Introduction in Alex Guarnaschelli’s Writing Style:
Kitchies! Picture this: flaky, spice-crusted salmon and succulent, juicy shrimp, sizzling together in a garlicky, buttery Cajun sauce. Sounds irresistible, right? That’s exactly what this Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Skillet is—a bold, flavor-packed meal that comes together in no time.
This dish is the perfect balance of heat and richness. The salmon gets a gorgeous golden sear, locking in all the juiciness, while the shrimp soak up every drop of that spicy, buttery goodness. And the best part? It’s all made in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to devour this masterpiece.
If you’re a fan of quick, high-protein meals with a little Louisiana-inspired flair, this skillet is going to be your new favorite. Serve it over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up all that incredible sauce. Let’s get cooking!
Resume of the Recipe in Todd Wilbur’s Writing Style:
This Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Skillet is a spicy, buttery, and downright delicious one-pan meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It combines perfectly seared salmon and juicy shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce, packed with smoky Cajun seasoning.
It’s quick, easy, and restaurant-quality, with bold Southern flavors in every bite. Serve it with rice, pasta, or veggies for a meal that’ll have everyone coming back for more. If you love big, bold flavors and easy cleanup, this one’s for you.
Exciting Story:
The first time I made this Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Skillet, my husband walked into the kitchen and said, “What smells that good?” I laughed because he rarely comments before tasting. But after the first bite, he was hooked. Now, every time I make this dish, he insists on extra sauce to drizzle over his rice.
This meal has become a weeknight favorite in our house—not just because it’s so easy to make, but because it tastes like something straight out of a fancy restaurant. Whether it’s a quick dinner for two or a dish to impress guests, this skillet never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Skillet
Selling Points:
✔ One-pan meal = minimal cleanup!
✔ Loaded with bold Cajun flavors.
✔ High in protein, low in carbs (keto-friendly!).
✔ Ready in 25 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
✔ Tastes like something from a top-notch seafood restaurant.
Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Tips for the Best Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Skillet
✔ Use fresh salmon and shrimp for the best texture.
✔ Adjust the heat! If you like it spicier, add cayenne pepper.
✔ Don’t overcook the shrimp! They only need about 2 minutes per side.
✔ For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
✔ Let the salmon rest for a minute after cooking—it keeps it extra juicy.
Substitutions and Variations:
🔹 Make it creamy: Add ¼ cup of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer texture.
🔹 Use another fish: Try trout, cod, or tilapia instead of salmon.
🔹 Swap shrimp for scallops for a fancier twist!
🔹 Make it dairy-free by replacing butter with olive oil.
🔹 Add veggies: Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms would be amazing in this dish.
Make a Healthier Version:
- Use ghee or olive oil instead of butter for a lighter sauce.
- Pair with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Reduce sodium by making homemade Cajun seasoning.
- Skip the honey for a completely sugar-free version.
Closing in Todd Wilbur’s Style:
And there you have it—Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Skillet, a one-pan masterpiece that’s bold, buttery, and packed with flavor. The combination of perfectly seared salmon, juicy shrimp, and that spicy garlic butter sauce makes this a meal you’ll want to cook again and again.
Try it tonight, and if you love Cajun flavors, be sure to check out our other seafood recipes for more delicious inspiration!
Relevant Categories:
- Seafood Recipes
- One-Pan Dinners
- High-Protein Meals
- 30-Minute Recipes
Tags:
- Cajun Salmon Recipe
- Spicy Shrimp and Salmon
- One-Pan Seafood Dinner
- Garlic Butter Shrimp and Salmon
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them completely before cooking. - What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. - Can I use pre-made Cajun seasoning?
Absolutely! Just check the salt content, as some blends are saltier than others. - What side dishes go well with this?
Rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted veggies are all great options.
🔥 One bite of this Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Skillet, and you’ll feel like you’re dining in the heart of Louisiana!🦐🔥
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Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Skillet
Description
Picture this: flaky, spice-crusted salmon and succulent, juicy shrimp, sizzling together in a garlicky, buttery Cajun sauce. Sounds irresistible, right? That’s exactly what this Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Skillet is—a bold, flavor-packed meal that comes together in no time.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Salmon and Shrimp:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- ½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust based on Cajun seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey (for balance)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
For Serving:
- Cooked rice, pasta, or roasted veggies
- Lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Seafood
- Pat the salmon and shrimp dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub half of the seasoning mixture onto the salmon fillets and toss the shrimp in the other half.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until crispy. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, then transfer to a plate.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
- Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth (or wine), lemon juice, and honey, scraping up the flavorful bits from the pan.
- Simmer for 2 minutes, then return the salmon and shrimp to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over them.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot with rice, pasta, or veggies.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for that final burst of flavor.
