Cajun Honey Butter Salmon

 Salmon nutrition:

Farmed salmon is an excellent source of protein, healthy fats in the form of omega-3 and several essential vitamins and minerals. The average 3.5 oz. (100 g) portion of farmed salmon contains 41% of the recommended daily intake of protein and at least 20% of the recommended daily intake of vitamins B3, B5, B6, B12, vitamin D, vitamin E and selenium. It is also a good source of potassium, which is a nutrient of public health concern in the United States.

On average a 3.5 oz. (100 g) portion of farmed salmon also contains ~2g of the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA are unique to seafood and the best dietary sources are found in oily fish. These two omega-3s are important for human health and are associated with multiple improved health outcomes, especially when consumed from fish.

INGREDIENTS

3 Salmon Fillets

1 tbsp Olive Oil, divided

1 tsp Dried Parsley Flakes

1 tsp Garlic Powder

1 tsp Onion Powder

1 tsp Smoked Paprika, or Regular Paprika

2 tsp Cajun or Creole Seasoning

1/4 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper

1/2 tsp Salt, more or less to taste

4 tbsp Butter, softened or room temperature

3 tbsp Pure Honey

Fresh Parsley or Cilantro Leaves for Garnish, as desired

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a small bowl, combine all the dry seasoning – dried parsley flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika or paprika, cajun seasoning, black pepper, and salt and set aside.

In another bowl, combine butter and honey, mix until well combined, set aside.

Pat dry salmon, then add a drizzle with olive oil on each fillet.

Season both sides of salmon generously with dry seasoning, and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Add a drizzle of olive oil to a skillet or oven-safe dish and place salmon fillets in the pan with a dollop of honey butter on each – do not overcrowd your pan. Set aside the remainder of honey butter.

Depending on the thickness of your salmon, bake for 10 -12 minutes or until flaky and internal temp reads 145°F.

When salmon near done, around the 7-8 minute mark, add the remainder of honey butter to the skillet.

Remove from oven when done, spoon the sauce overtop of salmon, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve.