This Cajun salmon is packed with flavor! It’s seasoned with spicy Cajun spices that give it a tasty kick, and it’s perfectly cooked to flaky goodness.
The avocado lime sauce adds a creamy, refreshing touch that balances the heat. I love spreading it on my salmon and calling it a zesty day! 😄
Making this dish is a breeze. Just season, cook, and blend the sauce. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or impressing friends at a casual get-together!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the star of this dish! If you can’t find salmon, consider using trout or even tilapia as a substitute. Both work nicely with Cajun seasoning.
Cajun Seasoning: This mix typically includes paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and oregano. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, a mix of these spices will work too. A little chili powder can also add spice, if that’s your preference.
Avocado: Ripe avocados are essential for a creamy sauce. If avocados are out of season, try mashed ripe bananas for a different twist, though the flavor will change significantly.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: I love using Greek yogurt for added protein and creaminess. If dairy is a concern, try coconut yogurt or a non-dairy sour cream alternative. They can work in a pinch!
How Do I Cook Salmon Perfectly?
Cooking salmon can be tricky if it’s your first time. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Pat your salmon dry to help it sear beautifully and develop a slight crust.
- Use medium-high heat to get a nice golden color without overcooking.
- Keep an eye on the salmon when flipping it. You want the second-side to cook gently without drying out.
- Look for the salmon to turn from bright reddish-orange to a lighter pink as it cooks. It’s perfect when it flakes easily with a fork but is still moist inside.
Remember, it’s okay to slightly undercook the salmon! It will continue to cook a bit from residual heat once you take it off the stove.
Cajun Salmon With Avocado Lime Sauce
Ingredients:
For the Cajun Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
For the Avocado Lime Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1-2 tbsp water (to thin sauce)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnishes:
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Avocado slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take about 20 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the salmon and sauce, and another 10 minutes cooking the salmon. It’s a quick and tasty dinner option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps them get that delicious sear! Next, rub Cajun seasoning all over both sides. Add just a bit of salt to enhance the flavors.
2. Cook the Salmon:
Heat up the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the salmon fillets in the skillet skin-side down (if your fillets have skin). Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes until they’re golden brown and look crisp.
3. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Gently flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. You’ll know it’s done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Once cooked, remove it from heat and set aside.
4. Make the Avocado Lime Sauce:
While the salmon is cooking, let’s whip up that delicious sauce! In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, cilantro, and garlic. Blend it all until smooth. If it’s too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Finally, season the sauce with some salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve:
Now it’s time to serve! Place the salmon fillets on a plate and generously spoon the avocado lime sauce over the top and around the salmon for nice presentation.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finish it off by garnishing with chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and lime wedges. Enjoy this flavorful, creamy, and slightly spicy dish while it’s warm!
This meal is sure to impress, balancing the zesty Cajun flavors with the cool, creamy avocado lime sauce. Enjoy your cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure it’s completely thawed before cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker thaw.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own Cajun seasoning by mixing equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and add cayenne pepper to taste. This will give you that signature spicy flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Sauce?
Store any leftover avocado lime sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To prevent browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the sauce surface before sealing the container.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the avocado lime sauce ahead of time. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it, but be sure to consume it within a few days for the best taste and freshness.
