Cajun Salmon and Shrimp

This Cajun Salmon and Shrimp is a bold, flavorful seafood dinner featuring tender salmon fillets and juicy shrimp coated in a smoky, spicy Cajun seasoning. Everything comes together quickly in one skillet, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal or a special dinner at home.

Ingredients

For the Seafood

4 salmon fillets, about 6 oz (170 g) each
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Optional Creamy Sauce

½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup chicken or seafood broth
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions

1. Season the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.

Brush them lightly with olive oil.

Combine the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.

Season both sides of the salmon generously.

2. Season the Shrimp

Place the shrimp in a bowl.

Add about 1 teaspoon of the Cajun seasoning mixture and toss until evenly coated.

Set aside.

3. Sear the Salmon

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter.

Place the salmon in the skillet, skin-side down if the fillets have skin.

Cook for approximately 4–5 minutes without moving them too much.

Carefully flip and cook for another 3–5 minutes, depending on thickness.

The salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Transfer the salmon to a plate.

4. Cook the Shrimp

Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the same skillet.

Add the seasoned shrimp.

Cook for approximately 1–2 minutes per side, until the shrimp become pink, opaque, and cooked through.

Remove the shrimp and set aside with the salmon.

5. Add the Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium.

Add the minced garlic to the skillet.

Cook for approximately 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

The garlic should become fragrant without browning too much.

Optional Creamy Cajun Sauce

6. Add the Cream and Broth

Pour the heavy cream and broth into the skillet.

Add the remaining Cajun seasoning.

Stir well and allow the sauce to gently simmer for 2–3 minutes.

7. Add Parmesan

Stir in the Parmesan cheese.

Continue cooking gently until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes slightly thicker.

Don’t let the sauce boil aggressively.

8. Finish With Lemon

Add the fresh lemon juice.

Taste and adjust the Cajun seasoning or salt if necessary.

9. Return the Seafood

Place the salmon and shrimp back into the skillet.

Spoon the sauce over the seafood.

Warm everything together for 1–2 minutes.

10. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Add lemon wedges on the side.

Serve immediately.

What to Serve With Cajun Salmon and Shrimp

This dish pairs beautifully with:

White or brown rice
Cajun rice
Garlic mashed potatoes
Roasted potatoes
Steamed broccoli
Green beans
Corn on the cob
Creamy coleslaw
Crusty bread
Pasta

For a lighter meal, serve the salmon and shrimp over cauliflower rice with steamed vegetables.

Tips for the Best Cajun Salmon and Shrimp

Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. Remove them from the skillet as soon as they’re opaque and curled into a loose “C” shape.

Pat the salmon dry: This helps the seasoning stick and encourages better browning.

Watch the salt: Cajun seasoning can already contain quite a bit of salt, so taste before adding more.

Use fresh lemon: A squeeze of lemon at the end balances the richness and spice.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the seafood in batches if your skillet is small.

Easy Variations

Extra Spicy

Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the Cajun seasoning.

Cajun Garlic Butter

Skip the cream and Parmesan. Increase the butter and finish with garlic, lemon, and parsley.

Cajun Salmon & Shrimp Pasta

Prepare the creamy sauce and toss it with cooked pasta before adding the seafood on top.

Cajun Seafood Rice Bowl

Serve the seafood over seasoned rice with peppers, onions, and corn.

Blackened Version

Use a heavier coating of Cajun seasoning and sear the salmon over higher heat for a darker, smoky crust.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium heat or in the microwave.

Avoid overheating, as both salmon and shrimp can become dry or rubbery.

Cajun Salmon and Shrimp is a delicious combination of flaky, buttery salmon and tender shrimp with bold Cajun seasoning, fresh garlic, lemon, and an optional creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s a restaurant-style seafood dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.