Baked Cajun-Spiced Salmon with Garlic-Butter Asparagus

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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 (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin-on 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 weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Step 2: Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes until the edges are slightly crispy and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
  3. Step 3: While the salmon bakes, heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and foaming.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. 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.
  6. Step 6: Remove asparagus from heat, squeeze juice from 2 lemon wedges over the top, and toss gently.
  7. 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?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cajun seasoning from drying out.

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.

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