Name: Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 4 large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each); 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter (1 for seafood, 1 for sauce); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup butter for mashed potatoes; 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed; 2 tablespoons butter for green beans; 2 cloves garlic, minced for green beans; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Why Make This Recipe

Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans is a dish that combines great flavors and comforting textures. It’s perfect for a special dinner or when you want to impress family and friends. This meal is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from the seafood and vegetables. Plus, the creamy garlic sauce adds a rich touch that makes every bite enjoyable.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans

Ingredients

4 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on or off depending on preference
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: A blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano for bold, spicy flavor.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the shrimp and salmon.
1 tablespoon butter: To add flavor when cooking the seafood.
1 tablespoon butter: For sautéing garlic and creating the base for the cream sauce.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic base to the sauce.
1 cup heavy cream: For a rich, velvety texture.
1/4 cup chicken broth: To thin the sauce slightly and enhance the flavor.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy flavor that complements the creaminess.
1/4 teaspoon salt: To taste.
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: To taste.
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: For a smoky depth to the sauce.
4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1/2 cup milk: For a smooth, creamy consistency.
1/4 cup butter: To add richness and flavor to the mashed potatoes.
Salt and pepper: To taste.
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
2 tablespoons butter: To sauté the green beans.
2 cloves garlic, minced: For flavor.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a little extra heat and flavor.
Salt and pepper: To taste.

Directions

Start by peeling and cutting the russet potatoes into even chunks. Add them to a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil over high heat. Let the potatoes cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
Once the potatoes are tender, drain them in a colander and return them to the pot. Begin mashing the potatoes with a potato masher or a hand mixer until smooth.
While mashing, add the butter and milk. Continue until the potatoes are creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and set aside to keep warm.
Pat the shrimp and salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season with Cajun seasoning on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt. Add the salmon fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove and set aside with the shrimp.
In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir and bring to a simmer. Cook for 4-5 minutes until thickened.
Return the shrimp and salmon to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and let them simmer together for 2-3 minutes.
Boil a pot of salted water and add the green beans. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
In another skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
Add the green beans, tossing to coat in the butter and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper.
To serve, scoop mashed potatoes onto each plate, top with salmon and shrimp, and drizzle garlic cream sauce over everything. Add sautéed green beans on the side.
Enjoy your delicious meal!

How to Serve Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans

Serve this dish hot on a large plate. Make sure to have a generous helping of mashed potatoes as a base. Lay the Cajun shrimp and salmon fillets on top, generously drizzled with the creamy garlic sauce. Add a side of sautéed green beans for a complete, colorful meal. Feel free to garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for an extra touch.

How to Store Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans

If you have leftovers, let the meal cool down to room temperature. Then transfer everything into airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving again.

Tips to Make Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans

Make sure not to overcook the shrimp and salmon; they should be tender and flaky.
Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your spice preference; you can add more for a spicier kick.
Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the cream sauce and green beans.
If you want smoother mashed potatoes, try using a ricer instead of a masher.

Variation

You can swap out the salmon for another fish, such as tilapia or cod. If you’d like a vegetarian version, you can use hearty vegetables instead of the seafood and make a creamy garlic sauce with mushrooms or cauliflower.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp and salmon?
Yes, you can use frozen seafood. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

2. How can I make this dish lower in calories?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or low-fat milk and use less butter in the mashed potatoes.

3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the mashed potatoes and sauce ahead of time and reheat them before serving. Cook the seafood fresh for the best taste.

Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce