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Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Crema Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 60 reviews

This Cajun Salmon Avocado Lime recipe combines perfectly seasoned, pan-seared salmon with a creamy and zesty avocado lime crema. Ideal for a healthy, flavorful meal, it can be served as bowls, tacos, or plated with rice, black beans, and corn for a vibrant and satisfying experience.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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 with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
  2. Season the Salmon: Mix Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl; rub evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
  3. Marinate (Optional): Refrigerate the seasoned salmon for 15-30 minutes to enhance flavor.
  4. Heat the Pan: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil; heat until shimmering.
  5. Sear the Salmon: Place salmon skin-side down in the skillet and cook 4-5 minutes until crispy and golden brown; the salmon should easily release from the pan.
  6. Flip and Cook: Turn the salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until fully cooked and flakes easily, reaching 145°F (63°C) internal temperature.
  7. Alternative Cooking Methods: You can 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 salmon if preferred.
  8. Rest: Remove cooked salmon from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
  9. Prepare the Avocado Lime Crema: Scoop avocado flesh into a food processor or blender; add sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper if using.
  10. Blend: Process until smooth and creamy; add water one tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
  11. Taste and Adjust: Season the crema to taste, adjusting salt or cayenne pepper as needed.
  12. Chill (Optional): Refrigerate the crema for at least 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
  13. Prepare Your Base: While salmon cooks or rests, prepare cooked rice, black beans, corn, and warm tortillas if using.
  14. Flake the Salmon: Gently flake the rested salmon with a fork for easy serving.
  15. Assemble Your Dish: For bowls, layer rice, black beans, corn, flaked salmon, chopped red onion, diced tomatoes, and drizzle avocado lime crema. For tacos, fill warm tortillas with shredded lettuce, flaked salmon, onion, tomatoes, and crema. For plates, serve salmon alongside rice, beans, and crema.
  16. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful meal!

Notes

  • Marinating the salmon is optional but enhances flavor.
  • You can choose to keep or remove the skin based on preference.
  • Greek yogurt can substitute sour cream for a healthier avocado lime crema.
  • Add cayenne pepper sparingly if you prefer a milder crema.
  • Cooked rice options include white, brown, or low-carb cauliflower rice for dietary flexibility.
  • Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor in the crema.
  • Adjust cooking times slightly if salmon fillets vary in thickness.
  • Ensure the internal temperature of salmon reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
  • Store any leftover avocado lime crema in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  • This recipe works well for meal prep; prepare components in advance and assemble before serving.

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

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