This tasty Cajun salmon is seasoned perfectly with bold spices and served with a creamy avocado lime sauce. It’s a fun and zesty twist that brings a kick to your dinner plate!
The combination of spicy salmon and cool avocado sauce is simply delightful. I love slathering the sauce on everything—I’m pretty sure it makes the veggies taste better too! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are ideal for this recipe. You can use skin-on or skinless. If salmon is not available, trout or even tilapia can be alternative options. Just adjust cooking times for thinner fillets.
Cajun Seasoning: This spice mix is what gives salmon its kick! If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper can substitute well. You can adjust the spice levels to your liking!
Avocado: A ripe avocado is key for the sauce’s creaminess. If avocados are hard to find or you’re short on time, you can use store-bought guacamole. Though fresh avocado usually tastes best, this works in a pinch!
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Mostly, I use Greek yogurt for a healthier option, but sour cream can add a bit of tanginess. You could also try plant-based yogurt if you want a dairy-free version.
How Do You Cook Salmon Perfectly Without Overdoing It?
Cooking salmon can be tricky, but it’s all about watching the cooking time and temperature. Here’s how to ensure you nail it every time:
- Start with a hot but not smoking skillet to achieve a nice sear on the salmon.
- Cook the salmon skin side down first, if applicable. This helps keep it from sticking to the pan.
- Check for doneness: the salmon should easily flake with a fork when done. It should be opaque and moist inside.
- Let it rest for a minute after cooking. It continues to cook slightly off the heat, which prevents it from drying out.
With these tips, you’ll have beautifully cooked salmon every time! Enjoy your delicious and flavorful dish!
Cajun Salmon With Avocado Lime Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cajun Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
For the Avocado Lime Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2-3 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed)
For Garnish:
- 1 small tomato, finely diced
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be enjoying this delicious meal in about 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Avocado Lime Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), fresh cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, and salt. Blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until you get a pourable consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, and then set it aside.
2. Season the Salmon:
Use paper towels to pat the salmon fillets dry, which helps them sear nicely. Rub a generous amount of Cajun seasoning evenly over both sides of the salmon, along with a pinch of salt for flavor.
3. Cook the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets, starting with the skin side down if they’re skin-on. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the salmon is cooked through and has a nice charred exterior. When it’s done, remove the salmon from heat.
4. Plate:
Pour a generous amount of the avocado lime sauce onto each plate as a base. Place a salmon fillet on top of the sauce, allowing that beautiful color to shine through.
5. Top and Garnish:
Optional: You can spoon a little extra avocado mash on top of each salmon fillet if you’d like. Then, sprinkle the diced tomato and chopped cilantro over everything for a fresh and colorful finish!
6. Serve:
Enjoy your Cajun salmon with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or a crisp green salad. Dive into the vibrant flavors of spicy Cajun salmon perfectly balanced with the creamy avocado lime sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to leave it in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Cajun Seasoning?
If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can create your own mix with equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Adjust the spices according to your heat preference!
How to Store Leftover Avocado Lime Sauce?
Store any leftover avocado lime sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To prevent browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce before sealing the container. Give it a stir before using again.
Can I Make the Avocado Lime Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the avocado lime sauce several hours in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve, and remember to give it a good stir if it separates a bit.