Name: Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Recipe - Spicy, Creamy & Delicious
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 cup heavy cream (238 g); 1 cup chicken broth (240 g); 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (113 g); 2 cups fresh baby spinach (60 g); 4 salmon fillets (4 ounces each), skin removed; 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined, tail on; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Parsley, chopped for garnish; Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream for a dairy-free option.; Use smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.; Substitute salmon with another firm fish like cod or mahi-mahi.

Description

Welcome to an irresistible blend of Cajun flavors with this Cajun Salmon and Shrimp recipe. Perfectly seasoned seafood paired with a creamy Cajun sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that’s both quick and easy to make. Whether you’re a seafood lover or new to Cajun cuisine, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup heavy cream (238 g)
1 cup chicken broth (240 g)
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (113 g)
2 cups fresh baby spinach (60 g)

Seafood:

4 salmon fillets (4 ounces each), skin removed
1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined, tail on
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Parsley, chopped for garnish

Optional Substitutions:

Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Use smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
Substitute salmon with another firm fish like cod or mahi-mahi.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cajun Cream Sauce

Melt 5 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a skillet.
Add 1 tablespoon of flour, Cajun seasoning, and paprika, whisking to combine.
Gradually whisk in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.

Step 2: Cook the Seafood

Season the salmon fillets with half of the Cajun seasoning.
Heat a separate skillet with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
Cook salmon for 3-4 minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Remove the salmon and set it aside, tented to keep warm.
Season the shrimp with the remaining Cajun seasoning and cook in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 3: Finalize the Sauce

Stir shredded Monterey Jack cheese and fresh spinach into the sauce.
Continue simmering until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts (about 3-5 minutes).
Return the salmon and shrimp to the sauce and gently coat.

Notes

Use fresh seafood whenever possible for the best flavor. Frozen shrimp can be used, but ensure they are properly thawed.
Don’t overcook the salmon. The key to moist, flaky salmon is pulling it off the heat as soon as it reaches 145°F.
Adjust the spice level by controlling the amount of Cajun seasoning. For a spicier kick, add extra seasoning or cayenne pepper.