Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Recipe
If you’re in the mood for something irresistibly flavorful and wonderfully quick to pull together, this Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Recipe is a weeknight hero you’ll keep coming back to. Imagine tender salmon, juicy shrimp, and a Cajun kick all wrapped up in a buttery garlic skillet sauce, then finished with a splash of lemon for brightness. Not only does it look absolutely gorgeous on the plate, but every bite delivers that perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and tangy notes that Cajun cuisine Main Course. This dish is all about bringing a big punch of flavor to your dinner table with minimal fuss—no wonder it’s a personal favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Recipe is refreshingly straightforward, and every component plays a starring role. From the core proteins to those zesty seasonings, each detail brings another layer of flavor, color, and delicious texture to the final dish.
- Salmon fillets (2, about 6 ounces each): Choose firm, fresh fillets—the salmon’s richness is the perfect foil to bold Cajun spices.
- Large shrimp (1/2 pound, peeled and deveined): Shrimp cook quickly and soak up all that delicious seasoning for juicy bites.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Helps everything brown beautifully and adds a subtle fruitiness.
- Cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon, divided): This is your signature flavor—smoky, spicy, and aromatic all at once.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): For extra depth and a gentle smokiness that elevates the seafood.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Just the right amount of savory base to amplify all the seasonings.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Simple but absolutely essential to balance flavors.
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Melts into the pan to coat shrimp with a rich, silky texture.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Gives every bite a fresh, aromatic kick.
- Lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon): Brightens the finished dish and cuts through the spices perfectly.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): A pop of color and hit of freshness just before serving.
- Lemon wedges for serving: Everyone loves an extra squeeze, so keep these handy at the table.
How to Make Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Salmon
Start by patting your salmon fillets dry using paper towels—this helps them crisp up beautifully in the skillet. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the fillets, then liberally rub them on both sides with half your Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. This quick step infuses the salmon with all those bold, smoky flavors right from the start.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
Next, grab your peeled and deveined shrimp and toss them in a bowl with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the rest of your Cajun seasoning. Give them a gentle toss so every shrimp is coated—these will cook in just minutes and absorb all the punchy, peppery flavors of the Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Recipe.
Step 3: Sear the Salmon
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place your seasoned salmon fillets skin-side down (if they have skin) and let them sear undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip them carefully and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and golden. Transfer the salmon fillets to a plate and loosely cover them to keep warm—you’ll bring them back at the finish line.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp and Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the skillet heat to medium and add the butter. As soon as it melts, stir in the minced garlic and let it sauté just until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Slide in your seasoned shrimp, giving each one space to sear. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes per side, flipping once, until they’re pink, opaque, and slightly curled. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and give them a quick stir—it adds a burst of brightness that lifts the whole Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Recipe.
Step 5: Finish and Combine
Return those beautifully browned salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them among the shrimp. Spoon some of the buttery, garlicky shrimp and sauce right over the top of each fillet, letting the flavors mingle. Warm everything together for a minute, then remove from heat. This last step is where the dish comes together as a symphony of textures and tastes.
How to Serve Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of chopped parsley right before serving brings a necessary pop of color and freshness to balance the rich seafood. Pair it with lemon wedges so everyone can add their own hit of citrus—this brightens up the Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Recipe in the most delightful way.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a bowl of fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a pile of lightly sautéed vegetables. Each of these sides does a fabulous job of sopping up the extra sauce while letting the flavors of the salmon and shrimp stay front and center.
Creative Ways to Present
You can arrange the salmon fillets atop a bed of garlicky greens and artfully drape the shrimp around for an impressive centerpiece. For a fun twist, serve over cheesy grits for a Southern-inspired spin or tuck everything into warm tortillas for bold seafood tacos—the Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Recipe is as versatile as it is vibrant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra, let the salmon and shrimp cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. Kept in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to two days, making tomorrow’s lunch a breeze.
Freezing
While salmon and shrimp can be frozen, their texture is best when freshly cooked. If you do want to freeze leftovers, cool them completely and store in a tightly sealed freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the salmon and shrimp in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the buttery sauce. Avoid microwaving the shrimp too long, as it can make them rubbery—gentle heat is key to keeping your Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Recipe tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp or salmon?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat dry before seasoning. Extra moisture can prevent that beautiful golden sear you’re after in your Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Recipe.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Yes, spice lovers can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the shrimp before cooking for a fiery kick. It’s easy to adjust the heat according to your personal preference.
What can I use instead of Cajun seasoning?
If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, you can make a quick blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, and a pinch of cayenne. It comes close to the flavors used in this Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Recipe.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative or use a little more olive oil instead. You’ll still get a rich, silky sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully.
How do I know when the salmon and shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the center turns opaque. Shrimp should be pink, opaque, and just curled—overcooking can make them rubbery, so stay attentive during those last few minutes of your Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table for a freshly cooked Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Recipe that delivers so much flavor with so little effort. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or making a special meal for yourself, this zesty dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it again and again—happy cooking!
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Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cajun Salmon and Shrimp recipe is a flavorful and easy seafood dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick to the tender salmon and succulent shrimp, creating a delicious combination that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Shrimp:
- 1/2 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Salmon and Shrimp: Pat salmon and shrimp dry. Rub salmon with olive oil and season. Toss shrimp with olive oil and Cajun seasoning.
- Cook the Salmon: Cook salmon in a skillet until golden.
- Cook the Shrimp: Sauté garlic in butter, add shrimp, and cook until pink and opaque.
- Combine and Serve: Squeeze lemon over shrimp, return salmon to skillet, and garnish with parsley. Serve hot with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or sautéed vegetables.
- For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the shrimp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet + shrimp
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
