Cajun Honey Salmon (Printable)

Spiced salmon with sweet honey glaze, ready in 25 minutes

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless

→ Cajun Spice Mix

02 - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
05 - 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
06 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Honey Glaze

10 - 3 tablespoons honey
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ For Cooking

13 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Garnish

14 - Fresh chopped parsley
15 - Lemon wedges

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Rub the Cajun spice mix evenly over the salmon fillets.
04 - Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
05 - In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice, and melted butter until smooth.
06 - Spoon half the honey glaze evenly over the top of the spiced salmon fillets.
07 - Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until salmon is almost cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
08 - Remove from oven, brush with the remaining honey glaze, and broil for 1-2 minutes for a caramelized finish.
09 - Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The way the honey caramelizes under the broiler creates this incredible sticky coating that keeps the salmon impossibly moist
  • You get restaurant-quality results with about 15 minutes of actual work
  • The spice rub hits you first then the honey smooths it out like a perfect conversation
02 -
  • The salmon will continue cooking after you pull it from the oven so aim for slightly underdone
  • That final broil step is what transforms this from good to absolutely incredible
  • The glaze thickens as it cools so serve it warm for the best texture
03 -
  • Room temperature salmon cooks more evenly so try to let it sit out for 15 minutes before starting
  • A meat thermometer is your friend here because 125°F is the sweet spot for perfectly cooked fish

Go Back