Cajun Baked Salmon is a flavorful one-pan dinner that combines tender salmon with colorful roasted vegetables and a bold Cajun seasoning blend.

The ingredients come together in a single skillet or baking dish, making this recipe straightforward to prepare and easy to clean up afterward.

With about 10 minutes of preparation and 20 to 25 minutes in the oven, it is a practical choice for a busy evening. The salmon develops a well-seasoned surface while the bell peppers, red onion, and garlic become tender and lightly roasted.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe keeps preparation simple by cooking the salmon and vegetables together. A large cast-iron skillet is ideal, but a wide baking dish works just as well if there is enough space for the ingredients.

Cajun seasoning provides the dish with its characteristic flavor. Because prepared blends vary in saltiness and heat, check the seasoning before adding extra salt.

Ingredients

- 2 lbs salmon fillets

- 1 1/2–2 tbsp Cajun seasoning for the salmon

- 3 tbsp avocado or olive oil, divided

- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning for the vegetables

- 2 large bell peppers

- 1 red onion

- 3 garlic cloves, smashed and minced

- Salt, as needed

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.

2. Lightly coat the bottom of a large cast-iron skillet or wide baking dish with some of the oil.

3. Slice the bell peppers and red onion into evenly sized pieces. Smash and mince the garlic.

4. Place the vegetables in a bowl. Add 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning and half of the oil. Toss until evenly coated.

5. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub them with the remaining oil and season evenly with the Cajun seasoning.

6. Check the seasoning before adding salt. If the Cajun blend is already salty, additional salt may not be necessary.

7. Place the salmon skin-side down, if the fillets have skin, in the prepared skillet or baking dish. Arrange the vegetables around the salmon.

8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon.

9. Check the thickest part of the salmon with a food thermometer. The USDA recommends cooking fish to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (62.8°C).

10. Remove the pan from the oven and serve the salmon with the roasted vegetables.

How to Keep Salmon Moist

Patting the salmon dry before seasoning helps the oil and spices adhere evenly. If the fillets have skin, leaving it underneath during baking can also help protect the flesh from drying.

Because salmon fillets vary in thickness, cooking time can differ. A food thermometer provides the most reliable way to check when the salmon is fully cooked.

Preparing the Vegetables

Bell peppers and red onion add sweetness, color, and texture to the dish, while garlic brings additional depth. Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook at a similar rate.

Other vegetables can be substituted or added according to preference. Mushrooms, asparagus, green beans, carrots, tomatoes, cauliflower, and corn are suitable options.

If using additional vegetables, choose a larger skillet or baking dish and avoid overcrowding. Adequate space allows the vegetables to roast more effectively.

Choosing the Right Cajun Flavor

Cajun seasoning blends vary in heat, saltiness, and spice balance. Some are relatively mild, while others contain more pepper or cayenne.

For a milder dish, use the lower end of the recommended amount. For a stronger Cajun flavor, use the higher amount while seasoning the salmon evenly.

Cajun Baked Salmon brings together tender, well-seasoned salmon and roasted vegetables in a simple one-pan preparation. The combination of Cajun spices, sweet peppers, red onion, and garlic creates a balanced dish without complicated cooking steps.

With minimal preparation and straightforward baking, it is an efficient dinner that delivers bold flavor while keeping cleanup to a minimum.