Description
Cajun magic meets seafood perfection in this zesty Cajun Salmon and Shrimp recipe, bringing Southern spice to your dinner table. Spicy, succulent salmon and plump shrimp dance with bold Cajun seasonings, promising a flavor explosion that will satisfy seafood enthusiasts craving intense, memorable dining.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 salmon fillets (4 ounces each, skin removed)
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp (raw, thawed if frozen, peeled, deveined, tail on)
Dairy and Cream:
- 1 cup (113 g) monterey jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (238 g) heavy cream
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 4 teaspoons cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup (8 ounces / 240 g) chicken broth
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach
- parsley (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium temperature and melt butter until it becomes smooth and foamy.
- Sprinkle flour, Cajun seasoning, and paprika over melted butter, whisking thoroughly to create a uniform mixture. Allow the blend to cook for one minute to develop depth of flavor.
- Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, continuously whisking until the liquid becomes completely integrated and smooth.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, reducing heat to low. Allow the mixture to reduce and thicken for 10 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent scorching.
- Prepare seafood by generously coating salmon fillets with half of the Cajun seasoning blend.
- In a separate skillet, combine butter and oil over medium heat until the mixture shimmers and becomes hot.
- Carefully place seasoned salmon fillets into the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a golden exterior and reaching an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Transfer cooked salmon to a warm plate, covering loosely to maintain temperature.
- Season shrimp with remaining Cajun seasoning and introduce them to the same skillet, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and curl slightly.
- Incorporate cheese and spinach into the simmering cream sauce, stirring until cheese melts completely and spinach wilts, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Gently nestle cooked salmon and shrimp into the creamy sauce, ensuring even coating and thorough warming.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish and serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Customize Cajun seasoning intensity by adjusting the amount to suit your spice tolerance, creating a personalized heat level for your palate.
- Check salmon’s doneness with a digital thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked, moist fish without overcooking or drying out the delicate protein.
- Use fresh, high-quality seafood for the most vibrant flavors and optimal texture in this luxurious Cajun-style dish.
- Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or half-and-half for lighter versions that still maintain a rich, creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 575 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 215 mg