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Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Crema Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 81 reviews

A flavorful Cajun Salmon recipe served with a creamy avocado lime crema, perfect for bowls, tacos, or plated meals. The salmon is seasoned with a bold Cajun spice blend and pan-seared to crispy perfection. The avocado lime crema adds a fresh, tangy, and creamy contrast, complemented with sides like rice, black beans, corn, and fresh vegetables. This dish is vibrant, nutritious, and versatile, ideal for a satisfying and healthy meal.

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)
  • 2–3 tablespoons water, to thin to desired consistency

Additional Ingredients for Serving

  • 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 excess moisture, helping the seasoning adhere better and allowing for a crispier sear.
  2. Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, mix the Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until it forms a paste. Rub this mixture evenly on both sides of the salmon fillets.
  3. Marinate (Optional): For enhanced flavor, place the seasoned salmon in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes to marinate before cooking.
  4. Heat the Pan: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Wait until the oil is hot and shimmering before proceeding.
  5. Sear the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets carefully into the hot skillet, skin-side down if applicable. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is crispy, golden, and releases easily from the pan.
  6. Flip and Cook: Turn the salmon over and cook an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  7. Alternative Cooking Methods: You can also bake, grill, or air fry the salmon: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes; Grill on oiled grates at medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side; Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes.
  8. Rest the Salmon: Remove the cooked salmon from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices.
  9. Prepare the Avocado Lime Crema: Halve the avocados, remove pits, and scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor.
  10. Add Ingredients: Add sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and optional cayenne pepper to the blender.
  11. Blend: Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Add water one tablespoon at a time to achieve the desired consistency.
  12. Taste and Adjust: Sample the crema and adjust seasoning as needed to balance flavors.
  13. Chill (Optional): Refrigerate the crema for at least 30 minutes to deepen flavors before serving, if time allows.
  14. Prepare Your Base and Sides: While the salmon cooks or rests, prepare rice, black beans, corn, warm tortillas, and any additional toppings such as chopped red onion, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.
  15. Flake the Salmon: Using a fork, gently flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces for easy serving.
  16. Assemble Your Dish: For bowls, layer rice, black beans, and corn, then top with flaked salmon, red onion, tomatoes, and drizzle with avocado lime crema. For tacos, fill warm tortillas with lettuce, salmon, onion, tomatoes, and crema. For plates, serve salmon alongside rice, beans, and avocado crema.
  17. Garnish and Serve: Add lime wedges and extra cilantro as garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant, tasty meal.

Notes

  • Marinating the salmon is optional but recommended for deeper flavor.
  • If using skin-on salmon, be sure to sear skin-side down first for a crispy texture.
  • The avocado lime crema can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter or healthier version of the crema.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper in the crema for your preferred spice level or omit it for a milder taste.
  • Salmon can be substituted with other firm fish fillets if desired.
  • To ensure the salmon is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to reach 145°F (63°C) internally.
  • This recipe pairs well with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
  • For grilling, oil the grill grate well to prevent sticking.
  • Leftover avocado lime crema can be used as a dip for vegetables or chips.

Keywords: Cajun salmon, avocado lime crema, salmon tacos, healthy salmon recipe, Cajun seasoning, seafood bowls, quick salmon dinner

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