Baked Cajun-Spiced Salmon with Roasted Garlic Aioli

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

Oven-baked salmon fillets seasoned with bold Cajun spices, served alongside a creamy roasted garlic aioli. This American-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs salmon fillets, olive oil, Cajun seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, 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 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place 4 salmon fillets skin-side down. Brush each fillet with 2 tbsp olive oil.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
  3. Step 3: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and has an opaque pink color.
  4. Step 4: While the salmon bakes, make the aioli by combining 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 4 mashed roasted garlic cloves, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp paprika in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Serve the baked Cajun-spiced salmon with a dollop of roasted garlic aioli on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Cajun-Spiced Salmon with Roasted Garlic Aioli 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 Roasted Garlic Aioli?

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 Roasted Garlic Aioli?

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 Roasted Garlic Aioli for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

What goes well with Baked Cajun-Spiced Salmon with Roasted Garlic Aioli?

American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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