Description
This Cajun Salmon Avocado Lime recipe features perfectly seared salmon fillets coated in a flavorful Cajun spice blend, paired with a creamy and zesty avocado lime crema. Ideal for serving in bowls, tacos, or plates with rice, black beans, corn, and fresh vegetables, this dish offers a deliciously spicy and refreshing meal packed with bold flavors and healthy fats.
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, for a little kick)
- 2–3 tablespoons water, to thin to desired consistency
Serving Accompaniments
- 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 ensure a good sear.
- Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, mix Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into a paste. Rub it evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
- Marinate (Optional): Refrigerate the seasoned salmon for 15 to 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Heat the Pan: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil until shimmering.
- Sear the Salmon: Place salmon fillets skin-side down if skin is on. Sear for 4-5 minutes until skin is crispy and golden and fish releases easily from the pan.
- Flip and Cook: Turn the salmon and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through and flakes easily; internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C).
- Alternative Cooking Methods: You may bake (400°F for 12-15 minutes), grill (medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side), or air fry (400°F for 8-10 minutes) the seasoned salmon instead of pan-searing.
- Rest the Salmon: Remove from heat and let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Prepare the Avocado Lime Crema: Scoop the avocado flesh into a blender or food processor.
- Add Ingredients: Add sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper (optional) to the blender.
- Blend: Process until smooth and creamy; add water one tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Adjust salt, lime, or cayenne to preference for balanced flavor.
- Chill (Optional): Refrigerate crema for 30 minutes for best flavor integration.
- Prepare Your Base: While salmon cooks or rests, prepare rice, black beans, corn, warm tortillas, and vegetables as desired for serving.
- Flake the Salmon: Use a fork to gently break salmon into flakes for easy serving.
- Assemble Your Dish: For bowls, layer rice, black beans, corn, flaked salmon, onion, tomatoes, and drizzle avocado crema. For tacos, fill tortillas with lettuce, salmon, onion, tomatoes, and crema. For plates, serve salmon with rice, beans, and crema on the side.
- Garnish and Serve: Add lime wedges and extra cilantro on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Marinating the salmon is optional but enhances the flavors.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier crema.
- If using skin-on salmon, sear skin side down first for a crisp texture.
- Adjust cayenne pepper in the crema according to your heat preference.
- The avocado lime crema can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours; stir before serving.
- Serve with cauliflower rice to keep this dish low-carb and gluten free.
- Ensure the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Keywords: Cajun salmon, avocado lime crema, seared salmon, Cajun seasoning, healthy seafood, quick dinner, salmon tacos, salmon bowls
