Get ready to spice up your weeknight dinner routine with this incredible Cajun Shrimp and Salmon recipe. It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers bold, zesty flavors with minimal effort and cleanup. We combine tender salmon fillets and succulent shrimp, coat them in a rich garlic butter sauce, and season them with a vibrant, homemade Cajun spice blend. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that feels restaurant-quality but comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a new go-to recipe, this one’s a keeper.
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Shrimp and Salmon Recipe
This isn’t just another seafood recipe; it’s a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor that solves the “what’s for dinner?” dilemma. The magic is in the savory, spicy, and buttery notes that coat every bite of the perfectly cooked salmon and shrimp. It’s a versatile dish that’s impressive enough for guests but easy enough for any night of the week.
- Quick & Easy: From prep to plate, this entire meal is ready in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks together in a single skillet, which means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your food.
- Customizable Spice: Making your own Cajun seasoning allows you to control the heat, so you can make it as mild or as fiery as you like.
- Healthy & High-Protein: Packed with protein from both salmon and shrimp, it’s a nutritious option that will keep you full and satisfied. For a lighter, summery side, try it with a refreshing cucumber and pepper salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create its signature bold flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Shrimp and Salmon:
- Salmon Fillets: Look for skinless salmon fillets, about 1-inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly alongside the shrimp.
- Jumbo Shrimp: Use large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. Frozen shrimp works perfectly; just be sure to thaw it completely first.
- Unsalted Butter: The base of our rich and savory sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up all the flavors.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped for garnish, it adds a touch of freshness and color.
For the Homemade Cajun Seasoning:
- Smoked Paprika: Provides a smoky, sweet flavor and beautiful color.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: The aromatic foundation of the spice blend.
- Cayenne Pepper: This brings the heat! Adjust the amount to your preference.
- Dried Oregano & Dried Thyme: Adds herbaceous, earthy notes.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste.
How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Salmon
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious one-pan seafood dinner. It’s a straightforward process that delivers fantastic results every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Seafood and Seasoning
First, pat the salmon fillets and shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step to ensure they get a beautiful sear instead of steaming in the pan. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning generously over both sides of the salmon and all over the shrimp, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Melt half of the butter in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the butter is sizzling, carefully place the salmon fillets in the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is golden brown and cooked through. It should flake easily with a fork. Once cooked, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter to the same skillet. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Overcooking will make them tough, so watch them closely!
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet with the shrimp. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Gently toss to combine, allowing the salmon to soak up some of that delicious garlic butter sauce. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Cajun Shrimp and Salmon
Want to make this dish absolutely perfect? Here are a few expert tips:
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: For the best sear, make sure your ingredients have enough space. If needed, cook the shrimp in two batches.
- Uniform Size: Try to use salmon fillets of a similar thickness and shrimp of a similar size to ensure even cooking.
- Control the Heat: Keep an eye on your skillet’s temperature. If the butter or garlic starts to burn, lower the heat immediately.
- Fresh is Best: While dried herbs work well in the seasoning, fresh parsley and lemon juice at the end are non-negotiable for the brightest flavor.
What to Serve with Cajun Shrimp and Salmon
This versatile dish pairs well with a variety of sides. You can keep it low-carb with a side of roasted asparagus or zucchini, or serve it over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the extra sauce. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with a simple pasta like our garlic butter pasta or some cheesy grits. A simple side salad like this chickpea salad with tzatziki also works beautifully.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
- Make it Creamy: After cooking the shrimp, stir in a 1/4 cup of heavy cream and let it simmer for a minute to create a creamy Cajun sauce.
- Add Veggies: Sliced bell peppers and onions can be sautéed in the pan before you cook the shrimp for a complete one-pan meal.
- Grill it: For a smoky flavor, make this a foil packet meal on the grill. The cooking time will be similar.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Cajun Shrimp and Salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals until warmed through, but be careful not to overcook the seafood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this recipe is very flexible. You can easily make it with just shrimp or just salmon. Simply use 2 pounds of your chosen seafood and follow the same instructions, adjusting cooking times as needed.
Yes, absolutely! Just make sure both the shrimp and salmon are fully thawed before you begin. For best results, pat them completely dry with a paper towel after thawing to ensure they sear properly rather than steam.
Salmon is cooked when it changes from translucent to opaque and flakes easily with a fork. It should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Shrimp cook very quickly; they are done as soon as they turn pink and opaque and curl into a ‘C’ shape. An overcooked shrimp will curl into a tight ‘O’.
The spice level is easily adjustable! Our homemade Cajun seasoning recipe uses 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which gives it a medium heat. You can reduce this amount for a milder flavor or add more if you love extra spice.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the dish in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help keep the seafood moist.
Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner
This Cajun Shrimp and Salmon recipe is a true game-changer for anyone looking to add a little excitement to their meal plan. It’s fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Give it a try and see how easy it is to create a stunning seafood dinner right in your own kitchen. If you love this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and on Pinterest!
Cajun Shrimp and Salmon Recipe
Cajun Shrimp and Salmon: A Flavor-Packed 30-Minute Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the salmon fillets and shrimp completely dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together all ingredients for the homemade Cajun seasoning: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Season the salmon and shrimp on all sides with the Cajun spice blend, pressing gently to make sure it sticks.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the salmon and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
- Return the salmon to the skillet. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and salmon, then sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Gently toss to coat everything in the garlic butter sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
Adjust the cayenne pepper in the seasoning blend to control the spice level.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
