Description

A quick and impressive weeknight meal featuring salmon fillets roasted on a sheet pan with a sweet and spicy Cajun honey butter glaze, asparagus, and bell peppers.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs salmon fillets (center-cut, about 6 ounces each)
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado or grapeseed)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 bunch asparagus (woody ends trimmed)
1 large red bell pepper (chopped)
1 medium red onion (sliced into wedges)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large half-sheet pan (18×13 inches) with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub lightly with neutral oil on both sides. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning generously over the top side only, pressing gently to adhere.
In a small bowl, whisk together softened butter, honey, minced garlic, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
Chop bell pepper into 1-inch pieces and slice red onion into wedges. Trim asparagus ends. Toss vegetables with a little oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on the sheet pan, leaving space in the middle for the salmon.
Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the pan. Brush the top of each fillet with half of the honey butter glaze.
Bake for 12 minutes.
Remove pan from oven. Brush remaining glaze over the salmon. Return to oven and bake for 3-5 more minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork and glaze is caramelized.
Let salmon rest for 2 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure roasting rather than steaming. Watch the honey closely in the last few minutes as it burns easily. Salmon continues to cook after removal from the oven, so remove when just barely opaque in the center. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil and honey with maple syrup.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with
Calories: 450
Sugar: 12
Sodium: 600
Fat: 28
Saturated Fat: 12
Carbohydrates: 12
Fiber: 3
Protein: 35

Keywords: salmon, sheet pan dinner, cajun salmon, honey butter salmon, easy weeknight dinner, healthy fish recipe, gluten-free option