Cajun Copper River Salmon with Roasted Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa

It’s that special time of year! The time when the Copper River Salmon is as FRESH as can be. It’s the time that means melted butter running off golden potatoes, a splatter of fresh corn on the cob on your cheeks, and the brightest colored Cajun Copper River Salmon ever to gracee your family’s dining table with a helping of Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa.

And, I really don’t mean to get basic food blogger on you here, but I really can’t help it. We are going back into childhood memories of salmon. My grandpa is a fisherman, not by trade but by identity and hobby. He spends about 70% of his days in the harshest winds and the choppiest waters just to get his year’s supply of salmon. He cooks them up so deliciously—usually grilled and definitely, generously salted/peppered/lemon juiced. It’s my preferred fish of choice thanks to memories with him at the beach. Not to mention, repressed memories of my grandpa at his gutting station by the tree doing the unthinkable to the fish we just caught earlier that day. I should have never named them. That was mistake number one.

Thank the good Lord for QFC, since I can just pick up a Copper River Salmon at their seafood department ready to cook. This type of salmon is only available for a short period of time starting May 17^th. Yep, fish is seasonal! This salmon is fished out of the Copper River in Alaska and it’s super bright in pigment and tends to stay that way when you cook it! It’s bright because it’s high in fat which means it won’t dry out quickly which also means you get a nice dosing of omega 3s and vitamin D!

Eating fresh + seasonal food = getting the vitamins you need.

Eating fresh + seasonal food = support the local economy, or in this case, the amazing fishermen of Alaska.

I worked up this Cajun Copper River Salmon with Roasted Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa recipe with a few other things I picked up from my local QFC. I’m a huge fan of Cajun flavors and I cannot get enough Cajun on all the things including potatoes, burgers, gumbos, and salmon. Something about it just gives me life.  And as much as I love a salmon patty, I really wanted the rich fatty flavors of the CRS to SHINE! So, filets it is! My favorite Cajun, you ask? I used a pre-mixed Cajun seasoning mixed with a little ground cumin. Those two flavors give me happiness in ways I can’t describe in just one blog post.

And, because I’m me, I need toppings. I need sweet, I need spicy, I need savory. This roasted Jalapeño and Pineapple Salsa is just… the only thing in my life that makes sense right now. It has the perfect flavors to bring this salmon to it’s full potential! But, if you’re not like me and can’t handle the heat, just roast up a Poblano pepper instead. Very mild yet still flavorful! Jalapeños grown in the colder months tend to have more kick than Ronda Rousey.

Have a lovely end of the week, friends.

Cajun Copper River Salmon with Roasted Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa

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Welcome to Copper River Salmon Season! This recipe for Cajun Copper River Salmon with Roasted Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa will blow your mind.

• Author: Karlee Flores
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Ingredients

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1 Copper River Salmon, cut into fillets

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons salt

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 lime, juice of

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper

|| Salsa ||

3 jalapeños 

2 cups fresh pineapple, chopped

½ cup red onion, chopped

¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

½ lime, juice of

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Place filets on parchment paper or an aluminum foil lined baking sheet. Drizzle filets with olive oil, lime juice, and honey and rub into the salmon fillets. Sprinkle with salt, Cajun seasoning, cumin, and some fresh cracked pepper. 

Place in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until cooked to your liking.

|| Salsa || Over medium/high heat blister the sliced jalapeños until softened and charred. Chop jalapeños. Add to the rest of the salsa ingredients and toss together. 

Keywords: copper river salmon, fish, pineapple, salmon, salsa