why Cajun Shrimp & Salmon?
This dish mixes spicy Cajun seasoning with rich garlic cream. It cooks fast and looks great on the plate. If you enjoy creamy Cajun dishes, try the creamy Cajun chicken rotini for another easy dinner idea.
why make it?
Make this recipe when you want a quick, fancy meal. It pairs spicy seafood with a smooth cream sauce. It cooks in about 20–25 minutes and makes a filling main dish. If you like bold flavors, you can also check a hearty pasta version like creamy Cajun beef spaghetti for more inspiration.
how to make Cajun Shrimp & Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce
Follow the steps below to cook the salmon and shrimp and make the sauce. Work in a hot skillet and taste as you go. Keep the sauce warm and spoon it over the seafood before serving.
Ingredients :
- 2 salmon fillets
- 12 large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Optional: mashed potatoes + green beans for serving
Directions :
- Pat dry salmon and shrimp, then rub generously with Cajun seasoning. In a skillet with olive oil, sear salmon skin-side down first for 4–5 minutes per side, then remove. Sear shrimp for 2–3 minutes until pink.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan, letting it simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened slightly. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Return salmon and shrimp to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top, and simmer 2–3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve over mashed potatoes with a side of green beans, garnishing with chopped parsley and extra sauce.
how to serve Cajun Shrimp & Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce
Serve the seafood over mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. Add steamed green beans or a simple salad on the side. Spoon extra garlic cream sauce over everything and sprinkle parsley for color.
how to store Cajun Shrimp & Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce
Let the dish cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat so the cream does not separate. Avoid freezing once the cream sauce is made.
tips to make Cajun Shrimp & Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce
- Pat the fish and shrimp very dry so they sear well.
- Use a hot skillet and do not overcrowd it. Cook in batches if needed.
- Taste the sauce and add salt slowly; Parmesan is salty.
- If the sauce gets too thick, thin with a splash of milk or water.
- For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or extra Cajun seasoning.
variation (if any)
- Use only shrimp or only salmon if you prefer one protein.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce (it will be thinner).
- Add a squeeze of lemon before serving for brightness.
- Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for more color.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp and salmon?
A: Yes. Thaw them fully and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: You can make the cream sauce ahead and reheat gently, then add cooked seafood just before serving.
Q: What sides go best with this dish?
A: Mashed potatoes, rice, steamed green beans, or a simple salad work well.
Q: Is this spicy?
A: It has a Cajun kick. Reduce the Cajun seasoning for a milder flavor.
Q: Can I use less cream?
A: Yes. Reduce cream and add a splash of broth if you want a lighter sauce.
Conclusion
For a similar pairing of Cajun spices with salmon and shrimp, see this detailed recipe for extra ideas: Cajun Salmon and Shrimp – I Am Homesteader
Cajun Shrimp & Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Pat dry salmon and shrimp, then rub generously with Cajun seasoning.
- In a skillet with olive oil, sear salmon skin-side down first for 4–5 minutes per side, then remove.
- Sear shrimp for 2–3 minutes until pink.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan, letting it simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Return salmon and shrimp to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top, and simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve over mashed potatoes with a side of green beans, garnishing with chopped parsley and extra sauce.