It was so easy and so delicious. Highly recommend, we will be making this again!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/30 at 12:39 pm

      Hi Kim, so glad you loved it!! 🙂

      Reply
  4. kaitlin says

    Posted on 4/26 at 5:17 am

    Wow, some of the best salmon I ever had at home. The sauce is amazing and the salmon turned out perfectly crisp on the outside and tender inside. Highly recommend!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/26 at 7:47 pm

      Hi Kaitlin, so happy you loved it!!

      Reply
  5. Maureen says

    Posted on 4/13 at 8:20 pm

    Such great flavor! Served with couscous and green beans. Perfect mid week dinner. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/15 at 9:03 am

      Hi Maureen, so glad you liked it and great additions!!

      Reply
  6. Megan says

    Posted on 4/11 at 10:23 pm

    This was sooo good. The flavors were so intense and beautiful together. Really easy to throw together too!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/12 at 8:42 pm

      Hi Megan, so happy you loved it!!

      Reply
  7. Courtney says

    Posted on 4/11 at 7:23 pm

    Beyond OBSESSED with this recipe. I’ve always baked salmon and cooking it in the pan made it so juicy and delicious. I also literally have never tasted a better glaze in my entire life. A++++++ recipe

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/12 at 8:16 pm

      Hi Courtney, so glad you loved it so much!!

      Reply
  8. Olivia says

    Posted on 4/10 at 9:09 pm

    This salmon is so delicious. I’ve already made it at least five times. The sauce on the salmon is so good, I love making a little extra to put on my rice and veggies.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/11 at 3:45 pm

      Hi Olivia, so happy you love it so much!!

      Reply
  9. Hannah Neville says

    Posted on 3/31 at 5:01 pm

    My husband and I LOVED this recipe. We have been on an Erin Lives Whole recipe kick at least twice a week and this is by far our most favorite salmon recipe ever! So flavorful and crispy on the outside, yet tender on the inside! Thank you Erin!!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/1 at 8:44 am

      Hi Hannah, ah I love hearing that! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Anne says

    Posted on 3/30 at 7:21 pm

    My boyfriend complains that I can’t cook so I made him this and he swears it was my best meal to date. To be honest, I agree. It was super easy and the flavors really did work well together. Looking forward to trying other recipes.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/30 at 9:20 pm

      Hi Anne, I am so happy you both loved it!! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
  11. Amanda says

    Posted on 3/29 at 9:18 pm

    This dish was super easy and fast! The crust the mixture creates on the salmon is amazing, the best salmon I’ve made to date!! Will definitely be a staple in the dinner rotation!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/30 at 8:34 am

      Hi Amanda, so glad you liked it!!

      Reply
  12. Kim says

    Posted on 3/29 at 9:08 pm

    I made this tonight and it was so delicious! It will definitely be one of my go-to salmon recipes!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/30 at 8:34 am

      Hi Kim, so glad you enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  13. Christina says

    Posted on 3/24 at 8:29 pm

    This was actually to die for…another great recipe from ELW! The perfect blend of sweet and spicy I will definitely be making again 🙂

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/24 at 8:36 pm

      Hi Christina, so glad you liked it!!

      Reply
  14. Sarah says

    Posted on 3/23 at 7:43 pm

    This is a great recipe that is very flavorful!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/23 at 9:38 pm

      Hi Sarah, so glad you enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  15. Alicia Connelly says

    Posted on 3/16 at 8:04 pm

    This salmon recipe was fun and so delish!!! First time making my own Cajun spice!
    Now, if we could only find nice thick filets of wild salmon!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/16 at 10:12 pm

      Hi Alicia, so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  16. Megan G says

    Posted on 3/14 at 7:42 pm

    WOW!! This was the perfect combination of light, delicious and yet so full of flavor. I saw the Instagram post and I knew I had to make that! An easy top 5 favorite. Highly recommend for a scrumptious dinner!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/15 at 12:22 pm

      Hi Megan, so glad you enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  17. Liora says

    Posted on 3/13 at 1:51 am

    So so good! My boyfriend is pretty picky and he LOVED this recipe.

    I would double the sauce if you like extra for drippings over rice

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/13 at 5:47 pm

      Hi Liora, so glad you both enjoyed it so much!!

      Reply
    • Nicole S says

      Posted on 10/17 at 12:26 pm

      I’ve made this 2 ways so far! 1- in skillet as explained & also did the salmon in the air fryer & added sauce on top once salmon was crispy! Lemme tell ya, both ways DELICIOUS!

      Reply
      • Erin says

        Posted on 10/18 at 5:58 pm

        Hi Nicole, ah you’re a pro! So glad you loved it!!

  18. Caroline says

    Posted on 3/12 at 2:47 pm

    Hey Erin! This salmon looks delectable and I cannot wait to make it in the coming week! I’m wondering if the sodium in the nutrition facts didn’t get divided into four portions, though, as it seems a little high?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/12 at 7:46 pm

      Hi Caroline, hmm you’re right. It looks like the calculator I used didn’t divide it out. Thanks for letting me know!

      Reply
      • Erin says

        Posted on 3/15 at 12:29 pm

        Hi Caroline, I went in and fixed it. Thanks for letting me know about the error!

  19. Kim says

    Posted on 3/10 at 7:53 pm

    So good and very easy! Made a lot of extra Cajun spice mix to keep on hand… My fiancé loved it which says a lot, he never eats fish.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/10 at 9:48 pm

      Hi Kim, I am thrilled you two enjoyed it so much!!

      Reply
  20. Georgeann says

    Posted on 3/10 at 7:34 am

    Wow- first ELW has taught me a whole new way and cooking salmon and I will never go back. Then there’s this recipe… OMG amazing, quick and simple, the flavors come together for an incredible meal. It will be a staple in our house!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/10 at 9:41 pm

      Hi Georgeann, thanks for your kind words!! I am so happy you enjoyed 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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cajun parmesan salmon
cajun parmesan salmon