Description
This Cajun Salmon Avocado Lime recipe features perfectly seasoned and seared salmon fillets paired with a creamy, tangy avocado lime crema. Served with rice, black beans, corn, and fresh vegetables, this dish can be enjoyed as tacos, bowls, or plated meals. The Cajun spice blend adds a flavorful kick, balanced by the cool and zesty avocado lime sauce, making it a vibrant and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cajun Salmon
- 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
For the 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
For Serving
- 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 the Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper into a paste. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
- Marinate (Optional): For enhanced flavor, let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Heat the Pan: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat; cast iron is preferred but any non-stick skillet works. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and heat until it shimmers.
- Sear the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets gently in the hot skillet, skin-side down if the skin is on. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden and the fish releases easily from the pan.
- Flip and Cook: Turn the fillets over and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Alternative Cooking Methods (Optional): Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake seasoned salmon on parchment-lined sheet for 12-15 minutes. Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high and grill salmon 4-5 minutes per side, oiling grates to prevent sticking. Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and air fry salmon fillets for 8-10 minutes until cooked through.
- Rest the Salmon: Remove cooked salmon from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Prepare the Avocado Lime Crema: Halve the avocados, remove pits, and scoop flesh into a food processor or blender.
- Add Ingredients: Add sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper if using into blender with avocado.
- Blend: Puree mixture until smooth and creamy. If too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until reaching desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the crema and adjust salt or lime juice to your preference.
- Chill (Optional): For best flavor, refrigerate the avocado lime crema for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prepare Serving Base: While salmon cooks or rests, prepare cooked rice, black beans, corn, and warm tortillas as desired.
- Flake the Salmon: Use a fork to gently flake the rested salmon into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble Your Dish: Bowls: Layer rice, black beans, corn; top with flaked salmon, chopped red onion, diced tomatoes, and drizzle with avocado lime crema; garnish with lime wedges and cilantro. Tacos: Fill warm tortillas with shredded lettuce, flaked salmon, chopped onion, diced tomatoes, and dollop crema; garnish with lime and cilantro. Plates: Serve salmon with rice and beans, accompanied by avocado lime crema and garnished with lime wedges and cilantro.
- Garnish and Serve: Add extra cilantro and lime wedges to your dish. Serve immediately for the best flavor and enjoy!
Notes
- Marinating the salmon is optional but recommended for enhanced flavor.
- Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream makes the avocado lime crema lighter and healthier.
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper in the crema based on your spice preference or omit it entirely.
- For skin-on salmon, searing skin-side down first provides a crispy texture.
- Alternative cooking methods include baking, grilling, or air frying depending on your equipment and preference.
- Serving ideas include rice bowls, tacos, or plated meals with black beans and fresh vegetables.
- Add fresh lime juice just before serving for extra brightness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Keywords: Cajun salmon, avocado lime crema, salmon tacos, salmon bowls, Cajun seasoning, healthy salmon recipe, easy salmon dinner
