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Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Crema Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 82 reviews

This Cajun Salmon Avocado Lime recipe features perfectly seasoned, pan-seared salmon fillets coated with a flavorful Cajun spice blend, paired with a creamy, zesty avocado lime crema. Served with versatile accompaniments like rice, black beans, corn, fresh vegetables, and tortillas, this dish delivers a vibrant, balanced meal that can be enjoyed as bowls, tacos, or plated entrees.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Accompaniments

  • 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 in achieving a nice sear.
  2. Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, mix together Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a spice paste. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets for full flavor coverage.
  3. Marinate (Optional): For enhanced flavor, refrigerate the seasoned salmon for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the spices to penetrate the fish.
  4. Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet, preferably cast iron or non-stick, over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat until shimmering, indicating it is ready for searing.
  5. Sear the Salmon: Place salmon fillets carefully into the hot skillet skin-side down if skin is on. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden and the fish releases easily from the pan.
  6. Flip and Cook: Turn the salmon over and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  7. Alternative Cooking Methods: You may also bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, grill on medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes until cooked through.
  8. Rest: Remove the salmon from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to redistribute juices before serving.
  9. Prepare the Avocado Lime Crema: Halve the avocados, remove pits, and scoop out the flesh into a blender or food processor.
  10. Add Ingredients: Add sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and optional cayenne pepper to the blender with the avocado.
  11. Blend: Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Add water one tablespoon at a time if the mixture is too thick, blending again until your desired consistency is reached.
  12. Taste and Adjust: Sample the crema and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice, if needed.
  13. Chill (Optional): For better flavor development, refrigerate the avocado lime crema for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  14. Prepare Your Base: While salmon cooks or rests, prepare cooked rice, black beans, and corn kernels. Warm tortillas if using for tacos or bowls.
  15. Flake the Salmon: Use a fork to gently flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces.
  16. Assemble Your Dish: For bowls, layer rice, black beans, corn, then top with flaked salmon, chopped red onion, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of avocado lime crema. For tacos, fill warm tortillas with shredded lettuce, flaked salmon, red onion, diced tomatoes, and a generous dollop of crema. For plated meals, serve salmon alongside rice, black beans, and a side of crema.
  17. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors!

Notes

  • Marinating the salmon enhances flavor but is optional if short on time.
  • Skin-on salmon provides a crispy texture; remove skin easily after cooking if preferred.
  • Greek yogurt can be substituted for sour cream in the avocado crema for a healthier alternative.
  • The avocado lime crema can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours; stir before serving.
  • This recipe is versatile—serve the salmon in bowls, tacos, or as a main plate with sides.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper in the crema for desired spiciness.

Keywords: Cajun salmon, avocado lime crema, pan-seared salmon, Cajun seasoning, healthy salmon recipe, salmon tacos, salmon bowls

Find it online: https://miarosetti.com/cajun-salmon-with-avocado-lime-crema-recipe/