Cajun Salmon with Creamy Avocado Lime Crema Recipe

Introduction

This Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Crema is a flavorful and colorful dish that beautifully combines spicy, tangy, and creamy elements. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. The vibrant crema complements the bold Cajun-spiced salmon for a mouthwatering experience.

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)
• 2-3 tablespoons water, to thin to desired consistency
• Optional for serving: cooked rice, black beans, corn kernels, chopped red onion, diced tomatoes, lime wedges, tortillas, shredded lettuce

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon.
2. Step 2: (Optional) Marinate the salmon in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
3. Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When the oil shimmers, place salmon fillets skin-side down if left on. Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden.
4. Step 4: Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and flaky. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Remove from the pan and let rest.
5. Step 5: While salmon cooks, prepare the avocado lime crema. Scoop avocado flesh into a blender or food processor. Add sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper if using. Blend until smooth, adding water tablespoon by tablespoon to reach desired consistency.
6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning of the crema as needed. Chill if preferred.
7. Step 7: To serve, flake the salmon with a fork. Assemble bowls, tacos, or plates with rice, beans, corn, vegetables, salmon, and a generous drizzle of avocado lime crema. Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoky depth, use smoked paprika in the Cajun seasoning mix.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter avocado lime crema.
• Try baking, grilling, or air frying the salmon as alternative cooking methods.
• For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the crema.
• Serve with warm tortillas for delicious salmon tacos.

Storage

Store leftover salmon and avocado crema separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat salmon gently in a skillet or oven to preserve moisture—avoid microwaving to prevent drying out. The avocado crema is best served cold and should be stirred before serving after refrigeration.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon can be used. Thaw completely in the refrigerator for best results before seasoning and cooking.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Replace sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt or mayonnaise in the avocado lime crema to make it dairy-free while keeping the creamy texture.

Cajun Salmon with Creamy Avocado Lime Crema Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 56 reviews

This Cajun Salmon Avocado Lime recipe features perfectly seared salmon fillets seasoned with a bold Cajun spice blend, paired with a creamy, tangy avocado lime crema. The dish offers versatile serving options including bowls, tacos, or plated meals, enhanced with fresh ingredients like black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. It balances rich, smoky flavors with refreshing citrus and creamy avocado, ideal for a flavorful, nutritious meal.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cajun Salmon:

• 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

For the 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

For Serving (Optional):

• 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 help the Cajun seasoning adhere better and ensure a nice sear. Leave the skin on or remove it as preferred.
2. Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, mix Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper into a paste. Rub evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets for full flavor.
3. Marinate (Optional): Refrigerate the seasoned salmon for 15 to 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate, though this step can be skipped if short on time.
4. Heat the Pan: Warm a large skillet (cast iron preferred) over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and heat until shimmering for optimal searing.
5. Sear the Salmon: Place salmon skin-side down if skin is on. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving to achieve a crispy crust and easy release from the pan.
6. Flip and Cook: Turn the fillets over and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Avoid overcooking to maintain moisture.
7. Rest the Salmon: Remove from heat and allow salmon to rest for several minutes to redistribute juices, ensuring tender, flavorful fish.
8. Make the Avocado Lime Crema: In a blender or food processor, combine avocados, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, cilantro, garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time to thin, reaching desired pourable consistency.
9. Adjust and Chill (Optional): Taste the crema and modify seasoning as needed. Chill for 30 minutes to meld flavors before serving for best results.
10. Prepare Serving Base: While salmon cooks or rests, prepare accompaniments like rice, black beans, corn, warm tortillas, shredded lettuce, chopped red onion, and diced tomatoes if desired.
11. Assemble the Dish: For bowls, layer rice, beans, corn, and chopped veggies topped with flaked Cajun salmon and a drizzle of avocado lime crema. For tacos, fill warm tortillas with lettuce, salmon, veggies, and crema. For plated meals, serve salmon alongside rice, beans, and avocado lime crema.
12. Garnish and Serve: Finish with lime wedges and extra cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy the blend of smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors.

Notes

• Salmon can be cooked alternatively by baking at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, grilling over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or air frying at 400°F for 8-10 minutes.
• Marinating salmon is optional but enhances flavor depth.
• Skin-on salmon yields a crispy texture when seared skin-side down.
• Greek yogurt is a healthier substitute for sour cream in the crema.
• Add cayenne pepper to the crema to increase its spiciness.
• Adjust water quantity in crema to achieve desired consistency for drizzling or dipping.
• This recipe is ideal for meal prepping as it keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Keywords: Cajun salmon, avocado lime crema, seared salmon, spicy salmon recipe, healthy seafood dish, quick salmon dinner