Description
A luxurious seafood dinner featuring perfectly seasoned Cajun shrimp and salmon, topped with a rich garlic cream sauce. Served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and crisp green beans for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cajun Shrimp and Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- For the Green Beans:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Season the Seafood: Pat the salmon fillets and shrimp dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix the Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture over both sides of the salmon and shrimp, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if the skin is still on) and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and has a golden-brown crust. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the salmon.
- Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Add the butter and let it melt. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted, then add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine Seafood and Sauce: Return the shrimp and salmon to the skillet, spooning sauce over the seafood. Let everything heat through for a couple of minutes.
- Make the Mashed Potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare the Green Beans: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the trimmed green beans and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Plate and Serve: Place a portion of mashed potatoes on each plate. Top with a salmon fillet and several shrimp. Spoon the garlic cream sauce over the seafood. Serve green beans on the side and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use fresh seafood and cook it just until done to avoid overcooking.
- The Cajun seasoning can be adjusted to your heat preference. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice.
- The sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Try roasting the green beans in the oven at 425°F for 12-15 minutes as an alternative cooking method.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 280mg