This Creamy Cajun Pepper Salmon is a tasty dish that features tender salmon coated in a rich and zesty sauce with a kick! It’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for busy nights.
Honestly, the flavor is bold yet balanced, turning everyday dinner into something special. I love serving it with rice or veggies for a yummy meal that feels fancy. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are ideal for a rich flavor. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can use tilapia or trout instead. Just adjust cooking time as they may cook differently.
Cajun Seasoning: This is the star of the dish! If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, a mix of paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper can work well in a pinch. You can control the heat this way, depending on your taste.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you could swap heavy cream with half-and-half or almond milk with cornstarch to thicken. Coconut milk adds creaminess too and gives a different flavor twist!
Bell Peppers: While red and green peppers add color and sweetness, feel free to use any other bell pepper like yellow or orange. For a spicier kick, jalapeños or poblano peppers are great alternatives!
How Do I Get My Salmon Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking salmon perfectly is all about timing and temperature. Follow these steps for best results:
- Make sure the skillet is hot before adding salmon. This helps form a nice crust.
- Cook skinless salmon for 4 minutes on the first side to get a golden color. Flip gently with a spatula when ready.
- Cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until salmon flakes easily with a fork (internal temp should reach 145°F).
If you’re unsure, it’s better to undercook salmon slightly; it will continue cooking off the heat. Enjoy tasty, juicy salmon every time!
Delicious Creamy Cajun Pepper Salmon Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- For the Veggies:
- 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For Garnish and Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, making the total time around 25 minutes. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them get crispy! Then, season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning to add that delicious flavor.
2. Cook the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the seasoned salmon fillets. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side, until the salmon is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same pan, add the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the veggies are slightly softened. This step brings out their sweet flavor!
4. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for another 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it!
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—this is what creates that creamy goodness!
6. Add Spices:
Stir in the paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens up a bit. Adjust seasoning if needed!
7. Combine Salmon and Sauce:
Now it’s time to return the cooked salmon to the pan! Spoon the creamy sauce and sautéed veggies over the top of the salmon. Heat it through for an additional 2 minutes so the flavors meld.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the creamy Cajun pepper salmon on plates with cooked white rice alongside. Don’t forget to garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color!
Enjoy your creamy, spicy, and flavorful Cajun Pepper Salmon! It’s sure to impress everyone at the table!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best method is to place it in the fridge overnight or seal it in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk with cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Coconut milk is also a great dairy-free option that adds a lovely flavor!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! If you enjoy more heat, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños to the sautéed veggies. Adjust according to your spice preference!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.