Baked Salmon with Cajun (Print version)

Tender salmon baked with smoky Cajun spices for a quick, flavorful meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Fish

01 - 4 skinless salmon fillets, 6 oz each

→ Cajun Seasoning Blend

02 - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
05 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
06 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
07 - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
08 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
09 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Other

10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1 lemon, sliced
12 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
02 - Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl; mix well.
03 - Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
04 - Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over the top of each fillet, pressing gently to adhere.
05 - Place the seasoned salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
06 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center.
07 - Serve immediately garnished with lemon slices and fresh parsley as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It delivers bold, smoky heat without any complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
  • The salmon stays incredibly moist inside while the spice crust adds just enough bite to keep every forkful exciting.
  • You can have dinner on the table in under half an hour, leaving plenty of time to actually enjoy it.
02 -
  • Drying the salmon thoroughly before oiling is non-negotiable, or the seasoning will slide right off and pool on the pan.
  • Oven temperatures vary wildly, so start checking your salmon at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking and drying it out.
  • If your cayenne is fresh and potent, cut it in half the first time or you might end up with a fillet that's more fire than flavor.
03 -
  • Let the salmon sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking so it cooks more evenly and stays tender in the center.
  • Use a pastry brush to apply the olive oil in a thin, even layer, which helps the seasoning stick without making the fish greasy.
  • If you love extra char, switch your oven to broil for the last minute or two and watch it closely so it doesn't burn.

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