Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce

There’s something about the vibrant blend of spices in Cajun cuisine that has always captured my heart. I can remember the first time I tried a Cajun dish; it was at a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant, and I was blown away by the explosion of flavor. It ignited a passion for cooking that hasn’t dimmed since! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my take on Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce. This recipe has quickly become a go-to in my kitchen, and I know it will be in yours too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

So, why should you dive into this delicious dish tonight? For starters, it’s like a party in your mouth! The rich, creamy garlic sauce perfectly complements the spices, creating a symphony of flavor that dances on your palate. The shrimp and salmon provide not only a beautiful color contrast but also an amazing texture—juicy, tender shrimp alongside flaky, savory salmon.

Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up! In less than 30 minutes, you can present yourself a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests. And let’s not forget, seafood is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health! So, you’re treating yourself while savoring every bite. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!

Gather These Ingredients

Let’s chat about what you need to bring this feast together. Here’s the rundown:

1. Shrimp: You’ll want a pound of fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined. They’re tender, sweet, and soak up that Cajun seasoning beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, fresh shrimp is unbeatable, but frozen works too—just remember to thaw it out first!

2. Salmon: A pound of salmon fillets brings a luscious, buttery richness. Opt for skin-on fillets if you want an extra layer of flavor. And don’t worry; farmed or wild-caught will both shine here.

3. Cajun Seasoning: This is where the magic happens! A couple of tablespoons of your favorite Cajun seasoning will give your proteins that signature kick. You can create your blend at home, or grab a store-bought one—just check for a balance of herbs and spices.

4. Olive Oil: Two tablespoons for sautéing; it adds richness and helps create that perfect sear on the seafood. Feel free to substitute with another oil if you prefer.

5. Garlic: Four cloves, minced—because garlic makes everything better! It adds depth and aroma that brings the entire dish together.

6. Heavy Cream: One cup makes for a decadent sauce that’s perfectly luscious without being overly heavy. You could swap this with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter twist!

7. Parmesan Cheese: Half a cup of freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty complexity to the sauce. If you’re avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast is a great substitute that’ll still give you that cheesy flavor.

8. Salt & Pepper: Simple but essential for enhancing the flavors.

9. Chopped Parsley: It’s not just for looks; this brightens the dish and adds a fresh finish. You can swap for basil or cilantro if you prefer something different!

The Cooking Process Explained

Ready to bring this dish to life? Follow these simple steps:

1. Season the Seafood: Start by seasoning your shrimp and salmon with the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy—get that flavor in there!

2. Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Let it shimmer, but be careful not to let it smoke.

3. Cook the Shrimp and Salmon: Add the shrimp and salmon to the skillet. Cook until the shrimp turns pink and the salmon is flaky, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove them from the pan and set aside.

4. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. This part is magic—trust me!

5. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan until melted and smooth. Voilà, you’ve got a creamy dream going on!

6. Combine: Return the shrimp and salmon to the skillet, coating them in that luscious sauce. Let them mingle for a minute or two.

7. Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for that pop of freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Plate and Pair

Now that your kitchen smells divine and the flavors are bursting, let’s talk presentation. Serve this gorgeous dish over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside some garlic butter sautéed green beans for that beautiful color contrast. A crisp side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette will also brighten things up! If you’re feeling indulgent, a glass of chilled white wine pairs wonderfully. Cheers to good food!

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, let’s be honest), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to two days. When you’re ready to reheat, do it gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream to keep that sauce luscious. Avoid microwave reheating if you can; it sometimes makes seafood rubbery.

Pro Chef Tips

Here are some insider tips:

• Toast the Cajun seasoning: Before seasoning the seafood, consider toasting it in the dry pan for a minute to amplify the flavors.

• Don’t rush the sauce: Letting your garlic simmer gently brings out its sweetness, which balances the spices beautifully.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels; a pinch of cayenne can take things up a notch if you like heat.

Creative Twists

Want to switch things up? Consider substituting the shrimp with scallops or using a delightful white fish like tilapia or halibut. For a lighter option, add some steamed veggies directly into the sauce! Also, why not play with the cheese? Pecorino Romano or even a vegan cheese would add a unique twist.

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb salmon fillets
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

1. Season the shrimp and salmon with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add shrimp and salmon to the skillet; cook until shrimp are pink and salmon is cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic; sauté for 1 minute.
5. Pour in heavy cream; bring to a simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
6. Return shrimp and salmon to the skillet, coating them in the sauce.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Your Questions Answered

• What if I can’t find Cajun seasoning? No worries! You can whip up your own blend with paprika, oregano, thyme, cayenne, and garlic powder.

• How spicy is this dish? It’s customizable! Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to fit your spice tolerance.

• Can I freeze this dish? I recommend freezing the sauce separately from the seafood to retain quality. Defrost in the fridge overnight and gently reheat.

• What should I serve with this? Rice, pasta, or crusty bread all complement the dish. A salad would add freshness!

• Can I make it dairy-free? Absolutely! Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast and skip the cheese for a delicious alternative.

I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! It’s a delightful journey of flavors and textures that I know you and your loved ones will enjoy. Feel free to sprinkle your creativity into the process and share your own twists. What’s your favorite way to bring a personal touch to a classic dish? Happy cooking!

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Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 25 mins

Cooking Temp: medium  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 20 Calories: 600

Best Season: year-round

Description

This Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce is an easy, restaurant-quality dish bursting with flavor, perfect for any seafood lover.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Seafood

• 1 lb Shrimp, peeled and deveined (Fresh or frozen, thawed)
• 1 lb Salmon fillets (Skin-on preferred)

Sauce and Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (Store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil (Can substitute with another oil)
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced (Enhances flavor)
• 1 cup Heavy cream (Can use coconut cream for a lighter version)
• ¹⁄₂ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (Nutritional yeast for dairy-free option)
• Salt & Pepper (To taste)
• Chopped parsley for garnish (Optional)

Instructions

Cooking the Seafood

1. Season the Seafood

   Season shrimp and salmon with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
   Mark as complete

2. Heat the Skillet

   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Let it shimmer but avoid smoking.
   Mark as complete

3. Cook the Seafood

   Add shrimp and salmon to the skillet. Cook until shrimp are pink and salmon is flaky, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
   Mark as complete

4. Sauté the Garlic

   In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   Mark as complete

5. Make the Cream Sauce

   Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
   Mark as complete

6. Combine and Serve

   Return the shrimp and salmon to the skillet, coating in the sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 600kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 33g51%

Saturated Fat 10g50%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 150mg50%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 800mg23%

Total Carbohydrate 20g7%

Dietary Fiber 0g

Sugars 2g

Protein 50g100%

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Vitamin A 600 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 250 mg

Iron 1 mg

Vitamin D 2 IU

Vitamin E 2 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0 mg

Riboflavin 0 mg

Niacin 6 mg

Vitamin B6 0 mg

Folate 10 mcg

Vitamin B12 4 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 400 mg

Iodine 20 mcg

Magnesium 30 mg

Zinc 1 mg

Selenium 35 mcg

Copper 0 mg

Manganese 0 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Leftovers can be stored for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Cajun, Shrimp, Salmon, Garlic Cream Sauce, Seafood, Easy Recipe