Cajun Salmon and Shrimp
Cajun salmon and shrimp is a bold, flavorful dish that brings together juicy, tender salmon fillets and plump shrimp coated in a smoky, spicy Cajun seasoning. The seafood is pan-seared to perfection, creating a crisp, golden crust while keeping the inside moist and flaky. Served with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley, this one-pan dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal. Pair it with rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying feast.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Seafood:
4 salmon fillets (5–6 oz each)
1/2 lb (225g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
For the Cajun Seasoning (or use store-bought):
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare Seafood: Pat the salmon and shrimp dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both with Cajun seasoning, ensuring an even coat on all sides.
Heat Pan: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon, skin-side down, and cook for 4–5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes until cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Cook Shrimp: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Garlic Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add olive oil to the pan, followed by minced garlic. Saute for 1 minute until fragrant. Squeeze in lemon juice and stir.
Combine and Serve: Return the salmon and shrimp to the skillet to coat with the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Recipe Notes
Adjust Heat: Control the spice level by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper.
Seafood Tips: Use fresh seafood for the best flavor. If frozen, thaw completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
Meal Pairing: Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, sautéed greens, or a side of garlic bread.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
Nutritional Info: (Per Serving)
Calories: 380
Protein: 38g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 480mg
Cholesterol: 140mg