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Creamy Cajun Salmon with Lemon Parmesan Rice

Creamy Cajun Salmon with Lemon Parmesan Rice

This creamy Cajun salmon with lemon Parmesan rice combines blackened salmon fillets, buttery white rice, and a rich lemon Parmesan cream sauce. Cajun seasoning, fresh lemon, butter, and Parmesan create a bold yet comforting seafood dinner that comes together in about 40 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 persons
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun-Inspired
Calories: 850
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan For cooking the rice
  • large skillet For cooking the salmon and making the sauce
  • whisk For smoothing the cream sauce
  • Fish spatula or tongs For turning and transferring the salmon

Method
 

  1. Prepare the rice according to package directions. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter and keep warm.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry and rub them with olive oil. Season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  3. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

Notes

Pat the salmon dry before seasoning so it develops a better blackened crust.
Rub the salmon with olive oil before adding the Cajun seasoning so the seasoning adheres evenly.
Cook the salmon over medium-high heat until blackened outside and cooked through.
Reduce the heat before making the cream sauce so the dairy stays smooth.
Simmer the Parmesan and lemon sauce gently rather than boiling it hard.
Stir the butter into the hot rice before serving for extra richness.
Assemble just before serving so the salmon stays hot and the sauce remains creamy.