Get Creative with Ninja Foodi: Cajun Grilled Salmon Recipe for a Delicious and Spicy Twist!
Looking for a new and exciting way to add some flavor to your salmon? Look no further than Cajun grilled salmon! Using the versatile Ninja Foodi, you can create a delicious and spicy dish that will leave your taste buds tingling. But why stop at just Cajun seasoning? With the endless possibilities of the Ninja Foodi, you can experiment with different flavors and techniques to take your cooking to the next level.
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The History of Cajun Grilled Salmon with Ninja Foodi
The origins of Cajun cuisine can be traced back to the French-speaking Acadians from the Canadian Maritime provinces, who were expelled by the British in the late 1700s and settled in Louisiana. These skilled fishermen and hunters adapted to their new environment and started using local ingredients to create bold and flavorful dishes.
Fast forward to modern times, Cajun cuisine has become popular all over the world for its mix of spicy, smoky, and savory flavors. The Ninja Foodi, a versatile kitchen gadget that combines the functions of a pressure cooker, air fryer, and grill, has also gained a large following among cooking enthusiasts.
This Cajun Grilled Salmon with Ninja Foodi recipe combines the best of both worlds. It’s quick, easy, and packed with the iconic Cajun spice blend, which typically consists of paprika, cumin, brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. The spice rub gives the salmon fillets a beautiful crust and a complex flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky char from the Ninja Foodi grill.
Grilling the salmon in the Ninja Foodi ensures that it cooks evenly and remains juicy, all while infusing it with irresistible smokiness. Plus, the Ninja Foodi’s convenient features make it easy to use and clean up, ensuring that you can focus on enjoying your meal with family and friends.
So why not take your taste buds on a trip to the bayou with this delicious Cajun Grilled Salmon with Ninja Foodi recipe? Whether you’re a lover of Cajun cuisine or just looking for a tasty and healthy meal, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ask the Chef: Pro Tips for making Cajun Grilled Salmon with Ninja Foodi
Choose Quality Salmon
Opt for fresh salmon fillets that have a firm texture and vibrant pink color. Avoid salmon with any signs of discoloration, sliminess, or off odors.
Let Salmon Rest Before Cooking
Letting the salmon sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking will help the fish to cook evenly.
Preheat Your Grill
Preheating your Ninja Foodi in Grill mode for 5 minutes will ensure consistent cooking and help create a nice sear on your salmon.
Use The Right Equipment for the Job
You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. It should read 145ºF at its thickest part.
Adjust the Spice Level to Your Liking
This recipe is moderately spicy. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice mix or omit it altogether.
Experiment with Different Herbs and Spices
You can experiment with other herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika to customize the flavor of your salmon.
Serve with Sides that Complement the Dish
Consider serving your Cajun grilled salmon with a side salad, roasted veggies, or a light pasta dish to create a well-rounded meal.
Store Leftover Properly
Leftover Cajun grilled salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat the salmon, be sure to do it on low heat as a high heat could dry out the salmon.
How Many Calories are in Cajun Grilled Salmon with Ninja Foodi?
Nutrition Facts
4 Servings per Recipe
Calories: 298
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 2315mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 5g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 1g
- Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 32g
What Drinks Pair Best with Cajun Grilled Salmon in Ninja Foodi?
Wine pairing: A suitable wine pairing for Cajun Grilled Salmon could be a light-bodied and acidic white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio. These wines will complement the spicy and flavorful Cajun seasoning on the salmon while not overpowering it.
Beer pairing: A Belgian saison with a spicy and fruity character would complement the bold flavors of Cajun spices in the grilled salmon. The effervescence of the beer will help cut through the richness of the fish, while the spicy notes in the beer will complement the cayenne pepper in the recipe.
Cocktail pairing: A suitable cocktail pairing for Cajun Grilled Salmon using Ninja Foodi could be a Mint Julep. The cool and refreshing taste of the Mint Julep will complement the spicy cajun flavor of the salmon and the lemon garnish will tie in well with the lemon wedges served with the dish.
How to Make Cajun Grilled Salmon with Ninja Foodi
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- Olive oil
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Ninja Foodi on Grill mode for 5 minutes.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and brush with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, cumin, brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper and mix well. Rub this spice mix all over the salmon fillets.
- Once the Ninja Foodi is heated up, place the salmon fillets on the grill grate. Be sure to place them skin-side down.
- Grill the salmon for around 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145ºF.
- Once done, remove the salmon fillets from the Ninja Foodi and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Cajun grilled salmon with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy!