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Cajun salmon bites served over garlic butter rice on a plate, garnished with parsley

Cajun Salmon Bites with Garlic Butter Rice – 20-Minute Dinner

5 from 1 vote
These crispy, spicy Cajun salmon bites served over fluffy garlic butter rice make the perfect 20-minute high-protein meal. Flavorful, comforting, and incredibly easy to prepare.
Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Cajun Salmon Bites:
  • 300 g 10 oz salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into cubes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Garlic Butter Rice:
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 2 cups water or broth
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • Salt to taste
  • For Serving:
  • Lemon wedges
  • Fresh parsley optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Medium pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Step 1 – Prep the Salmon: Cut the salmon into bite-sized cubes and season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    Cajun salmon bites – raw salmon cubes seasoned with Cajun spices, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl
  2. Step 2 – Cook the Rice: In a pot, cook rice with water or broth until fluffy. Melt butter in the pot, stir in garlic, and combine with the rice.
    Cajun salmon bites – fluffy garlic butter rice being mixed in a pot with melted butter and garlic
  3. Step 3 – Heat the Pan: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
    Cajun salmon bites – olive oil heating in a skillet over medium-high heat before cooking the salmon
  4. Step 4 – Sear the Salmon Bites: Add the salmon cubes in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes per side until crispy and golden.
    Cajun salmon bites – salmon cubes searing in a single layer in a hot skillet until golden and crispy
  5. Step 5 – Finish with Lemon: Squeeze fresh lemon over the salmon bites and toss gently.
    Cajun salmon bites – hand squeezing fresh lemon over crispy salmon cubes in a skillet
  6. Step 6 – Serve: Serve salmon bites over garlic butter rice and garnish with parsley.
    Cajun salmon bites served over garlic butter rice on a plate, garnished with parsley

Notes

  • Use skinless salmon for easier crisping.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
  • For extra flavor, add a splash of soy sauce or honey at the end.
  • Rice can be replaced with quinoa or cauliflower rice.