This is perfectly seasoned, flaky & juicy Cajun Salmon that is done in 15 minutes! It is a restaurant-quality recipe you can get on the table FAST, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. Serve your Cajun Salmon with a side of this Cajun Aioli. It’s made with store bought mayo, so it’s easy too!
If you love fish and seafood definitely also check out this Cajun Shrimp recipe and 15 minute Blackened Tilapia… they are both super FAST and go great with the Cajun Aioli linked above.
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Why Make This Recipe
- It bakes in the oven, so after it is seasoned it is hands-off cooking!
- The homemade Cajun seasoning is full of herbs and spices that flavor the salmon perfectly.
- It is the perfect weeknight dinner because it is so easy to make.
- Salmon is a healthy dinner option you can feel great serving your family!
Listen to the Audio Recipe!
You can listen to the full recipe including all the tips and tricks and side dish ideas! There is a convenient audio player in the recipe card below.
Ingredient Details
Here are the ingredients you need to make this Cajun Salmon recipe, plus some tips on a few ingredients.
Salmon – You will want to purchase 6-8 ounce fresh salmon fillets. They can be skin on or skinless.
Smoked Paprika – There are a couple varieties of paprika. You will want to make sure you have SMOKED paprika. It imparts the best smoky flavor!
Brown Sugar – When you mix brown sugar into your spice mix, make sure to break down any clumps.
Additional Spices – Garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne powder, thyme, oregano, kosher salt and pepper.
Mom’s Tip
Make sure you are getting the best flavor from your herbs and spices. Ground spices can be kept for about 6 months, whole spices can be kept for 5 years!
Step-by-Step Picture Instructions
This Cajun Salmon recipe comes together quickly. Once you make the homemade Cajun seasoning it is only about 12 minutes until dinner is ready. (which is the perfect amount of time to make roasted asparagus as a side dish!)
Preheat the oven to 400°F, make sure your oven rack is in the middle position.
Prep a baking sheet with baking spray or oil.
In a small bowl combine the seasonings and spices – brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, oregano, cayenne pepper, and thyme.
Give it a good stir so no brown sugar clumps remain.
Brush all sides of the salmon fillets with olive oil. Sprinkle the seasoning on all sides. If you have skin on salmon, just press the seasoning into the top and sides of the filets.
Place the fillets on the baking sheet and pop in the oven for 12-14 minutes, until the salmon is firm but not dry.
Mom’s Tip
If you have an instant read thermometer, pull your salmon from the oven when it reads 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
Serving
Serve immediately with a side of Cajun Aioli (recipe linked in recipe card below).
A green veggie like oven roasted asparagus or roasted broccoli and a rice side dish like dirty rice and beans, a Cajun rice or rice pilaf would be great side dishes.
Recipe Tips
- Do not overcook your salmon. You want the salmon to be flaky and moist. I recommend cooking about 12 minutes, or at 135°F internal temperature.
- Make sure your herbs and spices are full of flavor and not expired. Give them a good whiff, if you cannot smell them they should be replaced.
- Purchase quality salmon, the flesh should be shiny, moist and brightly colored.
More Cajun Style Recipes
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Did you make this recipe?
I would love to hear your review, especially if you have tips and tricks to add! Pop down to the comment section and connect with me
Cajun Salmon Recipe + Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 (6-8 ounce) fresh salmon fillets
- 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon each: black pepper and dried oregano leaves
- ¼ teaspoon each: cayenne pepper and dried thyme leaves
- cooking spray for the baking sheet
Serving
- Cajun dipping sauce – - use this Cajun Aioli Recipe
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, make sure your oven rack is in the middle position.
- Prep a baking sheet, spray with cooking spray or oil.
- In a small bowl combine the seasonings and spices – brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, oregano, cayenne pepper, and thyme.Give it a good stir so no brown sugar clumps remain.Mom's Tip: if you love spicy salmon add a little extra cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes!2 teaspoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon each: black pepper and dried oregano leaves, ¼ teaspoon each: cayenne pepper and dried thyme leaves, 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Brush all sides of the salmon fillets with olive oil. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning on all sides.4 (6-8 ounce) fresh salmon fillets, 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil
- Place the fillets on the baking sheet and pop in the oven for 12-14 minutes, until the salmon is firm but not dry.Mom's Tip: if you have an instant read thermometer take the salmon out of the oven at 135° F.
Serving
- Serve your salmon with a side of Cajun Aioli, a green veggie and a Cajun rice or pilaf.
Recipe Tips and Notes:
- Do not overcook your salmon. You want the salmon to be flaky and moist. I recommend cooking about 12 minutes, or at 135 degrees internal temperature.
- Make sure your herbs and spices are full of flavor and not expired. Give them a good whiff, if you cannot smell them they should be replaced.
- Purchase quality salmon, the flesh should be shiny, moist and brightly colored.
Joyce says
I’ve made this a couple of times now and it is one of my go to salmon recipes. Delicious!
Susie Weinrich says
Excellent! Do you pair it with the Cajun Aioli?
Tracy says
Made this last night and it’s a keeper! Absolutely delicious with the Cajun Aioli….takes it over the top!
Jounayet Rahman says
This is so yummy.