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Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Crema Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 118 reviews
  • Author: Andria
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Fat

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.

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

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

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

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Find it online: https://cookwithandria.com/cajun-salmon-with-avocado-lime-crema-recipe/