If you’re a fan of Southern cuisine, then you’re in for an absolute treat with this Red Snapper, Shrimp, and Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce. This dish is a fusion of tender, flaky red snapper, succulent shrimp, creamy grits, and a bold, flavorful Cajun sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance. It’s rich, comforting, and has just the right amount of spice to take your meal to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special and how you can easily recreate it at home.
The Essential Ingredients for Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce
To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients that bring the flavors of the South together in perfect harmony. Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:
For the Fish and Shrimp:
- 4 red snapper fillets: Red snapper is a lean, white fish that’s mild and tender, making it the perfect complement to the bold Cajun flavors. If you can’t find snapper, you can substitute with another firm white fish like tilapia or cod.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Shrimp adds a sweet, succulent flavor to the dish and pairs perfectly with the Cajun sauce. Make sure to peel and devein them for a cleaner, more enjoyable eating experience.
For the Grits:
- 1 cup grits: Grits are a quintessential Southern comfort food, made from ground corn. They have a creamy, slightly sweet flavor that balances out the spice from the Cajun seasoning.
- 2 cups water: To cook the grits, you’ll need water as your base liquid.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This adds richness and creaminess to the grits, turning them into a velvety base for the shrimp and snapper.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a bit of sharpness and depth of flavor to the grits, giving them a cheesy kick that perfectly complements the other elements of the dish.
For the Cajun Cream Sauce:
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning: This is where the bold, zesty flavors come in! Cajun seasoning is typically a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and other spices, providing that spicy, savory flavor that defines this dish.
- 4 tbsp butter: Butter creates the base for the Cajun cream sauce, adding richness and a velvety smooth texture.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Olive oil is used to cook the fish and shrimp, preventing the ingredients from sticking to the pan and adding a bit of healthy fat.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the sauce with an aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with the Cajun seasoning.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Chicken broth adds savory undertones to the sauce, enhancing the richness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the dish and ensuring everything is well-balanced.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Grits
The foundation of this dish is the creamy grits, which provide a comforting, neutral base for the bold flavors of the fish and shrimp.
- Cook the grits: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 cup of grits and reduce the heat to low. Stir the grits regularly to prevent them from clumping together.
- Add cream: After the grits have started to thicken (about 5-7 minutes), stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream to make them extra creamy and rich. Let the grits cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until they reach a thick, creamy consistency.
- Stir in the cheese: Once the grits are fully cooked, stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The cheese will melt into the grits, making them even creamier and adding a savory flavor that balances the richness of the sauce.
- Set aside: Once your grits are smooth, creamy, and cheesy, cover the pot and set it aside to keep warm while you prepare the shrimp, fish, and sauce.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Red Snapper
Now it’s time to bring out the beautiful flavors of the red snapper and get that crispy sear on it.
- Season the red snapper: Sprinkle Cajun seasoning on both sides of the red snapper fillets. This seasoning will add a wonderful depth of flavor and a bit of spice to the fish.
- Sear the fish: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned red snapper fillets. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and has a nice golden crust. The fish should easily flake when tested with a fork.
- Remove the fish from the pan: Once cooked, remove the red snapper from the skillet and set it aside, keeping it warm. This fish will be served atop the creamy grits, making for a delicious pairing.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Next, you’ll cook the shrimp to a tender, pink perfection.
- Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet you used for the fish, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become tough.
- Remove the shrimp: Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside with the fish.
Step 4: Make the Cajun Cream Sauce
Now that you’ve cooked the shrimp and fish, it’s time to bring everything together with a rich and flavorful Cajun cream sauce.
- Start the sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
- Add the liquids: Pour in the remaining 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly. The cream and broth will create a luscious, velvety sauce.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tbsp of Cajun seasoning, and taste for seasoning. Adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Now, it’s time to put everything together!
- Plate the dish: Spoon a generous amount of the cheesy grits onto each plate. Place the red snapper fillet and shrimp on top of the grits.
- Top with the Cajun cream sauce: Pour the Cajun cream sauce over the fish and shrimp, letting it drizzle down into the grits, adding flavor and richness.
- Garnish: If desired, sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top for a touch of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce
- Customize the spice: If you love spice, feel free to increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Make it even creamier: For an extra indulgent dish, you can substitute some of the water used for cooking the grits with more cream, or even add a dollop of cream cheese to the grits for more richness.
- Use a fish spatula: When searing the snapper, a fish spatula works best for flipping delicate fillets without breaking them.
- Add vegetables: To make the dish even more hearty, consider adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes to the Cajun cream sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Red Snapper, Shrimp, and Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce recipe is the epitome of Southern comfort food with a bit of bold Cajun flair. The creamy, cheesy grits provide the perfect foundation for the tender fish and succulent shrimp, while the Cajun cream sauce adds a burst of flavor that ties everything together beautifully. It’s an impressive yet easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a special gathering with friends. Give it a try and let the flavors of the South transport you to a place of pure culinary bliss. Enjoy! 😋
