This Pan Seared Cajun Salmon recipe is perfectly golden and crispy on the edges with a flakey and tender center. It’s one of our family’s favorite low carb salmon recipe that’s super quick to make in under 15 minutes from start to finish.
This salmon recipe is loaded with flavor just like my favorite Parmesan Crusted Cod. It’s a delicious flavored garlic butter pan-roasted salmon recipe that uses few ingredients for maximum taste. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal so your kitchen will be clean with you’re done with this meal. Probably one of the most delicious, juicy pieces of salmon that I’ve ever made.
- Why is this The Best Salmon Recipe?
- Is Salmon Keto Friendly?
- What is Cajun Seasoning?
- How To Choose Salmon
- Ingredients For Pan-Seared Cajun Salmon
- How To Make Pan-Seared Cajun Salmon
- How To Know If Salmon Is Done
- What to Serve with Pan-Fried Cajun Salmon?
- Looking For More Healthy Salmon Recipes? Try these:
- Pan Seared Cajun Salmon
Watch this quick step-by-step video to see how easy it is to make this delicious Cajun Salmon Recipe:
Why is this The Best Salmon Recipe?
My favorite Cajun Salmon Recipe is:
- Easy to make in under 15 minutes
- Low Carb and Keto Friendly
- Pan roasted to perfection and loaded with garlic butter flavor
- Perfect for meal prep – cooked salmon can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months.
- Make ahead recipe – season the salmon the night before cooking as it needs only 10 minutes to cook in the pan.
Is Salmon Keto Friendly?
Yes, salmon is good on any diet. It’s one of the most nutritious foods and a great source of protein. Salmon is a great keto food since it is low in carbs, high in healthy fats, B vitamins, selenium, and studies show it may help with weight loss. Salmon is a zero-carb food that’s super versatile and delicious cooked in various ways.
What is Cajun Seasoning?
Cajun Seasoning originates from Louisiana, and it’s super versatile, and it’s made from commonly used spices in Cajun cuisine. You’ll need essential ingredients such as paprika cayenne, garlic powder, and pepper.
It’s not only simple to prepare, but you probably have all of the spices you’ll need in your pantry! Homemade Cajun seasoning it’s so much better than store-bought, plus you can control the quality of the ingredients.
How To Choose Salmon
- Texture – Filets that are chalky, dry, sticky, or soft to the touch should be avoided. Choose shiny filets that are firm to touch.
- Appearance – Look for filets with a bright, rich color. Salmon should be pink or coral color, depending on the salmon variety. You have to look for something bright versus a fish that is white in color.
- Smell – There shouldn’t be much of a smell to the fish. Avoid salmon that has a fishy smell.
Ingredients For Pan-Seared Cajun Salmon
If you love salmon, then this quick and easy low carb salmon is perfect for you. Here are all the ingredients you’ll need:
- Salmon fillets, skin on – a low-cost, commonly consumed fish that is nutritious, high in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and simple to prepare. The skin helps the meat keep the moisture and shape as it cooks.
- Olive oil – To make the salmon skin extra crispy, I used extra virgin olive oil, but avocado oil or butter would also work.
- Garlic cloves – To save time, use fresh minced garlic or jarred garlic.
- White wine – Any white cooking wine or dry white wine is excellent.
- Parsley – adds a lovely refreshing taste, plus the bright green color makes this recipe looks appetizing.
- Lemon juice – Lemon Slices and lemon juice are need in this recipe. In this dish, lemons are a must-have component.
- Cajun seasoning – This type of seasoning goes perfectly with salmon.
How To Make Pan-Seared Cajun Salmon
For making this delicious Pan-Seared Cajun Salmon, you just have to follow some easy steps.
- Start by seasoning the salmon with your Cajun Seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Then cook the salmon by placing each piece of salmon with skin side up for 3-4 minutes, then flip over and continue cooking.
- Prepare the sauce. To keep the taste from salmon, add in the same pan the butter and garlic and cook until the garlic is soft. Then, add the white wine and cook until the sauce for 2-3 minutes on medium heat.
- Stir in more butter, freshly chopped parsley, lemon juice, and a little more Cajun Seasoning. Gently simmer until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Bring the salmon back to the pan, pour a few tablespoons of garlic butter over each salmon fillet.
- Remove from the heat, top with parsley, and top with garlic sauce and serve with extra lemon juice if desired.
How To Know If Salmon Is Done
According to the USDA, You know salmon is cooked and safe to eat when an instant meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the fillet indicates a 145ËšF temperature—fish continues to cook after removing from the heat.
You need to avoid overcooking salmon whether you cook it in the oven or a skillet. I like to check the salmon with a fork to see if it flakes easily to know if it’s done. On the inside, it’s also semi-translucent, which I like. This indicates that it is medium-rare. It’s OK to cook it until the interior is slightly opaque, but not much longer! You don’t want it to get too dry.
What to Serve with Pan-Fried Cajun Salmon?
This is such a delicious meal on its own, but there are a variety of side dishes that pair perfectly with salmon. Here are some ideas for low-carb side dishes that will inspire you:
- Cauliflower Rice Recipe
- Crispy Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
- Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
- Authentic Pico de Gallo
- German Cucumber Salad
Looking For More Healthy Salmon Recipes? Try these:
- Cream Cheese Dill Baked Salmon
- Cucumber Smoked Salmon Appetizer with Dill Cream Cheese
- Easy Keto Salmon Quiche • Savory Low Carb Pie
- The Best Low Carb Keto Salmon Patties Recipe • Ready in 20 minutes
Pan Seared Cajun Salmon
Description
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets skin on about 1/2 lb.
- 1 tbsp Homemade Cajun seasoning divided
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter divided
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup white wine
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat dry salmon fillets with a clean paper towel. Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
- Heat the olive oil in a medium, non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook the salmon flesh-side down. Sear untouched for 3-4 minutes, then flip on the other side and cook for 2-3 more minutes or until it looks crispy and golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Make the garlic butter sauce
- To the same pan, add 1tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour the white wine and bring it to a boil.
- Add in the remaining butter, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and Cajun seasoning. Simmer until it starts to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the salmon back to the pan, pour a few tablespoons of garlic butter over each salmon fillet.
- Serve immediately, drizzle with garlic butter sauce and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Video
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.
