Oven Baked Cajun Salmon (Printable Version)

Boldly spiced Cajun salmon baked to flaky perfection in under 30 minutes. Healthy, easy, and packed with flavor.

# Ingredient List:

→ Fish

01 - 4 salmon fillets (about 5–6 oz each), skin on or off as preferred

→ Cajun Spice Blend

02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
04 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp salt
06 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
07 - 1/4 tsp garlic powder
08 - 1/4 tsp onion powder
09 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)

→ Garnish

10 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
11 - 1 lemon, cut into wedges

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
02 - In a small bowl, combine olive oil with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir until a smooth paste forms.
03 - Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and arrange them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Brush the Cajun spice mixture evenly over each salmon fillet, thoroughly coating the top and sides.
05 - Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
06 - Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, and serve immediately with lemon wedges alongside.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The spice rub comes together in about two minutes with pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
  • It transforms plain salmon into something that feels like a restaurant meal with almost zero effort.
  • Cleanup is minimal since everything bakes on a single sheet pan lined with parchment.
02 -
  • Overcooked salmon turns dry and chalky fast, so start checking at the 12 minute mark rather than waiting for the full time.
  • Every Cajun seasoning blend is different, so taste yours before adding the full amount of salt to the mix.
  • Letting the fillets come to room temperature for 10 minutes before baking helps them cook more evenly throughout.
03 -
  • Slide the salmon under the broiler for the last 60 seconds if you want a slightly crisped, caramelized top that adds wonderful texture.
  • Place a few thin lemon slices directly on the fillets before baking for extra moisture and a gentle brightness that permeates the fish.

Go Back