Cajun Salmon & Shrimp in Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce
When it comes to flavorful dishes that are quick and easy to prepare, Cajun Salmon & Shrimp in Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce stands out. This delicious recipe combines rich salmon and shrimp with a creamy garlic sauce that’s bursting with herbs and spices. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will impress anyone who tries it!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not only tasty but also healthy! Salmon and shrimp are packed with protein and healthy fats, making them great choices for a nutritious meal. The Cajun seasoning adds a kick of flavor, while the creamy sauce brings everything together. Plus, it’s quick to make, and you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes!
How to Make Cajun Salmon & Shrimp in Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 10 large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken or seafood broth
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives
- Cracked pepper & pinch of chili flakes (optional)
Directions
Season & Sear: Pat the salmon and shrimp dry. Rub them with Cajun seasoning, olive oil, salt, and pepper. In a hot skillet, sear the salmon skin-side down for 3-4 minutes on each side, then remove and set aside. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and charred.
Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir in the heavy cream and broth, whisk in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and season with pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, then stir in the chopped herbs.
Assemble & Serve: Spoon the hot, garlicky cream sauce over the salmon and shrimp. Garnish with lemon wedges, additional herbs, and a pinch of chili flakes if desired.
How to Serve Cajun Salmon & Shrimp in Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce
Serve this dish hot, with a side of rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce. You can also pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Cajun Salmon & Shrimp in Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Keep in mind that the shrimp may lose some of their texture when reheated.
Tips to Make Cajun Salmon & Shrimp in Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce
- Always pat the seafood dry before seasoning; this helps achieve a nice sear.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your taste. If you like it spicier, be generous, and for milder flavors, use less.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs if that’s what you have on hand. Just use less, as dried herbs are stronger in flavor.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or asparagus to the creamy sauce. This adds extra nutrients and color to the dish!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
Can I replace the heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For a dairy-free option, consider coconut milk or a plant-based cream.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add more Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for an extra kick!
Print
Cajun Salmon & Shrimp in Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A quick and delicious dish combining rich salmon and shrimp in a creamy garlic sauce with Cajun seasoning.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 10 large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken or seafood broth
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives
- Cracked pepper & pinch of chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the salmon and shrimp dry. Rub them with Cajun seasoning, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- In a hot skillet, sear the salmon skin-side down for 3-4 minutes on each side, then remove and set aside.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and charred.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the heavy cream and broth, whisk in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and season with pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the chopped herbs.
- Spoon the hot, garlicky cream sauce over the salmon and shrimp. Garnish with lemon wedges, additional herbs, and a pinch of chili flakes if desired.
Notes
Serve hot with rice, pasta, or bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Cajun, salmon, shrimp, creamy sauce, quick dinner, seafood, healthy meal