Baked Salmon with Cajun Lime (Printable version)
Flaky salmon fillets topped with zesty Cajun spices and fresh lime for a healthy, spicy weeknight meal.
# List of ingredients:
→ Fish
01 - 4 salmon fillets (approx. 5 oz each), skin-on or skinless
→ Seasoning
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
04 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/4 tsp salt
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Citrus
08 - 2 limes (1 zested and juiced, 1 sliced into rounds)
→ Garnish
09 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
# Directions:
01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if applicable.
03 - In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, lime zest, and lime juice.
04 - Brush or spoon the spice mixture evenly over each salmon fillet.
05 - Top each fillet with a slice of lime.
06 - Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is just opaque in the center.
07 - Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The salmon stays buttery and tender while the spices create this gorgeous crust that doesn't overpower the fish.
- Fifteen minutes of actual cooking time means you can pull off something that feels fancy on a regular weeknight without stress.
- The lime keeps everything bright and prevents that heavy feeling some salmon dishes can give you.
02 -
- Overcooked salmon becomes dry and cottony, so start checking at the 12-minute mark and remember that carryover cooking continues for a minute after you pull it out.
- Pat that salmon completely dry or the seasoning won't stick properly, and you'll end up with spice mixture pooling at the bottom of the pan instead of clinging to the fish.
03 -
- If you have time, marinate the salmon in the seasoning mixture for up to 30 minutes before baking, the flavors work deeper into the flesh and everything tastes more intentional.
- Lemon can absolutely replace lime if that's what you have, the technique is the same and the result is just a shade less aggressive, which some people prefer.