Print

Blackened Salmon Recipe with Creamy Cajun Sauce Easy and Delicious

blackened salmon recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy blackened salmon recipe featuring a smoky, spicy crust and a silky creamy cajun sauce that balances bold flavors with simple prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each), skin-on or skinless depending on preference
  • 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, for searing
  • ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise (use light mayo if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Rub the seasoning mix evenly on all sides of each fillet. Let them rest for about 10 minutes at room temperature.
  4. While the salmon rests, whisk together cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, cajun seasoning, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Chill in the fridge.
  5. Place a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  6. Lay the fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) in the pan. Press gently with a spatula to ensure even contact. Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving until edges look opaque and crust forms.
  7. Flip the salmon fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until fish flakes easily with a fork but remains moist inside.
  8. Transfer salmon to plates and spoon the creamy cajun sauce generously over the top or on the side. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before seasoning to ensure a good crust. Use cast iron for best sear. Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat. Sauce can be chilled ahead to meld flavors. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and mayo with dairy-free alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: blackened salmon, cajun sauce, creamy cajun sauce, quick salmon recipe, easy dinner, seafood, spicy salmon, healthy salmon recipe

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/blackened-salmon-recipe-with-creamy-cajun-sauce-easy-and-delicious/