Baked Salmon Cajun Spice (Printable)
Tender salmon fillets baked with a bold Cajun spice blend deliver a quick, flavorful meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fish
01 - 4 salmon fillets (about 5 oz each), skin-on or skinless
→ Cajun Seasoning Blend
02 - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
05 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
06 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
08 - ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
09 - ½ teaspoon salt
→ For Baking
10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1 lemon, sliced
12 - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - In a small bowl, mix all the Cajun seasoning spices until well combined.
03 - Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush each fillet with olive oil on both sides.
04 - Generously sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the salmon fillets, pressing lightly to adhere.
05 - Arrange the seasoned salmon fillets on the prepared baking tray. Place lemon slices on or around the fillets.
06 - Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
07 - Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- Ready in under 30 minutes with ingredients you probably already have
- The spice rub creates a gorgeous crust that seals in all the juices
- Easily adjustable heat level so everyone at the table stays happy
02 -
- Dry those salmon fillets thoroughly with paper towels or the seasoning slides right off
- Dont be shy with the spice rub it needs to coat the fish generously for that crust
- Check for doneness at the 12 minute mark, overcooking makes salmon dry and sad
03 -
- Room temperature salmon cooks more evenly than cold straight from the fridge
- Let the fish rest for 2 minutes after baking, it keeps all those juices inside