This Cajun Salmon and Shrimp dish is packed with bold flavors! Juicy salmon and tender shrimp are seasoned with spicy Cajun spices, making it a treat for your taste buds.
Cooking this meal feels like a mini celebration! I love serving it with rice or veggies for a complete and colorful plate that’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. 🌶️🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh, skin-on salmon fillets work best for this dish, giving it rich flavor and great texture. If you prefer a different fish, look for trout or even tilapia as alternatives.
Shrimp: Large, fresh shrimp add a delightful bite. Frozen shrimp are also good; just thaw them completely. If seafood isn’t your thing, try using chicken or even firm tofu as a substitute.
Cajun Seasoning: A mix of spices that includes paprika and cayenne pepper. You can make your own blend or buy a pre-made one. If you need it milder, opt for a less spicy blend or adjust the amount to your taste.
Heavy Cream: Provides that creamy texture for the sauce. If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Crispy Salmon Skin?
For crispy skin, proper cooking technique is key. Here’s how to ensure your salmon skin turns out golden and crunchy:
- Start with a dry salmon skin—pat it down with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
- Heat your skillet well before adding the salmon, so the skin crisps up quickly.
- Cook skin side down first without moving it for the first few minutes; that helps develop a crust.
With these steps, you can achieve that perfect crispy skin every time!
Why Is It’s Important to Scrape the Pan When Making the Sauce?
Scraping the pan (deglazing) is essential for maximizing flavor. The browned bits stuck to the pan add an extra depth to the sauce:
- After cooking the shrimp, lower heat before adding garlic. This prevents burning.
- Pour in heavy cream and broth while gently scraping with a spatula to lift those delightful bits.
Doing this enhances the taste of your creamy sauce, making it irresistible!
Cajun Salmon And Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or seafood stock
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: mashed potatoes or rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
For this delicious Cajun Salmon and Shrimp recipe, you’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. Altogether, it should take about 30 minutes to complete this flavorful dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon and Shrimp:
Start by patting the salmon fillets and shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear when cooking. Then, season both sides of the salmon and shrimp generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper for that spicy kick!
2. Cook the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Gently place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and the salmon is cooked halfway through. Flip the fillets carefully and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Shrimp:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter melts, add the shrimp. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. When cooked, remove the shrimp and place them on the plate with the salmon.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter along with the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Then, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently to combine. Make sure to scrape up any flavor-packed browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Add Tomatoes & Thicken the Sauce:
Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and let the sauce cook for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. This is where all the flavors come together!
6. Combine and Serve:
Return the salmon and shrimp back into the skillet, allowing them to warm through for an additional 1-2 minutes while coating them with the luscious sauce. Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
7. Plating Up:
Serve the Cajun salmon and shrimp over creamy mashed potatoes or rice, spooning the delightful Cajun sauce generously over the top. Enjoy this delicious meal with family and friends!
Bon appétit! Enjoy your flavorful and creamy Cajun Salmon and Shrimp!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon or Shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon and shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to leave them in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for quicker thawing.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning you use or opt for a milder blend. You can also serve it with a side of sour cream or yogurt to mellow out the flavors.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
While this dish tastes best when freshly made, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove and add the salmon and shrimp when ready to serve.
What Should I Serve With Cajun Salmon and Shrimp?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice, as they soak up the creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables or a fresh salad also make great sides for a complete meal!
