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4-Ingredient Roasted Cajun Salmon

Name: 4-Ingredient Roasted Cajun Salmon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 10 ounces salmon; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning (*see notes)

By Marley Goldin

on May 9, 2025

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5 from 1 vote

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This Roasted Cajun Salmon is the easiest and quickest way to bring bold flavor to your fish with just 4 ingredients and 15 minutes required!

If you want flavor and fast, this Cajun Salmon recipe will teach you the easiest and most delicious way to roast your salmon in the oven!

Much like my 15-Minute Old Bay Salmon, this simple oven-baked salmon recipe relies on a delicious spice blend to bring a kick of salt and spice to every bite.

As a busy mom who doesn’t want to settle for dull food, I love this recipe because it only requires 4 ingredients, 15 minutes, a sheet pan, and an oven to make— without compromising taste or texture!

If you’re new to Cajun flavors, you can expect bold savory and earthy notes with a decent amount of spice.

Overhead image of Cajun roasted salmon on a plate with lemon wedges and greens.

Cajun Salmon Ingredient Highlights

This recipe was designed to feed two, so it calls for 10 ounces of salmon. Alternatively, you can use two individual 3–5-ounce portions of salmon. Bear in mind this will alter the cooking time.

You can use fresh or frozen salmon, just make sure the salmon is defrosted. For more info on defrosting salmon, check out my post on how to cook salmon from frozen.

I love Cajun seasoning, but it’s important to note that it’s spice and salt level varies drastically depending on the brand you get. I usually make my own Cajun seasoning because it’s very easy to do!

The teaspoon of Cajun seasoning called for in this recipe is great when using my homemade spice blend or a store-brand or McCormick Cajun seasoning. However, if you’re using something with more salt and spice like Slap Ya Mama seasoning, you may want to use less.

All ingredients needed for Cajun salmon including Cajun seasoning, salmon, olive oil, and lemon juice.

How I Make Roasted Salmon with Cajun Seasoning

Pat the Salmon Dry First

Listen, nothing is worse than mushy fish! And to make sure you get the best texture on your Cajun salmon, it’s best to pat it dry with a paper towel first to absorb excess moisture.

Drying your fish will give you the best flaky texture with crisp edges when you oven-roast it.

Patting salmon dry with paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. — Blot the salmon with a paper towel to reduce excess moisture.

Completely Coat Your Salmon in Cajun Seasoning

Once you’ve patted your salmon dry, add it to a baking sheet and drizzle on the lemon juice and olive oil. Then, sprinkle the Cajun seasoning on top in a thin, even layer.

I love bold flavor and like to make sure I get that kick from the Cajun seasoning in every single bite!

Then, just roast the salmon at 475°F for about 10-12 minutes. The best way to ensure your salmon is perfectly cooked is with a kitchen thermometer.

Please note: roasting time can vary greatly depending on the thickness of your salmon filet. The goal is to get the internal temperature of the fish to 145°F.

If you don’t have a thermometer, just look for visual cues that your salmon is ready. It will change from a bright, translucent pink to an opaque, light pink when it’s cooked.

Samon on a baking sheet seasoned with lemon juice, olive oil, and Cajun seasoning. — Coat the salmon in an even layer or lemon juice, olive oil, and Cajun seasoning and roast.

Serving Cajun Salmon

I love Cajun flavors on salmon and often use this winning combo in meals like in this Cajun Salmon Pasta and Cajun Salmon and Grits!

This salmon recipe, however, is SUPER versatile!

Try it with these Boursin Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus.

Cajun salmon with a forkful taken out to show the flaky texture.

How to Properly Store and Reheat Leftover Cajun Roasted Salmon

This Cajun Salmon will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

To reheat your leftover salmon, add the salmon to a baking dish and preheat your oven to 400°F. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake until the internal temperature of the salmon reaches 145°F, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size.

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