Name: Cajun Honey Butter Salmon - Easy Baked Salmon Recipes for Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each); 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 3 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Lemon wedges (for serving)

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When I pull a golden tray of this Cajun honey butter salmon from the oven, the smell alone could convince my neighbors to knock on my door. There’s something about that blend of sweet honey, smoky Cajun spice, and rich butter melting into tender salmon that just feels like the perfect answer to the question we all ask around 6 p.m.—what’s for dinner? I’ve made this for busy weeknights, casual family meals, and even last-minute guests, and every single time, it’s met with empty plates and not-so-subtle hints to make it again. If you’ve been searching for baked salmon recipes that hit that magic balance of flavor, ease, and downright beauty on a plate, you’ve found it. This works for sockeye salmon recipe baked style, but it’s just as delicious for frozen salmon recipes baked in the oven when you forget to defrost (we’ve all been there). It’s become one of my favorite salmon dinner ideas because the prep is quick, the cooking is hands-off, and the payoff is pure comfort food bliss. Whether you’re looking for a recipe for baked salmon that feels a little indulgent or a reliable addition to your salmon dinner recipes collection, this is it. Trust me—you’ll be tempted to drizzle that leftover honey butter on bread, veggies, or maybe even just eat it with a spoon.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Cajun Honey Butter Salmon Recipe
3) Ingredients for Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
4) How to Make Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
5) Tips for Making Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
6) Making Cajun Honey Butter Salmon Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This baked salmon recipe is perfect for both fresh and frozen salmon.
Sweet honey butter and Cajun seasoning create an irresistible flavor.
Quick prep and short cook time make it ideal for busy nights.
Pairs beautifully with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

2) Easy Cajun Honey Butter Salmon Recipe

There’s something magical about a recipe that looks fancy but barely asks for your time. This Cajun honey butter salmon fits the bill. You prep it in minutes, then let the oven do the work while you set the table or wrangle the kids. When you pull it out, the baked salmon recipes you’ve tried before might just feel a little outclassed.

I’ve made this for quiet dinners and for company, and each time someone asks how I got the fish so tender. Truth is, the salmon does most of the work. The Cajun seasoning, melted butter, and honey create a rich glaze that seeps into every bite. It’s a sockeye salmon recipe baked lovers will treasure, yet it works equally well for frozen salmon recipes baked without fuss.

If your weeknight dinners could use a bit of excitement, this is one to bookmark. It checks every box: easy prep, short cook time, and a payoff that feels like a treat. For salmon dinner ideas that keep everyone at the table happy, this is a strong contender.

3) Ingredients for Cajun Honey Butter Salmon

Salmon Fillets: About 6 ounces each, fresh or frozen. Pat them dry so the glaze sticks better and the skin crisps a little in the oven.

Cajun Seasoning: This brings the smoky heat. Adjust the amount to match your spice comfort level. I like mine with a bit of a kick.

Unsalted Butter: Melt it and let it mingle with the honey for a silky glaze that clings to the fish.

Honey: Sweetness balances the spice and helps the glaze caramelize in the oven.

Olive Oil: A little oil helps the glaze spread and keeps the fish from sticking to the pan.

Salt: Just enough to make the flavors pop. Go easy if your Cajun seasoning already has salt.

Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle at the end adds a fresh note and brightens the plate.

Lemon Wedges: Serve alongside for anyone who likes a tangy squeeze to cut the richness.

4) How to Make Cajun Honey Butter Salmon

Step 1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so cleanup is easy.

Step 2. Pat the salmon dry and set it skin side down on the prepared sheet. This helps the glaze stay in place.

Step 3. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, honey, olive oil, and Cajun seasoning. Stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 4. Brush the mixture generously over each fillet. Make sure you cover the tops evenly so every bite has that sweet-spicy flavor.

Step 5. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness. The fish should flake easily with a fork when done.

Step 6. Sprinkle with parsley, add lemon wedges to the plate, and serve right away.

5) Tips for Making Cajun Honey Butter Salmon

Pat the salmon dry before you glaze it. This simple step makes a big difference in how well the flavors stick.

If you’re using frozen salmon, thaw it in the fridge first. If you’re short on time, place it in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water until just defrosted.

For a little extra depth, let the fish sit in the glaze for 10 minutes before baking. This lets the flavors settle into the flesh.

6) Making Cajun Honey Butter Salmon Ahead of Time

This recipe works well for partial prep. Mix the glaze earlier in the day, store it covered in the fridge, and then brush it on just before baking.

If you want to save time at dinner, you can season and glaze the salmon in the morning, then keep it covered in the fridge until evening.

Once baked, the salmon tastes best fresh, but it can be gently reheated in the oven if you need to make it earlier in the day.

7) Storing Leftover Cajun Honey Butter Salmon

Cool the leftovers completely before storing to avoid condensation in the container.

Keep the salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats best in a low oven to keep it from drying out.

You can flake cold leftovers over salad or tuck them into a sandwich for an easy next-day lunch.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Cajun Honey Butter Salmon