Red Snapper and Shrimp with Creamy Cajun Grits Recipe
If you are craving a dish that brings together the fresh, bright flavors of the sea with the comforting, rich texture of creamy grits, you have to try this Red Snapper and Shrimp with Creamy Cajun Grits Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender red snapper fillets and succulent shrimp, all nestled on a bed of cheesy, perfectly spiced grits, and topped off with a luscious Cajun cream sauce that ties everything together beautifully. Every bite sings with southern charm and a hint of bold spice, making this a standout meal that’s actually quite simple to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Red Snapper and Shrimp with Creamy Cajun Grits Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the rich cream and sharp cheddar that make the grits irresistible, to the fresh seafood and vibrant Cajun seasoning that give the dish its signature southern kick. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this fabulous plate to life:
- 4 red snapper fillets: Fresh fillets give a firm, flaky texture and mild flavor perfect for Cajun seasoning.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Adds sweetness and a tender bite that complements the fish beautifully.
- 1 cup grits: The base of the dish, creamy and comforting, essential for soaking up all those delicious flavors.
- 2 cups water: Needed to cook the grits just right without drying them out.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the grits silky and indulgent while enriching the Cajun cream sauce.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: For that melty, tangy bite in the grits that keeps you coming back for more.
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning: This seasoning is the star that infuses the fish and shrimp with bold southern spice.
- 4 tbsp butter: Adds richness and is crucial for sautéing and crafting a smooth sauce.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps sear the snapper perfectly without sticking or burning.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic depth to the creamy sauce.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Lightens the cream sauce slightly while adding savory notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
How to Make Red Snapper and Shrimp with Creamy Cajun Grits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Grits
Start by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot. Once boiling, add your grits and stir occasionally to prevent clumping. Cooking times vary by brand, but keep an eye on them until they reach a thick, creamy consistency. Then, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream and the shredded cheddar cheese. The grits should be luxuriously smooth and cheesy at this point. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, and keep them warm on low heat while you move on to the seafood.
Step 2: Cook the Red Snapper
Pat your red snapper fillets dry and generously season both sides with Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the snapper fillets and sear for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautifully golden crust and opaque flesh that flakes easily with a fork. When cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside to rest; this helps keep the fish juicy and tender.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Using the same skillet ensures all those lovely browned bits stick around, building flavor. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp will become rubbery, so keep a close eye. Once done, remove the shrimp and set them aside alongside your snapper.
Step 4: Prepare the Cajun Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the minced garlic for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the remaining heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir continuously over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly, which should take around 5 to 7 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. This smooth, spicy cream sauce is what elevates the entire dish, tying all the flavors together harmoniously.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Now for the fun part! Spoon a generous portion of the cheesy, creamy grits onto each plate. Lay the perfectly seared red snapper fillet on top, followed by a handful of plump shrimp. Finally, drizzle the luscious Cajun cream sauce over everything. This presentation not only looks vibrant and inviting but guarantees every bite has that perfect balance of textures and flavors.
How to Serve Red Snapper and Shrimp with Creamy Cajun Grits Recipe
Garnishes
To bring even more color and freshness, sprinkle chopped scallions or freshly chopped parsley over the top. A wedge of lemon on the side brightens the dish with a squeeze of acidity that cuts through the creaminess perfectly. For those who enjoy a bit more heat, a light dusting of smoked paprika or a few red pepper flakes works wonders.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables adds lovely contrast and texture. Something simple like steamed asparagus, sautéed spinach, or even a tomato and cucumber salad with vinaigrette will balance the richness of the grits and creamy sauce beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider serving this Red Snapper and Shrimp with Creamy Cajun Grits Recipe in individual cast-iron skillets or rustic bowls that keep the grits warm. For a more casual family meal, plating the seafood on a bed of grits with a drizzle of sauce finished with bright garnishes makes for an irresistible, visually stunning centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the cooked seafood and grits separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps textures intact and prevents the seafood from overcooking when reheated. The sauce can be stored along with the seafood or separately, depending on your preference.
Freezing
The grits freeze better than the seafood, so if you want to keep leftovers longer, freeze the grits alone in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Seafood tends to become rubbery after freezing and reheating, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. When ready to eat, thaw and gently reheat the grits with a splash of water or cream to bring back their creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat the grits slowly over low heat on the stove, stirring often to avoid sticking. For the seafood, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or pop it into the oven for a few minutes, just long enough to bring it back up to temperature without drying it out. Reheat the Cajun cream sauce separately and drizzle over everything to preserve its silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents excess water from diluting your flavorful Cajun cream sauce.
What can I substitute if I don’t have red snapper?
Feel free to swap in other firm white fish such as grouper, cod, or sea bass. These varieties can handle the Cajun seasoning and cooking method just as well while delivering a similar texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try substituting heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a cream alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese substitute or omit the cheese altogether. Just keep in mind it will alter the flavor and texture of the grits and sauce slightly.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this recipe?
The seasoning adds a moderate kick of warmth and smokiness, but you can adjust the amount based on your heat preference. For milder tastes, reduce the Cajun seasoning slightly or use a mild version.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can cook the grits ahead of time and gently reheat them. The seafood and sauce are best made fresh, but you can prep the seasoning mix and garlic to save time during cooking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Red Snapper and Shrimp with Creamy Cajun Grits Recipe enough if you’re in the mood for something that beautifully blends rich comfort with bold southern flavors. It’s a meal that feels like a special occasion but comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining friends. Dive in and savor every creamy, spicy, tender bite—you’re going to love it!
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Red Snapper and Shrimp with Creamy Cajun Grits Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delicious Southern-style dish featuring tender red snapper fillets and succulent shrimp served over creamy cheesy grits, all topped with a rich and flavorful Cajun cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal ready in about 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 4 red snapper fillets
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Grits
- 1 cup grits
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cajun Cream Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Grits: In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the grits and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally until thickened.
- Finish the Grits: Once the grits have thickened, stir in ½ cup heavy cream and the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm while preparing the rest of the dish.
- Season the Red Snapper: Pat the red snapper fillets dry and season both sides evenly with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning.
- Sear the Red Snapper: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the snapper fillets for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the fish.
- Prepare the Cajun Cream Sauce: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the remaining heavy cream and chicken broth. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the cheesy grits onto serving plates. Top with red snapper fillets and shrimp, then drizzle generously with the Cajun cream sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Use stone-ground grits for a more authentic, textured dish.
- If preferred, substitute chicken broth with seafood broth for enhanced flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the red snapper or shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
