This Cajun Salmon and Shrimp dish is a zesty treat! Juicy salmon and tender shrimp are seasoned with spicy Cajun spices, giving them a flavorful kick that’s hard to resist.
I love how quick this meal comes together. Just sear the seafood and serve it over rice or pasta for a dinner that’s both tasty and satisfying. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Go for skin-on salmon fillets. The skin adds flavor and keeps the fish moist while cooking. If you can’t find salmon, trout or another firm fish works nicely.
Shrimp: Large shrimp are great for this dish, but feel free to use smaller ones or even scallops if that’s what you’ve got. Just ensure they are peeled and deveined for easy eating!
Cajun seasoning: You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning for convenience. If you’re feeling adventurous, make your own mix with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and some dried herbs. Adjust to your spice preference.
Heavy cream: If you want a lighter option, swap in half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. Both will slightly change the flavor but will still be delicious!
Broth: Chicken broth works best, but vegetable broth is a good vegetarian choice. If you’re feeling fancy, seafood broth can elevate the dish even further!
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Salmon and Shrimp?
Cooking seafood just right can be tricky. Here are my tips! Start with a hot skillet to give your salmon a nice crispy skin. Don’t rush flipping the salmon; let it cook undisturbed for the first few minutes. This builds that lovely crust.
- Cook salmon skin-side down first for about 4-5 minutes to get that nice crisp.
- When you flip, cook just until the flesh is opaque and tender—usually 2-3 minutes.
- For shrimp, look for that pink color and a slightly curled shape, which means they’re cooked through. This generally takes just 1-2 minutes per side.
Remember, shrimp and salmon cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking!
Cajun Salmon and Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Seafood:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on for presentation)
For the Seasoning and Sauce:
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or seafood broth
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional for Serving:
- Mashed potatoes or rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cajun Salmon and Shrimp recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes for cooking, totaling about 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Seafood:
Start by patting the salmon fillets and shrimp dry with paper towels. This will help them sear nicely. Season both sides of the salmon and shrimp with Cajun seasoning, along with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Salmon:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet skin-side down and cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving them. This will give the skin a nice crispiness and the flesh a golden color. Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are just cooked through. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and keep it warm.
3. Sauté the Shrimp:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside with the salmon.
4. Make the Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the last tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic to the skilled. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Stir in the chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 1 minute.
5. Finish the Sauce:
Add the heavy cream and lemon juice to the skillet, stirring to combine well. Allow the sauce to gently simmer until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon — this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the chopped parsley and taste, adjusting using salt, pepper, or more Cajun seasoning as you like.
6. Return the Seafood:
Place the salmon and shrimp back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over them and warm them through for an additional minute.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Cajun salmon and shrimp over a bed of mashed potatoes or rice. Don’t forget to spoon extra sauce and shrimp on top. Garnish with more fresh chopped parsley and dig in!
This recipe beautifully combines spicy Cajun flavors with a rich, creamy garlic sauce that enhances the tender salmon and shrimp, creating a hearty yet elegant seafood feast that’s sure to impress!
Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Shrimp?
Both fresh and frozen shrimp work well! If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or by quickly submerging them in cold water until thawed.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No problem! You can easily make your own Cajun seasoning by mixing together equal parts paprika and onion powder, a bit of cayenne pepper for heat, along with garlic powder, oregano, and thyme. Adjust the spice levels to your liking!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it gently in a pan before adding freshly cooked salmon and shrimp to it.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
