Cajun Baked Salmon Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cajun Baked Salmon Bites are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. These tender, spicy salmon cubes are seasoned with a homemade Cajun spice blend and baked to perfection. Serve them on their own or as part of a vibrant rice bowl.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets, skinless, cut into 2.5cm (1″) cubes (approximately 600 – 700g / 1.2 – 1.4lb total)
• 2 tsp paprika (regular or sweet; smoked paprika works well too)
• 3/4 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt (halve for table salt, increase by 50% for flakes)
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder (do not substitute with fresh garlic, it will burn)
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for slight spiciness)
• 2 1/2 tsp brown sugar (tightly packed teaspoons)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 240°C (460°F) or 220°C (425°F) if using a fan-forced oven.
2. Step 2: Prepare your baking tray by lightly scrunching a sheet of foil, then gently unfolding it so it remains wrinkled. Place this on the tray and fold the edges to secure it in place. Repeat with another sheet to cover the entire tray. This crinkled foil helps lift the salmon slightly, preventing sticking and soggy undersides.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, mix together paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and brown sugar to create the Cajun spice blend.
4. Step 4: Add the cubed salmon fillets to the bowl and toss well to coat evenly with the spice mix. Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon and toss again to combine.
5. Step 5: Spread the coated salmon cubes evenly on the prepared foil, ensuring they are spaced out for better browning.
6. Step 6: Bake the salmon bites in the preheated oven for 12 minutes without turning, until they are lightly browned and cooked through.
7. Step 7: Remove the salmon from the baking tray immediately to stop further cooking. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
• If you prefer less heat, omit the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount.
• Try serving the salmon bites over rice with fresh vegetables and a drizzle of peri-naise or spicy mayo for a delicious rice bowl.
• Use fresh herbs like chopped coriander or green onion as garnish to add freshness.

Storage

Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out. These bites are best enjoyed fresh but can also be served cold in salads.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cutting into cubes and seasoning.

What can I substitute for brown sugar in the seasoning?

If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar or honey as a substitute. Keep in mind honey will add moisture, so use a smaller amount and adjust seasoning accordingly.

Cajun Baked Salmon Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 79 reviews

Delicious Cajun Baked Salmon Bites featuring tender, flavorful salmon cubes coated in a smoky, spicy Cajun seasoning and baked to perfection. This quick and easy recipe uses a clever foil technique for even cooking and prevents sticking, resulting in beautifully browned bites perfect for snacking or adding to rice bowls.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Cajun
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cajun Spice Mix

• 2 tsp paprika (regular/sweet, smoked also lovely)
• 3/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (halve for table salt, +50% for flakes)
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder (don’t sub with fresh garlic, will burn)
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for slight spiciness)
• 2 1/2 tsp brown sugar (tightly packed)

Main Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets, skinless, cut into 2.5cm / 1″ cubes (~600 – 700g / 1.2 – 1.4lb total)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 240°C/460°F (220°C fan-forced) to get it ready for baking the salmon bites at a high temperature for a nicely browned finish.
2. Prepare Foil: Lightly scrunch up aluminum foil and then gently unfold it so that it remains wrinkled with lots of little peaks. Place the foil on your baking tray and fold up the edges to secure; use another sheet to cover the full tray if needed. This Japanese-inspired trick lifts the fish slightly to prevent sticking and keeps the undersides from becoming soggy.
3. Make Cajun Spice Mix: In a bowl, combine paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar. Mix well to create the Cajun seasoning blend.
4. Coat Salmon: Add the cubed salmon fillets to the bowl with the Cajun spice mix along with the olive oil. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the salmon cubes evenly with the seasoning and oil.
5. Arrange Salmon on Foil: Spread the seasoned salmon cubes out evenly on the prepared foil tray. Make sure they are spaced out well to ensure even browning on all sides.
6. Bake Salmon Bites: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the salmon for 12 minutes without turning. The high heat and foil wrinkles help create a lightly browned exterior while keeping the salmon tender inside.
7. Remove and Serve: Once the baking time is complete, remove the salmon bites from the tray to stop any residual cooking. Serve immediately, either as a snack or added to dishes like Cajun Salmon Rice Bowls with fresh veggies and sauces.

Notes

• Using garlic powder instead of fresh garlic prevents burning during the high heat baking.
• The crinkled foil technique helps avoid soggy undersides and sticking, making cleanup easier.
• Adjust cayenne pepper amount or omit for milder flavor.
• Serve with Peri-naise, mayo mixed with sriracha or ketchup, or a fresh avocado salsa for a tasty accompaniment.
• These salmon bites are perfect for adding to rice bowls or crisp salads.

Keywords: Cajun salmon bites, baked salmon cubes, easy salmon recipe, spicy salmon bites, Cajun seafood, healthy salmon snack