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Cajun baked salmon served with spicy tartar sauce on a plate

Baked Cajun Salmon With Spicy Tartar Sauce

A delightful dish combining rich, flaky salmon with bold Cajun spices and a creamy, spicy tartar sauce, perfect for weeknights or impressing guests.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon
  • 1 lb fresh salmon filets Ideally about 1 lb total
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning Adds heat and depth of flavor
  • 2 tbsp coconut sugar or brown sugar Balances the spices with hint of sweetness
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika Adds a touch of smokiness
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder Amplifies the flavors
  • 1 tbsp olive oil Brushed on top for a crispy finish
  • salt To taste
  • fresh chopped parsley For garnish
  • lemon wedges For serving
For the Tartar Sauce
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise Base of your sauce
  • 2 tbsp dill pickle relish Adds crunch and tang
  • 1 tsp lemon juice Brings freshness
  • 1-2 tbsp hot sauce Adjust to preference for spice
  • 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning For flavor complement
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika Enhances flavor
  • salt To taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment.
  2. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, lemon juice, hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt to make the tartar sauce. Mix well, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Cover and refrigerate.
  3. Lay salmon filets skin side down on the prepared baking sheet. Pat dry with a paper towel and brush with olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt.
  4. In a small bowl, mix Cajun seasoning, sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Evenly sprinkle the mixture over the salmon filets.
Cooking
  1. Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, until cooked through and flaky.
Serving
  1. Remove salmon from the oven, top with chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges and the spicy tartar sauce.

Notes

Allow salmon to marinate in the seasoning for 30 minutes if you have time. Adjust hot sauce in tartar sauce to your preference. Ensure salmon is well coated with olive oil for even cooking.