This creamy Cajun pepper salmon is bursting with flavor! It’s a tasty dish that features tender salmon coated in a spicy and rich creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner!
I love how this meal comes together in just a few minutes. Serve it with rice or veggies, and you’ll feel like a gourmet chef—without the fuss! Who doesn’t love that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are ideal, but if you’re looking for an alternative, try using trout or tilapia. Both have a nice flavor and will work well in this recipe.
Cajun seasoning: You can make your own Cajun mix with spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and oregano. If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to use a milder seasoning or adjust the amount to your taste!
Heavy cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or evaporated milk. Coconut cream is also a great dairy-free alternative that adds a unique flavor!
Red bell pepper: If you don’t have a red bell pepper, any color bell pepper works. You can also skip it altogether or substitute with another veggie like spinach or zucchini for a different twist.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Sautéed Veggies?
Sautéing onions and bell peppers is key for adding flavor to the sauce. Here’s how to do it right:
- Always heat your skillet before adding oil to prevent sticking. Aim for medium heat so the veggies cook evenly without burning.
- Cook the onions until they’re translucent—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This step brings out their natural sweetness!
- Adding bell peppers next helps them retain a bit of crunch, so sauté for just 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Finally, add minced garlic for that aromatic flavor, stirring it in for only about 30 seconds. Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it!
With these tips, your veggies will enhance the creamy Cajun pepper sauce and perfectly complement the salmon!
How to Make Creamy Cajun Pepper Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin removed
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 15 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll need about 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Start by patting your salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the spices stick better! Next, rub Cajun seasoning evenly on both sides of the salmon. You can adjust the amount of seasoning based on your spice preference.
2. Sear the Salmon:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot (you can test it by splashing a drop of water in—if it sizzles, it’s ready!), carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet. Let them sear for about 3-4 minutes per side until they have a nice golden crust and are cooked through. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Veggies:
Reduce the heat to medium and in the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are softened. You want them to be tender but still maintain some crunch.
4. Add Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Stir it continuously so it doesn’t burn—garlic can go from fragrant to burnt very quickly!
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, giving it a good stir to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Then, add the heavy cream, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to taste. Let this simmer for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Combine with Salmon:
Return the salmon to the skillet, gently spooning some of the creamy sauce over the top. Allow it to cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through. This will enhance the flavors and keep your salmon nice and warm.
7. Serve it Up:
Dish out the creamy Cajun pepper salmon over a bed of warm cooked white rice. Don’t forget to drizzle generously with that luscious sauce! Finally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Enjoy every bite of your creamy, spicy, and flavorful Cajun pepper salmon!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best method is to place the salmon in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut cream or cashew cream for a deliciously creamy consistency!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning used. Alternatively, consider using a mild Cajun blend or adding a touch of brown sugar to balance the heat. You can also add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors without adding spice.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating.
