Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans is the perfect dinner to impress your family or guests. The combination of seasoned seafood, creamy sauce, and buttery mashed potatoes creates a delightful dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Plus, it’s a complete meal that balances protein, carbs, and veggies, making it both satisfying and nutritious.
Whether it’s a special occasion or just a regular weeknight, this recipe brings bold flavors and comfort to your table. Let’s dive into how to make this scrumptious dish that’s sure to earn rave reviews!
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:
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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.
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Once the potatoes are tender, drain them in a colander and return them to the pot. Begin mashing the potatoes until smooth.
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While mashing, add the butter and milk, then continue mashing until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside to keep warm.
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Pat the shrimp and salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with Cajun seasoning.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add butter and melt it. Cook the salmon fillets, skin side down if applicable, for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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In that same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir and bring to a simmer, cooking for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Return shrimp and salmon to the skillet, spooning sauce over them and letting everything simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
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Meanwhile, bring another pot of salted water to a boil. Cook green beans for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain and set aside.
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In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes. Toss in the cooked green beans and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper.
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To serve, scoop mashed potatoes onto plates, top with salmon and shrimp, and spoon over garlic cream sauce. Add sautéed green beans on the side and garnish with herbs or lemon wedges if desired.
Tips to Make Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans
- Make sure to dry the seafood thoroughly before seasoning to get a nice sear.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your heat preference; you can reduce it for less spice.
- To save time, you can prep the mashed potatoes and green beans ahead of time and just reheat them when ready to serve.
How to Serve Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans
This dish is best served hot, right after it’s cooked. Pair it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread to enhance the dining experience. A nice white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, can complement the flavors beautifully.
How to Store Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Variation
Feel free to replace the shrimp and salmon with your favorite seafood, or use chicken for a different but equally flavorful meal. You can also swap out the green beans for asparagus or broccoli for variation.
FAQs About Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans
1. Can I use frozen shrimp or salmon?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for the best results.
2. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can create a homemade version using spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano.
3. Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
You can substitute lighter cream or use vegetable broth instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
4. Can I make this dish in advance?
While the seafood is best when fresh, you can make the mashed potatoes and sauce in advance and just reheat when you’re ready to cook the seafood.
Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans
A delicious and visually appealing dish combining seasoned shrimp and salmon with a creamy garlic sauce, served alongside buttery mashed potatoes and fresh green beans.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
- Diet: Pescatarian
Ingredients
- 4 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (for seafood)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cream 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)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 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)
Instructions
- Peel and cut the russet potatoes into chunks. Boil in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain and return potatoes to pot. Mash until smooth, adding butter and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pat shrimp and salmon dry, then season with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until pink, then set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and cook salmon skin-side down for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through, then set aside.
- Melt another tablespoon of butter in the skillet, add minced garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Add heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return shrimp and salmon to skillet, spoon sauce over them, and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Boil another pot of salted water and cook green beans 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, add garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Toss in green beans and sauté 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- To serve, scoop mashed potatoes onto plates, top with seafood and garlic cream sauce, and serve green beans on the side.
Notes
Serve hot with salad or crusty bread. Pair with white wine for an enhanced dining experience.
