Perfectly seared Cajun salmon, juicy shrimp, buttery mashed potatoes, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce come together in this rich and flavorful meal that feels straight out of a restaurant kitchen.
Cajun Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| For the Salmon | |
| Salmon fillets (skin-on) | 2 (180–200 g each) |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Butter | 1 tbsp |
| Cajun seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Salt and freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
| For the Shrimp | |
| Large shrimp, peeled and deveined | 200 g |
| Butter | 1 tbsp |
| Cajun seasoning | ½ tsp |
| Garlic, minced | 1 clove |
| Lemon juice | Squeeze |
| For the Cajun Cream Sauce | |
| Butter | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Heavy cream | 250 ml |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 50 g |
| Cajun seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Parsley, chopped (for garnish) | 1 tbsp |
| For the Mashed Potatoes | |
| Potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks | 3 large |
| Butter | 3 tbsp |
| Warm milk or cream | 80 ml |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Instructions
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
Place the potatoes in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well, then mash with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep warm while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Cook the Salmon:
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side down and sear for 4–5 minutes until the skin is crisp. Flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes, or until golden and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Sear the Shrimp:
Using the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, and sear for 1½–2 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred. Squeeze in a bit of lemon juice, then remove the shrimp and set aside.
Make the Cajun Cream Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Cajun seasoning, whisking until the sauce thickens and turns smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked shrimp back into the sauce and coat them well.
Assemble the Dish:
Spoon a generous serving of mashed potatoes onto each plate. Place a salmon fillet on top, then arrange the shrimp alongside. Drizzle the Cajun cream sauce generously over the salmon and potatoes. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and a dash of black pepper for a polished look.
This dish combines the warmth of Southern flavors with the elegance of a gourmet meal. It’s ideal for date nights, special dinners, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.
