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Cajun Salmon with Avocado Lime Crema Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 750 reviews

This Cajun Salmon Avocado Lime recipe combines perfectly seasoned, pan-seared salmon with a creamy and zesty avocado lime crema. It offers versatile serving options including bowls, tacos, or plated dishes accompanied by rice, black beans, corn, and fresh vegetables, making it a flavorful, healthy, and satisfying meal.

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

Additional Components for Serving

  • 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: In a small bowl, mix Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to form a paste. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
  3. Marinate (Optional): For deeper flavor, refrigerate the seasoned salmon for 15 to 30 minutes before cooking.
  4. Heat the Pan: Warm a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and heat until shimmering.
  5. Sear the Salmon: Place salmon fillets skin-side down if applicable, in the hot skillet. Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and the salmon releases easily from the pan.
  6. Flip and Cook: Turn the salmon fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  7. Alternative Cooking Methods: Baking: Bake at 400°F (200°C) on parchment-lined sheet for 12-15 minutes; Grilling: Grill over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side; Air Fryer: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes.
  8. Rest: Remove cooked salmon from heat and let rest for a few minutes to retain juices.
  9. Prepare the Avocado Lime Crema: Scoop avocado flesh into a food processor or blender.
  10. Add Ingredients: Add sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper if desired.
  11. Blend: Blend until smooth and creamy; add water one tablespoon at a time if needed to reach desired consistency.
  12. Taste and Adjust: Taste the crema and adjust seasoning with salt or lime juice as needed.
  13. Chill (Optional): Refrigerate the avocado lime crema for at least 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
  14. Prepare Your Base: While salmon cooks or rests, prepare rice, black beans, corn, and warm tortillas if desired.
  15. Flake the Salmon: Gently break cooked salmon into flakes with a fork.
  16. Assemble Your Dish: For bowls: layer rice, black beans, corn, flaked salmon, red onion, tomatoes, and avocado lime crema, garnish with lime wedges and cilantro. For tacos: place shredded lettuce, flaked salmon, onion, tomatoes, and crema inside warm tortillas, garnish. For plates: serve salmon alongside rice, beans, and crema with garnishes.
  17. Garnish and Serve: Finish with lime wedges and extra cilantro, then serve immediately for best taste.

Notes

  • You can choose to keep the salmon skin on or off based on preference; skin helps keep the fish moist during cooking.
  • Marinating the salmon enhances flavors but is optional if short on time.
  • The avocado lime crema can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper in the crema according to your spice tolerance.
  • Use Greek yogurt in the crema for a lower-fat, higher-protein option.
  • Serving suggestions include bowls, tacos, or plated meals to suit different preferences.

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

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