One-Pan Spicy Cajun Salmon with Roasted Asparagus

One-Pan Spicy Cajun Salmon with Roasted Asparagus

One-Pan Cajun Salmon and Asparagus

Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. This one-pan Cajun salmon and asparagus is perfect for those busy evenings when you want something healthy, flavourful, and quick to prepare. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table with minimal cleanup!

How to Prepare

The prep time is incredibly short—almost as quick as it takes for your oven to preheat. Here’s how to whip up this flavorful dish:

  1. Prep the Salmon: Start by drizzling the salmon with olive oil. Season generously with salt, pepper, Cajun spice, and garlic powder. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top, and rub the spice mixture into a nice paste on both sides. To save time, purchase salmon pre-cut into 140-170 g portions.

  2. Add Lemon: Slice one lemon and place the slices on top of the salmon for a burst of citrus flavor.

  3. Prepare the Asparagus: Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus and arrange them alongside the salmon. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and plenty of garlic powder, finishing with a few squeezes of lemon juice.

  4. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and let it cook for just 15 minutes. Use this time to relax, enjoy a glass of wine, or prepare a quick salad—whatever you prefer!

Why You’ll Love It

This recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen. The combination of Cajun spice and fresh lemon transforms simple ingredients into an impressive meal. I’ve made countless variations over the years, from swapping out the lemon for lime to using different fish like halibut or cod, and every time, the result is perfectly cooked fish.

Cajun spice brings a vibrant kick that adds so much flavor, and I’ve even started incorporating it into other dishes, like Vegan Creamy Cajun Pasta!

Cooking Tips

  • Creating a Paste: By mixing spices with oil and lemon juice, you create a flavorful paste that adheres better to the fish, enhancing the overall taste.
  • One-Pan Wonder: I often opt for foil pans to keep cleanup easy. If you prefer, you can mix everything in a bowl, but I enjoy keeping it all in one pan for convenience.

Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are a few ideas:

  • Add lime zest and ginger for an Indian-inspired twist.
  • Toss in cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinegar for an Italian flair.
  • Substitute asparagus with quick-cooking veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, or zucchini.

Ingredients

  • 4 pieces (140-170 g each) salmon (or cod, halibut)
  • 60 ml Cajun spice (more if you like it spicy)
  • 60 ml garlic powder
  • 15 g kosher salt
  • 3 g freshly ground black pepper
  • 45 ml olive oil
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • ½ lemon, sliced
  • 900 g asparagus (woody stalks removed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 232°C.
  2. Place the salmon pieces skin-side down on a large sheet pan, accommodating the salmon and asparagus.
  3. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salmon and asparagus.
  4. Sprinkle the Cajun spice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over both.
  5. Rub the spice mixture onto the salmon for even coverage. Top with lemon slices and toss the asparagus to coat.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes or until the salmon is flaky.

Notes

  • To trim the asparagus, take one stalk and snap off the end; it will break at the natural point of tenderness.
  • For extra browning, turn on the broiler for the last 4-5 minutes.
  • This recipe works beautifully in a convection oven, but a standard oven or toaster oven will also yield great results.

Enjoy this healthy, delicious meal that’s ready in just 15 minutes! Who needs takeout when you can whip up something this tasty in no time?

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 400
  • Total Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5 g
  • Sugars: 2 g
  • Protein: 37 g

    Nutritional Breakdown

    • Red Meat-Free: Yes
    • Soy-Free: Yes
    • Alcohol-Free: Yes
    • Balanced: Yes
    • Vegetarian: No
    • Pescatarian: Yes
    • Peanut-Free: Yes
    • Fish-Free: No
    • Egg-Free: Yes
    • Pork-Free: Yes
    • Sugar-Conscious: Yes
    • Tree-Nut-Free: Yes
    • Shellfish-Free: Yes

    Note

    Nutritional values can vary based on specific brands of ingredients used and portion sizes. For the most accurate information, consider using a nutrition calculator with the exact products you use.

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