Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Crema Recipe
Introduction
This Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Crema is a vibrant and flavorful dish that balances spicy, creamy, and tangy elements perfectly. Whether served in bowls, tacos, or on a plate, it offers a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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 the crema
- Optional for serving: cooked rice, black beans, corn kernels, chopped red onion, diced tomatoes, lime wedges, tortillas, shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to form a paste. Rub evenly over both sides of the salmon.
- Step 2: (Optional) Marinate the salmon in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once shimmering, place salmon fillets skin-side down if leaving skin on. Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden.
- Step 4: Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until cooked through and flakes easily. Remove from heat and let rest.
- Step 5: To make the avocado lime crema, combine avocado flesh, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, cilantro, garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth.
- Step 6: Add water, one tablespoon at a time, to thin the crema to a pourable consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Chill if desired.
- Step 7: Assemble your dish by serving the flaked Cajun salmon with rice, beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, and a generous drizzle of avocado lime crema. Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro. Alternatively, use tortillas and shredded lettuce for tacos.
Tips & Variations
- For a crispy skin, cook the salmon skin-side down first and avoid moving it during searing.
- Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter crema.
- Try serving over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a low-carb option.
- Grill the salmon instead of pan-searing for a smoky flavor.
- Add mango salsa on top for a sweet twist.
Storage
Store leftover cooked salmon and avocado lime crema separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the salmon gently in a pan or oven to avoid drying it out. The crema is best served chilled and may need a stir before serving after refrigeration.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat dry before seasoning to ensure even cooking and proper searing.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning?
The heat level depends on the Cajun seasoning brand or recipe you use. You can reduce or omit cayenne pepper in the crema and adjust seasoning for milder flavor.
PrintCajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Crema Recipe
Flaky, flavorful Cajun salmon topped with a creamy, zesty avocado lime crema. This dish offers a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and tangy flavors, making it ideal for bowls, tacos, or served alongside your favorite sides. Quick, healthy, and versatile, this Cajun salmon avocado lime recipe is a delicious way to enjoy seafood with a vibrant twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
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 (Optional):
- 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 help the seasoning adhere and ensure a nice sear. Keep the skin on or remove it according to your preference.
- Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, mix Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to form a paste. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets to coat thoroughly.
- Marinate (Optional): Refrigerate the seasoned salmon for at least 15 minutes, up to 30 minutes, to allow flavors to meld for best taste. This step can be skipped if short on time.
- Heat the Pan: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat until the oil shimmers, indicating it’s ready for cooking.
- Sear the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down if skin is on. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown and the salmon releases easily from the pan.
- Flip and Cook: Turn the salmon fillets over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Avoid overcooking to keep it moist.
- Rest the Salmon: Remove the salmon from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute for tender, flavorful fish.
- Make the Avocado Lime Crema: In a food processor or blender, combine avocado flesh, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and optional cayenne pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add water one tablespoon at a time to achieve a pourable consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the crema and modify seasonings if needed, adding more lime juice, salt, or cayenne pepper to suit your preference. Chill for 30 minutes if time allows to enhance flavors.
- Assemble and Serve: Flake the cooked salmon with a fork. For bowls, start with a base of rice, black beans, and corn, then top with salmon, chopped red onion, diced tomatoes, and drizzle with avocado lime crema. For tacos, fill warm tortillas with shredded lettuce, salmon, onions, tomatoes, and crema. Plate options include serving salmon alongside sides with crema on the side. Garnish all with lime wedges and extra cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the salmon for at least 15 minutes before cooking, though this is optional if short on time.
- If you don’t have a skillet, alternative cooking methods include baking, grilling, or air frying the salmon.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the avocado lime crema for a healthier option.
- The recipe is versatile and can be served with rice, beans, tortillas, or as a salad topping.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper in the crema.
- For a low-carb meal, substitute rice with cauliflower rice or serve with roasted vegetables.
- Resting the salmon after cooking is important to keep it juicy and flavorful.
- Keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days, but best enjoyed fresh.
Keywords: Cajun salmon, avocado lime crema, seafood recipe, easy dinner, healthy salmon, spicy salmon, creamy avocado sauce, salmon tacos, quick salmon recipe
