Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Crema Recipe

Introduction

This Cajun Salmon Avocado Lime recipe combines bold, spicy flavors with a creamy, tangy avocado lime crema for a fresh and satisfying meal. Whether you serve it in bowls, tacos, or plates, it’s a versatile dish perfect for any night of the week.

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 the Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a paste. Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
3. Step 3: For best flavor, marinate the salmon in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes (optional).
4. Step 4: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and heat until shimmering.
5. Step 5: Place salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down if skin is on. Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and salmon releases easily.
6. Step 6: Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
7. Step 7: Alternatively, cook salmon by baking at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined sheet for 12-15 minutes, grilling over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or air frying at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes.
8. Step 8: Remove salmon from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
9. Step 9: Halve the avocados, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a food processor or blender.
10. Step 10: Add sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy. Add water one tablespoon at a time if needed to adjust consistency.
11. Step 11: Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Chill crema in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for best flavor (optional).
12. Step 12: Prepare rice, black beans, corn, and warm tortillas if using while the salmon cooks or rests.
13. Step 13: Gently flake the cooked salmon with a fork.
14. Step 14: Assemble your dish:
    • For bowls: layer rice, black beans, corn, flaked salmon, red onion, tomatoes, and a generous drizzle of avocado lime crema. Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro.
    • For tacos: fill warm tortillas with shredded lettuce, flaked salmon, red onion, tomatoes, and a dollop of crema. Garnish with lime and cilantro.
    • For plates: serve salmon alongside rice and beans, with a side of crema. Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro.
15. Step 15: Garnish and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Marinate the salmon for up to 30 minutes to deepen the Cajun flavors.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter avocado lime crema.
• Add fresh jalapeños or extra cayenne pepper for more heat.
• Swap rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Try grilling the salmon for a smoky, charred flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover salmon and avocado lime crema separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat salmon gently in a skillet or oven to avoid drying it out. The avocado crema can be served chilled or at room temperature; stir before serving if separated.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon works well. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator before seasoning and cooking for the best results.

What can I substitute for cilantro if I don’t like it?

You can replace cilantro with fresh parsley or omit it altogether. The crema will still be flavorful but with a different herbaceous note.

Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Crema Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 64 reviews

This Cajun Salmon Avocado Lime recipe features perfectly seasoned and seared salmon fillets with a creamy, zesty avocado lime crema. It’s ideal for wholesome bowls, flavorful tacos, or plated meals accompanied by rice, black beans, and fresh vegetables. The vibrant Cajun spices complement the smooth avocado crema, creating a balanced dish bursting with bold, fresh flavors.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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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 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, which helps achieve a better sear.
2. Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a spice paste. Rub this mixture evenly all over both sides of the salmon fillets to coat thoroughly.
3. Marinate (Optional): For enhanced flavor, allow the seasoned salmon to marinate in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes before cooking, though this step can be skipped if short on time.
4. Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet—preferably cast iron—over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and let the oil heat until it shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough to sear the salmon properly.
5. Sear the Salmon: Gently place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin side down if left on. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until the skin becomes crispy and golden brown and the salmon easily lifts from the pan without sticking.
6. Flip and Cook: Turn the salmon fillets over carefully and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and its internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
7. Alternative Cooking Methods: Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place seasoned fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes. Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high heat, oil grates, and grill salmon 4-5 minutes per side. Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (200°C), cook salmon in the basket for 8-10 minutes until done.
8. Rest: Remove salmon from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute and enhance moisture.
9. Prepare the Avocado Lime Crema: Halve the avocados, remove pits, and scoop the flesh into a food processor or blender for a creamy base.
10. Add Ingredients: Add sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the processor with avocados.
11. Blend: Process all ingredients until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
12. Taste and Adjust: Sample the crema and adjust salt or cayenne pepper to your liking for balance of flavor.
13. Chill (Optional): For best results, refrigerate the avocado lime crema for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor melding before serving.
14. Prepare Your Base: While salmon cooks or rests, prepare rice, black beans, corn, and warm tortillas if serving tacos or bowls.
15. Flake the Salmon: Use a fork to gently break the cooked salmon into large flakes suitable for topping bowls or tacos.
16. Assemble Your Dish: Bowls: Layer rice, black beans, corn, flaked salmon, red onion, diced tomatoes, and drizzle with avocado lime crema; garnish with lime wedges and cilantro. Tacos: Fill warmed tortillas with shredded lettuce, flaked salmon, red onion, diced tomatoes, and dollop of crema; garnish as desired. Plates: Serve salmon fillets beside rice, beans, and crema with lime wedges and cilantro garnish.
17. Garnish and Serve: Finish each plate with lime wedges and extra chopped cilantro. Serve immediately while warm and fresh to enjoy the best flavors and textures.

Notes

• Skin on salmon adds crispness and extra flavor when seared but skin off is fine if preferred.
• Marinating salmon is optional but recommended to deepen spices and moisture.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lower fat, higher protein avocado crema variation.
• Cayenne pepper in the crema is optional depending on your heat preference.
• Ensure the pan and oil are hot before adding salmon for the best sear and to prevent sticking.
• Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe and perfectly cooked salmon.
• Avocado lime crema can be made ahead and chilled to improve flavor.
• Serve with rice and beans for a complete meal or with tortillas for tasty tacos.
• Leftover salmon can be refrigerated and used within 2 days.

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