From the Cook
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Easy Cajun Baked Salmon
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3
Gently pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place on the baking sheet, skin side down.
4
Place the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high until melted, about 20 seconds.
5
Place the paprika, thyme leaves, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, sugar, salt, and black pepper in the bowl with the butter. Stir with a fork until a thick paste forms.
6
Using a spoon and clean hands, rub a scant teaspoon of the spice mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet.
7
Cut the lemon in half. Squeeze the juice of one half evenly over the fillets. Reserve the other half for serving.
8
Bake the salmon on middle rack of oven until it flakes easily with a fork, 12-15 minutes.
9
Check to see that salmon is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
10
Squeeze the reserved lemon over the fillets and serve immediately. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days.
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Toast Your Spice Blend First 🔥Bloom the dry spices (cayenne, cumin, paprika, oregano, thyme) in melted butter for 30 seconds before applying to salmon to unlock deeper, more complex Cajun flavors.
- Pat Salmon Skin Completely Dry 💧Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the salmon surface before seasoning—this allows the spice crust to adhere properly and prevents steaming instead of baking.
- Balance Sweet and Spicy with Brown Sugar 🍯The brown sugar caramelizes during baking and balances the cayenne heat; don't skip or reduce it, as it creates the signature glaze that makes this dish exceptional.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice at the End ✋Add fresh lemon juice after baking rather than before to prevent the acid from breaking down the spice crust and to brighten the finished dish with vibrant acidity.
- Check Doneness at the Thickest Point 🌡️Salmon is perfectly cooked when it reaches 145°F internally at the thickest part—overcoking dries it out, so use an instant-read thermometer for foolproof results every time.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Gluten Free
Low Sugar
Low Carb
High Protein
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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