Ingredients
SALMON
- 2, 4-6 ounce salmon filets
- 1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
MARINADE
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 teaspoons spice blend from above
MANGO SALSA
- 2 yellow mangoes, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 4 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
FOR SERVING
- 1 cup cooked jasmine rice
- ½ avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup chipotle aioli or other sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Blend: In a small dish, whisk together brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, ginger, cayenne pepper, and salt to create your Cajun spice blend.
- Make the Marinade: In another dish, combine olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, and 2 teaspoons of the prepared spice blend. Whisk thoroughly to blend all ingredients.
- Marinate the Salmon: Pour the marinade over the salmon filets and allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare Mango Salsa: While the salmon marinates, dice the mangoes and red bell pepper. In a medium bowl, add the diced mangoes, bell pepper, red onion, chopped cilantro, and fresh lime juice. Stir gently to combine and set aside.
- Season Salmon: After marinating, sprinkle the remaining spice blend evenly over the salmon and pat it into the skin to enhance the flavor.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon filets skin-side up in the skillet and cook for 4 to 6 minutes. Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 4 to 6 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Optionally, flip the salmon back skin-side down briefly to crisp and blacken the skin.
- Serve: Plate the cooked salmon alongside a serving of jasmine rice and the fresh mango salsa. Add sliced avocado and a drizzle of chipotle aioli or your preferred sauce, if desired. Finish with a fresh squeeze of lime juice for added brightness.
Notes
- Marinating the salmon for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor but it can be cooked immediately if short on time.
- The chipotle aioli is optional but adds a delicious smoky heat that complements the Cajun spice.
- Use fresh lime juice in both the marinade and salsa for the best bright, citrus flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the heat level to your liking.
- Jasmine rice pairs well for a fragrant and fluffy side but any rice or grain can be substituted.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free