Ingredients
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients, especially fresh seafood and quality spices. Growing up in England, fresh fish was always a treat, and living in San Diego, I’ve learned to appreciate the bounty of the ocean even more. When choosing your salmon and shrimp, look for wild-caught or sustainably farmed options if possible—they make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture. The Cajun seasoning can be store-bought or homemade, but I encourage you to add a little extra smoked paprika for that signature warmth.
- 12 oz salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into chunks
- 12 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (plus extra to taste)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or seafood stock
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Substitution tips: If you prefer a lighter cream sauce, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. You can also switch chicken broth for vegetable stock to keep it pescatarian-friendly.
Instructions
- Pat the salmon and shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss both with the Cajun seasoning, ensuring an even coating. This step is vital to develop that smoky, spicy crust.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon chunks and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside to avoid overcooking.
- In the same skillet, add butter and melt over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan—this adds wonderful depth to the sauce.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it gently bubble until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the shrimp and salmon to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp is pink and opaque and everything is heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving. I love how the green adds a fresh pop against the creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
