This Cajun Salmon and Shrimp dish is bursting with flavor! Juicy salmon and tasty shrimp come together with spicy Cajun seasoning for a dish that’s just a bit zesty.
Cooking this meal feels so special, but it’s really easy! I love serving it with rice or veggies. You might just have to add a little extra shrimp—because who doesn’t love those?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Choose fresh salmon fillets with skin on for a crisp texture. If you can’t find salmon, trout or even tilapia can work as good substitutes, though they may have different cooking times.
Shrimp: Large shrimp are best for this recipe. If fresh shrimp are not available, frozen shrimp work fine. Just make sure they’re fully thawed before cooking!
Cajun Seasoning: This adds a wonderful kick! You can make your own blend by mixing paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. If you can’t handle spicy foods, reduce the amount or try a milder seasoning blend.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce a rich texture. You could substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter, dairy-free option, but the flavor will be slightly different.
How Do I Ensure My Salmon is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking salmon just right can be tricky! Follow these tips to avoid overcooking:
- Start with a hot skillet, which helps sear the salmon and lock in moisture.
- Cook skin-side down first to get it crispy. This also acts as a barrier, keeping the flesh moist.
- Flip the salmon only once when it’s about two-thirds cooked through to avoid drying it out.
- Using a meat thermometer? Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F for perfectly cooked salmon.
Following these tips will help you create a stunning Cajun Salmon and Shrimp dish that’s sure to impress!
How to Make Cajun Salmon and Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Seafood:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each, skin on)
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
For the Seasoning and Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional:
- Mashed potatoes or rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cajun Salmon and Shrimp dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time. So, in just 25 minutes, you’ll have a tasty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Seafood:
Start by patting the salmon fillets and shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them sear beautifully. Evenly sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning over both salmon and shrimp, along with a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
2. Cook the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and you can see that the salmon is cooked about two-thirds of the way through. Carefully flip the salmon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fully cooked. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Shrimp:
In the same skillet, add the remainder of the olive oil or butter. Add the shrimp and sprinkle them with the other tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side until they’re pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp and set them aside with the salmon.
4. Make the Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any flavorful bits. Let the broth reduce for about 2 minutes.
5. Add Cream and Lemon Juice:
Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice, allowing the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
6. Combine and Serve:
Return the cooked salmon and shrimp to the skillet to warm them through in the flavorful sauce for about 1-2 minutes. Afterward, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and check the seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed.
7. Mise en Place:
Serve the Cajun salmon and shrimp hot, over a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish, with generous spoonfuls of the creamy Cajun sauce drizzled on top.
Enjoy your flavorful Cajun seafood meal with perfectly seasoned salmon and shrimp coated in a rich, spicy sauce!
Can I Use Different Types of Fish for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While salmon is great for this dish, you can also use other fish like trout or tilapia. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as thinner fish will cook faster.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream to keep the sauce creamy.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Of course! To increase the heat, you can add more Cajun seasoning or toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce. Adjust according to your heat preference.
What Should I Serve With Cajun Salmon and Shrimp?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a fresh salad. You can also serve it with sautéed vegetables or a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
