Baked Cajun-Spiced Salmon with Garlic-Butter Asparagus
Oven-baked salmon fillets coated in a smoky Cajun spice mix, paired with tender asparagus sautéed in garlic butter for a nourishing dinner. This American-inspired seafood recipe (low carb), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs salmon fillets, Cajun seasoning, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (6 oz each), skin-on salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb, trimmed asparagus spears
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 lemon wedges
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place 2 skin-on salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Rub each fillet evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning and drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 2: Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes until the edges are slightly crispy and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 3: While the salmon bakes, heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and foaming.
- Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 5: Add 1 lb trimmed asparagus spears, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until asparagus is tender but still bright green.
- Step 6: Remove asparagus from heat, squeeze juice from 2 lemon wedges over the top, and toss gently.
- Step 7: Plate the salmon fillets alongside the garlic-butter asparagus and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Cajun-Spiced Salmon with Garlic-Butter Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Cajun-Spiced Salmon with Garlic-Butter Asparagus?
Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cajun-Spiced Salmon with Garlic-Butter Asparagus?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Cajun-Spiced Salmon with Garlic-Butter Asparagus for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Baked Cajun-Spiced Salmon with Garlic-Butter Asparagus low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
