If you love salmon with a little Cajun kick, this creamy seafood dinner is one to keep in your rotation. Blackened Cajun salmon sits over buttery rice, finished with a rich lemon Parmesan sauce that makes every bite flavorful and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold blackened Cajun flavor. The salmon gets a deeply seasoned, slightly charred crust.
- That lemon Parmesan sauce. Bright and rich at the same time, it ties the whole dish together.
- Buttery rice as the base. A comforting foundation that soaks up all the sauce.
- Ready in 40 minutes. A restaurant-quality dinner that comes together at home.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets, about 6 oz each
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Creamy Cajun Salmon with Lemon Parmesan Rice
1. Cook the rice. Prepare the rice according to package directions. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter and keep warm.
2. Season the salmon. Pat the salmon fillets dry and rub them with olive oil. Season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Sear the salmon. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until nicely blackened on the outside and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Start the creamy sauce. Reduce the heat to medium. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in the same skillet, then pour in the heavy cream and whisk until smooth.
5. Add Parmesan and lemon. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, until the lemon Parmesan sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble the dish. Spoon the warm buttery rice onto serving plates. Place the Cajun salmon over the rice and generously spoon the creamy lemon Parmesan sauce over each fillet.
7. Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Creamy Cajun Salmon
- Pat the salmon dry before seasoning. This helps the Cajun seasoning stick and promotes a better sear.
- Don’t be afraid of a deep sear. That blackened exterior is where a lot of the flavor comes from.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce, since pre-shredded cheese can make it slightly grainy.
- Add the lemon juice and zest together. This gives the sauce the brightest, most balanced citrus flavor.
What to Serve with Creamy Cajun Salmon & Rice
This dish is a complete meal on its own with rice included, but a simple steamed vegetable or side salad rounds things out nicely if you’d like something fresh alongside it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat very dry before searing so it browns properly instead of steaming.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Half-and-half can work in a pinch, though the sauce will be thinner and less rich than with heavy cream.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, just keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook, so plan ahead if starting from scratch.
Creamy Cajun Salmon with Lemon Parmesan Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the rice according to package directions. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter and keep warm.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and rub them with olive oil. Season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the salmon and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until nicely blackened on the outside and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in the same skillet, then pour in the heavy cream and whisk until smooth.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, until the lemon Parmesan sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Spoon the warm buttery rice onto serving plates. Place the Cajun salmon over the rice and generously spoon the creamy lemon Parmesan sauce over each fillet.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately. This creamy Cajun salmon recipe combines tender seafood, buttery rice, Parmesan, and bright lemon flavor for an easy seafood dinner.