Description
This Cajun Salmon Avocado Lime recipe features perfectly seasoned salmon fillets cooked to crispy perfection and paired with a creamy, zesty avocado lime crema. Ideal for bowl, taco, or plate meals, it combines the bold flavors of Cajun spices with fresh lime and cilantro for a vibrant, nutritious dish that’s quick to prepare and versatile for various serving styles.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Avocado Lime Crema
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2–3 tablespoons water, to thin to desired consistency
Serving Components
- Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- Black beans
- Corn kernels
- Chopped red onion
- Diced tomatoes
- Lime wedges
- Tortillas (corn or flour)
- Shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a better sear.
- Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, mix Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a paste. Rub this mixture evenly on both sides of the salmon fillets.
- Marinate (Optional): For enhanced flavor, refrigerate the seasoned salmon for 15 to 30 minutes to let the spices penetrate.
- Heat the Pan: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Heat until oil shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough for searing.
- Sear the Salmon: Place salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin on) in the hot skillet. Cook without disturbing for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and salmon releases easily from the pan.
- Flip and Cook: Turn the salmon over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until fully cooked through and flakes easily. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Alternative Cooking Methods: You can also bake, grill, or air fry the salmon. For baking, heat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes. For grilling, cook 4-5 minutes per side over medium-high heat. For air frying, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes.
- Rest the Salmon: Remove the cooked salmon from the heat and let it rest a few minutes to redistribute juices and improve texture.
- Prepare Avocado Lime Crema: Halve avocados, remove pits, and place flesh into a food processor or blender.
- Add Ingredients: Add sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper to the blender.
- Blend: Blend until smooth and creamy. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time if the crema is too thick, adjusting to desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the crema and adjust salt or lime juice if necessary for balance.
- Chill (Optional): For best flavor, refrigerate the avocado lime crema for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prepare Your Base: While salmon cooks or rests, prepare cooked rice, black beans, corn, and warm tortillas if making tacos or bowls.
- Flake the Salmon: Use a fork to gently flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble Your Dish: For bowls, layer rice, black beans, and corn; top with salmon, chopped onion, diced tomatoes, and drizzle avocado crema. For tacos, fill warmed tortillas with shredded lettuce, salmon, onion, tomatoes, and avocado crema. For plates, serve salmon alongside rice, black beans, and a side of avocado lime crema.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro. Serve immediately while fresh and flavorful.
Notes
- Skin-on salmon provides a crispy texture but can be omitted if preferred.
- Marinating salmon is optional but enhances flavor and moisture.
- The avocado lime crema can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- Adjust cayenne pepper in crema according to preferred spice level.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier crema option.
- Ensure salmon is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F for safety and best texture.
- Leftover crema can be used as a dip for vegetables or chips.
- Serve with a variety of rice options or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun
Keywords: Cajun salmon, avocado lime crema, salmon tacos, spicy salmon recipe, healthy salmon dish, Cajun seasoning, avocado sauce, quick salmon dinner
