Baked Salmon Cajun Lime (Printable)

Tender baked salmon with zesty Cajun spices and fresh lime for a flavorful, healthy dish.

# What You Need:

→ Fish

01 - 4 salmon fillets (approx. 5.3 oz each), skin-on or skinless

→ Seasoning

02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
04 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/4 tsp salt
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Citrus

08 - 2 limes (1 zested and juiced, 1 sliced into rounds)

→ Garnish

09 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and arrange on the baking sheet, skin-side down if applicable.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, lime zest, and lime juice until well blended.
04 - Brush or spoon the spice mixture evenly over each salmon fillet.
05 - Top each fillet with a slice of lime to enhance flavor during baking.
06 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque in the center.
07 - Remove from oven, garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The whole thing happens in your oven while you set the table, with actual restaurant-quality flavor.
  • Cajun seasoning gives you that warm spice without drowning the delicate salmon taste.
  • Fresh lime makes it bright and summery, even when it's cold outside.
  • It's naturally gluten-free, healthy, and honestly tastes like you fussed way more than you did.
02 -
  • Don't overbake salmon—it continues cooking after it comes out of the oven, so err on the side of slightly underdone at the center.
  • Lime zest is completely different from lime juice; using both gives you brightness and depth that neither can deliver alone.
03 -
  • Let the salmon sit at room temperature for about five minutes before baking so it cooks evenly from edge to center.
  • If you're making this for multiple people, buying pre-portioned fillets saves time and makes plating feel professional.

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