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Gluten Free Cajun Salmon with Mango Salsa Recipe

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4.2 from 8 reviews

This easy gluten free Cajun salmon recipe features perfectly spiced salmon filets marinated in a zesty orange and lime juice blend and cooked to flaky perfection in a skillet. Served alongside a refreshing 4-ingredient mango salsa and jasmine rice, this healthy and fresh meal is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Marinate the Salmon: Pour the marinade over the salmon filets and allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  4. 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.
  5. Season Salmon: After marinating, sprinkle the remaining spice blend evenly over the salmon and pat it into the skin to enhance the flavor.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American Cajun
  • Diet: Gluten Free