Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce – A Bold & Comforting Dinner Plate

by

This Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, served with buttery mashed potatoes and tender green beans, is a Southern-inspired comfort dish that brings together bold spice, rich creaminess, and satisfying textures. Perfect for cozy dinners, date nights, or elevated Sunday suppers, this meal strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome.

Juicy Cajun shrimp and flaky salmon are pan-seared until golden, then nestled into a velvety garlic cream sauce that’s spoon-worthy on its own. Paired with creamy mashed potatoes and crisp-tender green beans, this full dinner plate comes together in under an hour—and every component can be made ahead.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Bold Cajun Flavor: The Cajun seasoning delivers smoky, spicy depth that pairs beautifully with both shrimp and salmon.

  • Creamy Garlic Sauce: The silky sauce balances the heat with mellow richness and fragrant garlic.

  • Complete Meal: Mashed potatoes and green beans turn it into a hearty, restaurant-style plate.

  • Elegant Yet Easy: While it looks fancy, everything cooks in under an hour using mostly pantry staples.

Ingredients Overview: A Flavor-Forward Trio

Here’s what you’ll need and why each item is essential for building this flavor-packed meal.

Protein: Shrimp and Salmon

  • Shrimp: Large or jumbo, peeled and deveined. Cooks fast and soaks up seasoning beautifully.

  • Salmon: Skin-on or off fillets, ideally 6 oz portions. Rich and buttery, it balances the Cajun heat.

Tips: Pat proteins dry before seasoning to get the best sear.

Cajun Seasoning

  • Why It Matters: A smoky-spicy blend that includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and herbs.

  • Homemade Option: Combine 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne, 1/2 tsp thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Garlic Cream Sauce

  • Butter & Garlic: Classic flavor base that builds richness.

  • Heavy Cream: Creates a thick, luscious texture.

  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty depth and helps thicken the sauce naturally.

  • Chicken Broth or White Wine: Optional, but deglazes the pan and adds complexity.

  • Lemon Juice: Cuts through the richness and lifts the flavor.

Mashed Potatoes

  • Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes: Ideal for creamy, fluffy mash.

  • Butter, Cream, Garlic (optional): Classic, indulgent mash to soak up the sauce.

Green Beans

  • Fresh Green Beans: Quick-steamed or sautéed, they add a crisp contrast.

  • Optional Enhancers: Lemon zest, toasted almonds, or garlic butter.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Restaurant-Worthy in Under 1 Hour

Let’s walk through how to build this full meal, step by step.

1. Start with the Mashed Potatoes

  • Peel and chop 2 lbs of potatoes.

  • Boil in salted water until fork tender (~15–20 minutes).

  • Drain and mash with:

    • 1/2 cup milk or cream

    • 4 tablespoons butter

    • Salt and pepper to taste

    • Optional: 2 cloves roasted or sautéed garlic

Set aside and keep warm.

2. Prep the Green Beans

  • Trim ends of 1 lb green beans.

  • Steam or boil for 4–5 minutes until just tender.

  • Immediately transfer to ice water to keep color and texture.

  • Sauté in 1 tbsp butter or olive oil with a pinch of salt just before serving.

3. Season and Cook the Salmon

  • Pat 2 salmon fillets dry.

  • Rub with Cajun seasoning on both sides.

  • Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

  • Sear salmon skin-side down first, about 4 minutes, then flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until flaky.

Remove and set aside.

4. Sear the Shrimp

  • Toss 1/2 lb shrimp in Cajun seasoning.

  • In the same skillet, add a bit more oil or butter.

  • Cook shrimp 1.5–2 minutes per side until pink and curled.

Remove and set aside with the salmon.

5. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

In the same skillet:

  • Add 2 tablespoons butter.

  • Sauté 3 minced garlic cloves until fragrant (about 1 minute).

  • Deglaze with 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth (optional).

  • Stir in:

    • 1 cup heavy cream

    • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan

    • Pinch of salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice

Simmer gently until thickened (~3–4 minutes). Return shrimp and salmon to the pan, spooning sauce over the top.

6. Plate the Dish

  • Spoon mashed potatoes onto a plate.

  • Place salmon fillet beside it, top with shrimp and generous ladle of garlic cream sauce.

  • Add green beans on the side.

  • Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon zest, if desired.

Tips, Variations & Swaps

Chef Tips:

  • Don’t overcook the salmon—it should flake easily but still be moist inside.

  • Let shrimp rest for a few minutes after cooking for maximum juiciness.

  • Use reserved pasta water or broth to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Variations:

  • Add Heat: Sprinkle crushed red pepper into the sauce.

  • Lighter Sauce: Use half-and-half instead of cream, but reduce heat and simmer gently.

  • Vegetarian Version: Replace shrimp and salmon with grilled mushrooms or tofu; use veggie broth.

Cajun Alternatives:

If Cajun spice isn’t your favorite, try:

  • Blackened seasoning (similar but with more herbs)

  • Lemon pepper seasoning with paprika

Serving Ideas & Occasions

This dish is rich and impressive—perfect for:

  • Dinner parties

  • Romantic date nights

  • Family Sunday meals

  • Celebratory dinners (Mother’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries)

Pair with:

  • A crisp white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)

  • Garlic bread or crusty baguette

  • Mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette

Nutrition & Health Highlights

This dish is a well-balanced indulgence:

  • Protein: Shrimp and salmon offer high-quality, lean protein.

  • Healthy Fats: Salmon is rich in omega-3s.

  • Vegetables: Green beans provide fiber and antioxidants.

  • Calcium: Parmesan in the sauce adds bone-supportive calcium.

Estimated per serving (with potatoes & green beans):

  • Calories: ~750–850

  • Protein: ~40g

  • Carbs: ~45g

  • Fat: ~50g

Lighten it up:

  • Swap cream for light cream or evaporated milk

  • Use cauliflower mash instead of potatoes

  • Skip the butter in green beans for a leaner side

FAQ: Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce

1. Can I make this ahead?

Yes! Cook the salmon and shrimp ahead and store separately from the sauce. Reheat gently with sauce before serving.

2. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

Make your own using a blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and salt.

3. Can I use frozen shrimp and salmon?

Absolutely. Just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and searing.

4. Can I substitute another protein?

Yes—chicken breast, cod, scallops, or even tofu work well.

5. Is this dish spicy?

Mild to medium depending on your Cajun blend. You can control heat by reducing cayenne or choosing a milder blend.

6. Can I make it dairy-free?

Try using coconut cream in place of heavy cream and a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast. Flavor will change but still be creamy.

7. What sides go best with this?

Aside from mashed potatoes and green beans, try roasted asparagus, grits, rice pilaf, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Leave a Comment