Cajun Grilled Salmon is a spicy, smoky, and absolutely mouthwatering dish that’s ready in minutes. With a bold Cajun seasoning crust and juicy, tender interior, this salmon recipe brings a vibrant kick to your dinner table. Perfect for outdoor grilling or indoor grill pans, it’s a healthy, protein-packed meal that’s simple enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests.

What Makes This Dish Special?
This salmon is all about bold flavor and effortless cooking. The Cajun seasoning delivers a deliciously spicy crust while keeping the inside moist and flaky. It’s a one-seasoning wonder that requires minimal prep and cooks in under 10 minutes. Plus, it’s low-carb, gluten-free, and packed with heart-healthy omega-3s.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Salt, to taste (optional if Cajun seasoning isn’t salty)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Grill
Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat or heat a grill pan on the stovetop over medium-high.
2. Season the Salmon
Brush the salmon fillets lightly with olive oil. Rub Cajun seasoning all over the fillets, coating both sides. Adjust salt if needed.
3. Grill the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 4–5 minutes on the first side without moving them, until grill marks form. Flip carefully and cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until the salmon easily flakes with a fork.
4. Serve
Transfer the grilled salmon to plates. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Variations
- Blackened Style: Cook the salmon in a hot cast iron skillet for a deep, smoky crust.
- Honey Cajun: Drizzle a little honey over the salmon before grilling for a sweet and spicy glaze.
- Herbed Cajun: Add dried thyme or oregano to the Cajun seasoning blend for an herby twist.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Outdoor grill or grill pan
- Tongs or spatula
- Small bowl (for oil and seasoning)
- Basting brush
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fat: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat or enjoy cold over a salad.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
My Cooking Experience
Cajun Grilled Salmon has been one of my go-to dishes for a quick, flavor-packed meal. It’s incredibly easy to make and pairs beautifully with everything from simple salads to creamy mashed potatoes. The Cajun spices add the perfect kick without overwhelming the natural richness of the salmon, and grilling it ensures a smoky flavor that’s irresistible.
Conclusion
Cajun Grilled Salmon is a deliciously bold way to enjoy healthy seafood with minimal effort. The spicy seasoning, tender texture, and smoky char make it a standout dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for summer cookouts or easy weeknight dinners, it’s a winning recipe that’s as simple as it is satisfying.

cajun grilled salmon
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat or heat a grill pan on the stovetop over medium-high.
- Brush the salmon fillets lightly with olive oil. Rub Cajun seasoning all over the fillets, coating both sides. Adjust salt if needed.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 4–5 minutes on the first side without moving them, until grill marks form. Flip carefully and cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until the salmon easily flakes with a fork.
- Transfer the grilled salmon to plates. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Refrigerator: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat or enjoy cold over a salad.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.