Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Crema Recipe

Introduction

This Cajun Salmon Avocado Lime recipe brings together bold, spicy flavors with fresh, creamy elements for a delicious and healthy meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it’s versatile enough to enjoy as bowls, tacos, or plates. Quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

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, let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes (optional).
4. Step 4: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat until shimmering.
5. Step 5: Place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down if the 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. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
7. Step 7: Alternatively, you can bake, grill, or air fry the salmon:
   • Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place salmon on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake 12-15 minutes.
   • Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill salmon 4-5 minutes per side, oiling grates to prevent sticking.
   • Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook salmon 8-10 minutes.
8. Step 8: Remove salmon from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
9. Step 9: To make the avocado lime crema, halve the avocados and scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor.
10. Step 10: Add sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).
11. Step 11: Blend until smooth and creamy. Add water one tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
12. Step 12: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes if time allows.
13. Step 13: Prepare your base ingredients like rice, black beans, and corn while the salmon cooks.
14. Step 14: Gently flake the cooked salmon with a fork.
15. Step 15: Assemble your dish:
    • Bowls: Layer rice, beans, and corn. Top with flaked salmon, red onion, tomatoes, and drizzle with avocado crema. Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro.
    • Tacos: Fill warm tortillas with shredded lettuce, flaked salmon, red onion, tomatoes, and avocado crema. Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro.
    • Plates: Serve salmon alongside rice and beans with a side of avocado crema and garnish with lime wedges and cilantro.
16. Step 16: Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro before serving. Enjoy immediately!

Tips & Variations

• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter crema with added protein.
• Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the crema to control the heat level.
• For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked paprika in the Cajun seasoning mix.
• Make this recipe gluten-free by choosing corn tortillas and ensuring your seasoning ingredients are gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the avocado lime crema separate in a sealed container and use within 1-2 days; it may brown slightly but will still taste great. Reheat salmon gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Avoid reheating the crema.

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. Just thaw it completely before seasoning and cooking to ensure even cooking and better texture.

How can I tell when the salmon is cooked properly?

The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The flesh should be opaque and moist but not raw or translucent.

Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Crema Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 52 reviews

This Cajun Salmon Avocado Lime recipe offers a perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and fresh flavors. Featuring tender salmon fillets seasoned with a robust Cajun spice mix and served with a zesty avocado lime crema, it’s a healthy and flavorful dish ideal for bowls, tacos, or plated meals. Easy to prepare using stovetop searing with alternative cooking options like baking, grilling, or air frying, this meal is vibrant, nutritious, and packed with balanced textures to delight your taste buds.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Cajun
• Diet: Low Fat

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

Optional 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 thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the seasoning adheres well and to achieve a crispy exterior when cooked.
2. Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to form a paste. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of each salmon fillet for full flavor coverage.
3. Marinate (Optional): For enhanced taste, refrigerate the seasoned salmon for 15 to 30 minutes, allowing the spices to penetrate the fish.
4. Heat the Pan: Warm a large skillet, preferably cast iron or a non-stick skillet, over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and heat until shimmering to prevent sticking and aid in searing.
5. Sear the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets gently into the hot pan, skin-side down if applicable. Cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin becomes crispy, golden brown, and the fish releases easily from the pan.
6. Flip and Cook: Turn the fillets over with care and continue cooking another 3 to 4 minutes until the salmon is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safety.
7. Alternative Cooking Methods: You may also bake (400°F/200°C for 12-15 minutes), grill (medium-high heat, 4-5 minutes per side), or air fry (400°F/200°C for 8-10 minutes) the seasoned salmon until cooked through based on your preference.
8. Rest: Remove the cooked salmon from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute for moist, tender fish.
9. Prepare the Avocado Lime Crema: Halve the avocados, remove pits, and scoop out the flesh into a food processor or blender.
10. Add Ingredients: Add sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper if using, into the blender with the avocado.
11. Blend: Process until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding water one tablespoon at a time until desired texture is reached.
12. Taste and Adjust: Sample the crema and modify the seasoning as needed for balance and brightness.
13. Chill (Optional): For best flavor, refrigerate the avocado lime crema for at least 30 minutes before serving.
14. Prepare Your Base: While salmon cooks or rests, prepare sides such as cooked rice, black beans, corn, and warm tortillas if making tacos or bowls.
15. Flake the Salmon: Using a fork, gently break the salmon fillets into large flakes for easy assembly in bowls or tacos.
16. Assemble Your Dish: For bowls, layer rice, black beans, corn, flaked salmon, chopped red onion, diced tomatoes, and drizzle generously with avocado lime crema. Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro. For tacos, fill tortillas with shredded lettuce, flaked salmon, onions, tomatoes, crema, and garnish similarly. For plated serving, place salmon alongside prepared sides and crema with garnishes.
17. Garnish and Serve: Add lime wedges and extra cilantro to the assembled dish and serve immediately for the best taste and experience.

Notes

• Skin-on salmon gives a crispy texture, but you can remove the skin if preferred.
• Marinating the salmon adds extra flavor but is optional if short on time.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter, protein-rich crema.
• Adjust cayenne pepper amount or omit for less spiciness in the crema.
• Ensure salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
• Serve with a variety of sides like rice, beans, and tortillas for customizable meal options.
• The avocado lime crema can be made ahead and stored for up to two days in the refrigerator.

Keywords: Cajun salmon, avocado lime crema, healthy salmon recipes, Cajun seasoning, quick salmon dish, seafood bowl, salmon tacos, easy dinner