Here’s a recipe for Spicy Cajun Seafood Feast featuring a delicious combination of salmon and shrimp, seasoned with bold Cajun spices and cooked to perfection. It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish, perfect for any seafood lover!
Ingredients:
For the Seafood:
- 2 salmon fillets (6-8 oz each)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, as preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
For the Cajun Seasoning:
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Seafood:
- Pat the salmon fillets and shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning stick better.
- In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning ingredients: paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika.
- Rub the seasoning mixture generously on both sides of the salmon fillets and the shrimp. Make sure the seafood is well-coated with the spices.
2. Cook the Salmon:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the pan is hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down (if they have skin). Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and easily flakes with a fork. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil (or butter). Once heated, add the shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking the shrimp. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside with the salmon.
4. Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter and let it melt, scraping up any flavorful bits left from cooking the seafood.
- Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon juice and optional extra Cajun seasoning, then let it cook for another minute. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more lemon juice or salt if needed.
5. Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked salmon and shrimp to the skillet, spooning the lemon garlic butter sauce over them. Let the seafood warm through for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld together.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your Spicy Cajun Seafood Feast over a bed of rice (like white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option).
- You can also pair it with sautéed vegetables, grilled corn on the cob, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Adjust the heat: If you like it spicier, add more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the lemon garlic butter sauce.
- Use other seafood: You can mix in other seafood like scallops or crab to enhance the dish.
- Make it a sheet pan meal: For easier cleanup, you can cook the salmon and shrimp on a sheet pan in the oven. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes for the shrimp and 15-18 minutes for the salmon.
This Spicy Cajun Seafood Feast brings bold flavors with just the right amount of heat and citrusy brightness, making it a perfect dish to impress guests or enjoy a comforting seafood meal! Enjoy!
