Cajun Grilled Salmon Recipe
This Cajun Grilled Salmon recipe offers a flavorful and easy way to enjoy tender, perfectly grilled salmon fillets infused with a spicy Cajun seasoning blend. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend barbecue, this dish pairs beautifully with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley for a bright, zesty finish.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Salmon and Marinade
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the fillets, gently rubbing them to ensure an even coating. In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Generously rub this spice blend all over the salmon, pressing gently so the seasoning adheres well.
- Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (200°C). Clean the grill grates thoroughly and brush them lightly with oil to prevent the salmon from sticking during grilling.
- Grill the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the grill, skin-side down if skin is on. Close the grill lid and cook for 4-5 minutes depending on fillet thickness. Carefully flip the fillets and continue grilling for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for one minute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the fish for a fresh citrus burst.
Notes
- To make your own Cajun seasoning, combine paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- If grilling indoors, use a grill pan on medium-high heat and cook similarly.
- Make sure the salmon is at room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference.
- Letting the salmon rest briefly after grilling helps retain moisture and juiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (6 oz)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Cajun grilled salmon, spicy salmon recipe, grilled fish, Cajun seasoning, healthy grilled dinner, quick salmon recipe