This Spicy Creamy Cajun Salmon brings incredible flavor to your table! It’s a tasty dish packed with spices and creamy goodness that everyone will love.
When I make this salmon, the kitchen fills with such an amazing smell! Pair it with rice or veggies, and you’ve got a dinner that’s not only quick but also super satisfying! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are key for this dish. You can also use other fish like trout or tilapia if that’s what you have. Just adjust cooking times as needed, since different fish cook differently.
Cajun Seasoning: This spice blend gives the salmon its signature kick. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, mix equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of cayenne for a similar flavor.
Italian Sausage: Crumbled sausage adds richness. If you want a lighter dish or need it to be pork-free, try turkey sausage or even omit it completely for a vegetarian version and add more veggies instead.
Heavy Cream: For creaminess, heavy cream is perfect here. If you want a healthier option, use coconut milk or a low-fat cream, though it might change the flavor slightly.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a nice texture and tang. If you can’t find them, fresh tomatoes can work, though they won’t have the same concentrated flavor.
How Do I Get the Salmon Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking salmon just right can be tricky, but here’s how to do it!
- Make sure to pat the salmon dry; this helps it get a nice sear.
- Heat your skillet until it’s really hot before adding oil and salmon. This gives that golden crust.
- Don’t move the fillets while they’re cooking! Let them sit to form that crust, which takes about 4-5 minutes.
- Flip and continue cooking until just firm to the touch but not dry. It’ll cook a bit more after you take it off the heat.
By following these tips, your salmon will be juicy and flavorful, making it the star of the dish!
How to Make Spicy Creamy Cajun Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed and crumbled
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Spicy Creamy Cajun Salmon can be prepared in about 30 minutes. You’ll spend just a few minutes seasoning and cooking the salmon, along with another 10-15 minutes making the creamy sauce. It’s quick and perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
First, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels; this helps them cook better. Then, season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning to give it a spicy kick!
2. Sear the Salmon:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully place the salmon fillets in the pan skin-side up. Let them cook without moving for about 4-5 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes or until they are cooked through but still moist. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Base for the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes until it softens. Next, add the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This adds a wonderful aroma to the dish!
4. Add the Sausage:
Now, add the crumbled Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook it while breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring frequently. This is where all those flavors come together!
6. Add the Spinach:
Add the roughly chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts, which should take about 2 minutes. Remember to season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, giving it that finishing touch!
7. Combine Salmon and Sauce:
Return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy sauce over the top. Allow everything to heat together for another minute to meld the lovely flavors.
8. Serve:
When you’re ready to serve, place the spicy creamy Cajun salmon over a bed of cooked white rice and drizzle some extra sauce from the skillet on top. Enjoy every rich, spicy bite!
Enjoy the rich, spicy, and creamy blend of flavors with tender salmon and fragrant Cajun seasoning!
Can I Use Different Types of Fish for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While salmon is delicious in this dish, you can also use other firm fish like trout, tilapia, or even shrimp. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as different proteins cook differently.
What If I Don’t Have Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
No worries! If you can’t find sun-dried tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead. Just chop them finely and add them to the sauce a bit earlier, so they have time to soften up.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the creamy sauce and cook the salmon in advance. Store the components separately in the fridge, and reheat gently on the stove when you’re ready to serve.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream to revive the sauce if needed.
