Smoked Cajun Honey Butter Salmon

This Smoked Cajun Honey Butter Salmon is rich, smoky, and packed with bold flavors. The combination of Cajun spices, sweet honey butter, and a perfectly flaky texture makes this dish irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold and Flavorful: Cajun spices add heat, balanced by the sweet honey butter glaze.
• Perfectly Smoky: Slow smoking enhances the natural flavor of the salmon.
• Easy to Make: Requires minimal prep and simple ingredients.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Ingredients

Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Honey Butter Glaze

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat the smoker to 225°F and add wood chips of choice (hickory or applewood work well).
2. In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme.
3. Drizzle salmon fillets with olive oil and rub the seasoning mixture evenly over each fillet.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Set aside.
5. Place the salmon fillets on the smoker grates and smoke for 45-60 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
6. Brush the salmon with the honey butter glaze during the last 10 minutes of smoking.
7. Remove from the smoker, drizzle with any remaining glaze, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Calories: 380 kcal per serving

Variations

• Spicier Version: Increase the cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Oven-Baked Alternative: Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, brushing with glaze halfway through.
• Grilled Option: Cook on a grill over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, glazing in the last few minutes.
• Citrus Twist: Add orange zest to the glaze for a refreshing touch.
• Maple Substitute: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked salmon in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

FAQs

How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145°F.

Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, trout or cod would work well with this seasoning and glaze.

What wood chips are best for smoking salmon?

Hickory, applewood, or cherry wood provide great flavor.

Can I make this recipe without a smoker?

Yes, you can bake or grill it instead.

How do I prevent my salmon from drying out?

Don’t overcook it, and use the honey butter glaze to keep it moist.

Can I use skinless salmon fillets?

Yes, but skin-on fillets help retain moisture during smoking.

What can I serve with smoked salmon?

Rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad pair well with this dish.

Can I prepare the seasoning mix ahead of time?

Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container for up to a month.

Can I marinate the salmon before smoking?

Yes, marinating for 30 minutes enhances the flavor, but it’s not necessary.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild heat level, but you can adjust the cayenne to your preference.

Conclusion

Smoked Cajun Honey Butter Salmon is a perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors. Whether you smoke it, grill it, or bake it, this dish is sure to impress with its rich taste and flaky texture. Give it a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

Smoked Cajun Honey Butter Salmon

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• Author: Chef Clara
• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Smoked Cajun Honey Butter Salmon—rich, smoky, and bold. Cajun spices, sweet honey butter, and flaky salmon make this dish irresistible.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon & Seasoning:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

Honey Butter Glaze:

 

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

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Instructions

• Preheat the smoker to 225°F and add wood chips of choice (hickory or applewood work well).
• In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme.
• Drizzle salmon fillets with olive oil and rub the seasoning mixture evenly over each fillet.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Set aside.
• Place the salmon fillets on the smoker grates and smoke for 45-60 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
• Brush the salmon with the honey butter glaze during the last 10 minutes of smoking.
• Remove from the smoker, drizzle with any remaining glaze, and serve immediately.

Notes

• For extra smoky flavor, use cherry or maple wood chips.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level.
• Pair with roasted vegetables or rice for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Seafood
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: Cajun, American