Tender Cajun-seasoned salmon and juicy shrimp are pan-seared until beautifully golden, then served over rich, buttery mashed potatoes. Finished with a flavorful garlic butter sauce, this seafood dinner is hearty, comforting, and packed with bold Southern-inspired flavor.
Ingredients
For the Salmon and Shrimp
- 2 salmon fillets, about 6 oz each
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup warm heavy cream or whole milk
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves roasted or minced garlic, optional
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chicken or seafood broth, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt.
Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Drain thoroughly and return them to the warm pot.
Add butter, warm cream, sour cream, salt, black pepper, and garlic if using.
Mash until smooth and creamy. Avoid over-mashing, as this can make the potatoes gummy.
Cover and keep warm.
2. Season the Seafood
Pat the salmon and shrimp dry with paper towels.
Combine the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, onion powder, and salt.
Season both sides of the salmon and toss the shrimp with some of the seasoning mixture.
3. Cook the Salmon
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the salmon in the skillet skin-side down if the fillets have skin.
Cook for about 4–5 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is cooked through.
Transfer the salmon to a plate and keep warm.
4. Cook the Shrimp
Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet.
Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for approximately 2 minutes per side, until pink, opaque, and cooked through.
Add the minced garlic during the final minute and stir well.
Remove the shrimp from the skillet.
5. Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Add 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet along with the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning.
Cook for about 30–60 seconds, stirring frequently.
Add the lemon juice and broth if using. Stir until the sauce is fragrant and slightly thickened.
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat.
6. Assemble the Dish
Spoon a generous portion of creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate.
Place a salmon fillet alongside or on top of the potatoes.
Arrange the Cajun shrimp around the salmon and drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the seafood and potatoes.
Finish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
Tips for the Best Cajun Salmon and Shrimp
- Pat the seafood dry before seasoning to help it sear instead of steam.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning according to how spicy you like your food.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook quickly and should be removed as soon as they become opaque.
- Use warm cream or milk when making mashed potatoes for a smoother texture.
- Yukon Gold potatoes create naturally buttery mashed potatoes, while Russets produce a lighter, fluffier texture.
- Add a little extra garlic butter just before serving for even more flavor.
Optional Additions
You can make this dish even more indulgent by adding:
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Spinach
- Corn
- Parmesan cheese
- Diced bell peppers
- Green onions
- Extra red pepper flakes
- A splash of heavy cream to the Cajun sauce
What to Serve With It
This dish is filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted asparagus
- Green beans
- Corn on the cob
- Fresh garden salad
- Garlic bread
Storage
Store leftover salmon, shrimp, mashed potatoes, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently over medium-low heat. Add a small splash of milk or cream to the mashed potatoes when reheating to restore their creamy texture.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun / Southern-Inspired