This Spicy Creamy Cajun Salmon is a tasty dish that’s bursting with flavor! The salmon is cooked until it’s flaky and then topped with a rich creamy sauce with just the right amount of spice.
If you want to impress your friends at dinner, this dish will do the trick! I love to serve it with rice or veggies, and trust me, everyone will ask for seconds. It’s simply that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are ideal for this dish. If you prefer a different fish, trout or tilapia can also work, but cooking times may vary.
Cajun Seasoning: This spice blend gives the dish its unique kick! If you don’t have it on hand, combine paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder for a homemade version.
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream offers richness, you can use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option. Keep in mind that this may alter the flavor slightly.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a lovely sweetness to the dish. If you can’t find them, roasted red peppers or fresh tomatoes can be a great alternative.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is my go-to for its vibrant color and tender texture. If you have frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the sauce.
How Do I Ensure My Salmon Stays Moist and Flaky?
Cook salmon perfectly by keeping these tips in mind:
- Always pat the fillets dry. This helps achieve a crispy skin when cooking.
- Don’t rush cooking! Start with medium-high heat, then lower it after flipping to ensure even cooking.
- Using a meat thermometer can help; salmon is done when it reaches 145°F (63°C).
Let the salmon rest a couple of minutes after cooking before serving. This helps retain moisture for that perfect flaky bite!
How to Make Spicy Creamy Cajun Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This delightful dish will take about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, but fancy enough for special occasions!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Salmon:
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This step is important for getting a nice crust. Now, sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over both sides of each fillet. The more seasoning, the spicier the dish—so adjust to your taste!
2. Cook the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, gently add the salmon fillets, skin-side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and browned. Carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until they are cooked through. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until you can smell its delicious aroma. Then, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for about 1 minute to combine the flavors.
4. Create the Creamy Base:
Pour in the chicken broth and stir well, scraping up any tasty brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let this mixture simmer for about 2 minutes. Lower the heat, then add the heavy cream and softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese fully melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Complete the Dish:
Now it’s time to add the fresh spinach leaves to the sauce. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts down. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed, making it just right for you!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Return the cooked salmon to the skillet, carefully spooning the creamy Cajun sauce over each fillet. To finish, garnish with the fresh chopped parsley. Serve right away, and for a complete meal, pair it with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. Enjoy this flavorful and creamy delight!
Can I Use a Different Type of Fish?
Absolutely! While salmon is the star of this recipe due to its rich flavor, you can substitute it with trout, tilapia, or even chicken if you prefer. Cooking times may vary, so just keep an eye on it.
What If I Don’t Have Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
No worries! If you can’t find sun-dried tomatoes, you can use roasted red peppers or fresh diced tomatoes instead. They’ll still add a nice flavor to the sauce, but may not be as sweet as sun-dried tomatoes.
Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Yes! For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative. You can also use dairy-free cream cheese in place of regular cream cheese. Just be aware that this may change the flavor slightly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Enjoy!
