Spicy Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Delight
A bold, smoky, buttery seafood dish with flaky Cajun salmon, juicy shrimp, garlic butter sauce, and plenty of spice. Perfect with rice, vegetables, pasta, or cauliflower mash.
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
Seafood
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Cajun Seasoning Blend
Homemade Cajun Mix
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Optional:
- Pinch red pepper flakes for extra heat
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Optional Additions
- Cherry tomatoes
- Bell peppers
- Spinach
- Parmesan
- Splash of cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the Seafood
Pat salmon and shrimp dry.
Reserve:
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning for later.
Season salmon and shrimp generously with remaining seasoning.
Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
2. Cook the Salmon
Pan-Seared Method (Best Flavor)
Heat large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add:
- 1 tbsp oil
Place salmon skin-side down if skin-on.
Cook:
- 4–5 minutes first side
Flip carefully.
Cook:
- 3–4 more minutes
Until:
- Crispy edges
- Flaky center
Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp
In same skillet add:
- Shrimp
Cook:
- 1–2 minutes per side
Until pink and slightly curled.
Do not overcook.
Remove temporarily.
4. Make Garlic Butter Cajun Sauce
Reduce heat to medium.
Add:
- Butter
- Garlic
Cook:
- 30 seconds
Stir in:
- Lemon juice
- Remaining Cajun seasoning
Optional:
Add tomatoes or spinach now.
5. Combine
Return salmon and shrimp to skillet.
Spoon sauce over seafood.
Simmer:
- 1 minute
Finish with:
- Parsley
- Extra lemon
Oven Method Alternative
Bake Salmon
Bake at:
- 220°C / 425°F
- 12–15 minutes
Shrimp
Add shrimp during final:
- 6–8 minutes
Then pour warm garlic butter sauce over everything.
Serving Ideas
Low-Carb
Serve with:
- Cauliflower mash
- Roasted asparagus
- Garlic green beans
Comfort Style
Serve over:
- Rice
- Creamy grits
- Cajun pasta
Bowl Style
Build bowls with:
- Rice
- Black beans
- Corn salsa
- Avocado
Creamy Cajun Version
Add to sauce:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
Simmer until silky.
Excellent over pasta.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
Without rice or pasta.
Estimated:
- Calories: 420–520
- Protein: 40–48g
- Fat: 24–32g
- Carbs: 3–6g
Meal Prep & Storage
Fridge
- Up to 3 days
Reheat
Best reheated gently in skillet with splash of broth or water.
Avoid overheating shrimp.
Pro Tips
Crispy Salmon
Do not move salmon early while searing.
Better Flavor
Let seafood sit with seasoning:
- 15 minutes before cooking.
Restaurant-Style Finish
Add:
- Small cold butter cube at end for glossy sauce.
Variations
Blackened Version
Cook in cast iron for deeper crust.
Honey Cajun
Add:
- 1 tbsp honey
