Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Crema Recipe

Introduction

This Cajun Salmon Avocado Lime recipe brings a vibrant blend of spicy, smoky flavors paired with a creamy, zesty avocado lime crema. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s easy to prepare and pairs beautifully with rice, beans, or tortillas.

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, for a little kick)
• 2-3 tablespoons water, to thin to desired consistency
• 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

1. Step 1: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to form a paste. Rub evenly on both sides of the salmon fillets.
3. Step 3: (Optional) Marinate the salmon in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes for best flavor.
4. Step 4: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Wait until it shimmers.
5. Step 5: Place salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if skin is on. Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and the salmon releases easily.
6. Step 6: Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and flaky, with an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. Step 7: Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes.
8. Step 8: Remove the salmon from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
9. Step 9: Prepare the avocado lime crema by blending avocados, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) until smooth.
10. Step 10: Thin the crema with water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Chill for 30 minutes if desired.
11. Step 11: Prepare rice, black beans, corn, tortillas, or other base ingredients while salmon cooks or rests.
12. Step 12: Flake the cooked salmon gently with a fork.
13. Step 13: Assemble your dish: For bowls, layer rice, beans, corn, flaked salmon, red onion, tomatoes, and drizzle avocado lime crema. For tacos, fill warmed tortillas with lettuce, salmon, onion, tomatoes, and crema. For plates, serve salmon alongside rice, beans, and crema.
14. Step 14: Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Marinate the salmon for at least 15 minutes to deepen the Cajun flavors.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter crema.
• Add extra cayenne pepper for more heat in the avocado lime crema.
• Serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Grill the salmon for a smoky flavor and crispy exterior.

Storage

Store leftover salmon and avocado lime crema separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat salmon gently in a low oven or skillet to avoid drying it out. The avocado lime crema is best served cold and may darken slightly but remains flavorful.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator before seasoning and cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

What can I substitute for Cajun seasoning?

If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper to create a similar blend.

Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Crema Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 118 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This vibrant Cajun Salmon Avocado Lime recipe features perfectly seasoned and seared salmon fillets paired with a creamy, zesty avocado lime crema. Served atop a bed of rice, black beans, and corn or wrapped in warm tortillas for tacos, this dish offers a flavorful, healthy, and versatile meal with a delightful blend of smoky, tangy, and fresh ingredients.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Additional Serving Ingredients

• Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
• Black beans
• Corn kernels
• Chopped red onion
• Diced tomatoes
• Lime wedges
• Tortillas (corn or flour)
• Shredded lettuce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps in achieving a good sear.
2. Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to form a paste. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
3. Marinate (Optional): For enhanced flavor, refrigerate the seasoned salmon for 15 to 30 minutes before cooking.
4. Heat the Pan: Preheat a large skillet (preferably cast iron or non-stick) over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and heat until shimmering.
5. Sear the Salmon: Place salmon fillets carefully in the hot skillet, skin-side down if applicable. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden, and the fish releases easily from the pan.
6. Flip and Cook: Turn the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
7. Alternative Cooking Methods: You can also bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes on parchment-lined sheet, grill over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes.
8. Rest the Salmon: Remove the cooked salmon from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices.
9. Prepare the Avocado Lime Crema: Halve avocados, remove pits, and place flesh in a food processor or blender.
10. Add Ingredients to Crema: Add sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the avocado.
11. Blend Crema: Blend ingredients until smooth and creamy. Add water tablespoon by tablespoon to reach desired consistency.
12. Taste and Adjust: Sample the crema and amend seasoning if needed.
13. Chill the Crema (Optional): Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors before serving.
14. Prepare Your Base: While salmon cooks or rests, get rice, black beans, corn, and tortillas ready as per your serving choice—either warm tortillas or bowls.
15. Flake the Salmon: Gently separate the cooked salmon into flakes using a fork.
16. Assemble Your Dish – Bowls: Layer rice, black beans, corn; top with flaked salmon, chopped red onion, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of avocado lime crema. Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro.
17. Assemble Your Dish – Tacos: Fill warm tortillas with shredded lettuce, flaked salmon, red onion, tomatoes, and a generous dollop of crema. Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro.
18. Assemble Your Dish – Plates: Serve salmon fillets alongside rice, black beans, and a side of avocado lime crema with lime wedges and cilantro garnish.
19. Garnish and Serve: Add extra lime wedges and cilantro for freshness and serve immediately to enjoy the full spectrum of flavors.

Notes

• The marinating step is optional but enhances the depth of Cajun spice on the salmon.
• Choosing between sour cream or Greek yogurt for the crema depends on your preference for richer or lighter texture.
• If you prefer less heat, omit or reduce the cayenne pepper in the avocado lime crema.
• Skin-on salmon is ideal for a crispy texture when seared; you can remove skin after cooking if desired.
• Salmon is versatile for cooking method—pan-searing delivers a crispy crust, while baking, grilling, or air frying offer hands-free options.
• Adjust seasoning and acidity in the avocado lime crema to balance flavors with your taste.
• Serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative to traditional rice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American, Cajun

Keywords: Cajun salmon, avocado lime crema, seared salmon, healthy salmon recipe, Cajun seafood, avocado sauce, lime crema, easy salmon dinner, pan-seared salmon, taco filling