Cajun Salmon Shrimp Herb Sauce

Category: Satisfying Main Courses for Every Occasion

Enjoy bold Southern flavors with tender salmon fillets and juicy shrimp, all seared to perfection and bathed in a creamy garlic herb sauce. Cajun seasoning adds an irresistible kick, while fresh herbs and a touch of citrus brighten each bite. This quick meal brings restaurant-style elegance to your dinner table, balancing rich butter notes with tangy Dijon mustard and subtle spice. Perfect for a weeknight treat or special occasion, it's sure to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Loura is a chef and she is standing in front of a table full of fruits and vegetables.
Updated on Sun, 22 Jun 2025 21:55:38 GMT
A plate of food with shrimp and fish. Save
A plate of food with shrimp and fish. | recipesfoodyummy.com

This Cajun salmon and shrimp in creamy garlic herb sauce is the kind of recipe that makes dinner feel special without a lot of fuss. The bold Cajun spicing and rich buttery sauce turn simple seafood into a plate you will want to make again and again.

The first time I made this my husband declared it restaurant level and even my picky teen finished every bite I now double the sauce because we love having extra for dipping bread

Ingredients

  • Salmon fillets: choose wild caught pieces with firm flesh and a fresh sea scent
  • Large shrimp: look for bright color and no fishy smell peeled and deveined saves prep time
  • Cajun seasoning: pick a mix with bold but balanced spice or make your own for custom heat
  • Olive oil: a good quality oil ensures the seafood sears evenly
  • Salt and pepper: season both fish and sauce for layered flavor
  • Lemon wedges: fresh lemons brighten and cut through the richness
  • Butter: real butter gives the sauce a silky finish
  • Garlic: fresh cloves make all the difference choose firm bulbs with no green shoots
  • Heavy cream: use full fat for best thickening and mouthfeel
  • Chicken or seafood broth: homemade or good quality boxed works well
  • Dijon mustard: adds subtle tang and depth
  • Lemon juice: just squeezed makes the sauce vibrant
  • Fresh parsley or chives: herbs bring a pop of color and freshness
  • Cracked pepper and chili flakes: optional but boost the flavor punch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep and Season:
Pat the salmon and shrimp completely dry with a paper towel so they sear instead of steam Rub the seafood evenly with Cajun seasoning olive oil salt and pepper pressing the seasoning in well so it sticks everywhere
Sear Seafood:
Heat a large skillet over medium high and lay the salmon skin side down Cook without moving it for about eight minutes until the skin crisps and the side turns opaque halfway up Flip and cook another four minutes for a cooked through but still juicy result Remove the salmon and add the shrimp Sear shrimp for about three minutes per side until pink and slightly charred edges appear Set aside with the salmon
Make Creamy Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium low Melt butter in the skillet and add the minced garlic Stir constantly for thirty seconds so it becomes fragrant but does not brown Pour in the heavy cream and broth whisking to blend Next add Dijon mustard and lemon juice Whisk well until the sauce thickens slightly about three to five minutes Finish by stirring in freshly chopped herbs and a bit of pepper
Assemble and Serve:
Place the seared salmon and shrimp on plates Generously spoon the hot creamy herb sauce over the seafood Top each plate with more herbs and a squeeze of lemon If you like a gentle heat add a small pinch of chili flakes right before serving
A plate of food with shrimp, salmon, and lemon. Save
A plate of food with shrimp, salmon, and lemon. | recipesfoodyummy.com

I always look forward to the fresh parsley in the sauce It reminds me of Sunday dinners growing up when my grandmother would snip herbs from her backyard and her hands would smell like parsley and lemon all evening Long after we finish eating the aroma still lingers

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge Eat within one to two days for best taste Gently reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce from separating Avoid microwaving the seafood for best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have salmon swap in cod or another flaky white fish No shrimp Try scallops or even chunks of chicken breast For a lighter sauce use half and half instead of cream or try coconut cream for dairy free

Serving Suggestions

Pair with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the extra sauce Roasted green beans or asparagus make bright crisp sides A slice of rustic bread is perfect for scraping the plate clean

Cultural and Historical Context

Cajun cuisine comes from traditions in Louisiana where bold seasoning is balanced by creamy elements This dish brings together those flavors with a sauce inspired by classic French pan sauces and the generous use of herbs

Recipe FAQs

→ How spicy is the Cajun seasoning?

The Cajun seasoning adds a gentle kick, but you can increase heat with extra chili flakes or dial it down by using less seasoning to suit your taste.

→ Can I use frozen seafood for this dish?

Frozen salmon and shrimp work well, just be sure to thaw and pat them dry to achieve a good sear and prevent excess moisture in the skillet.

→ What sides pair well with this meal?

Try fluffy rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or sautéed green beans to soak up the creamy sauce and balance the robust flavors.

→ Can I substitute the heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option, though this will slightly change the sauce's texture.

→ Is the sauce suitable for other proteins?

Absolutely! The creamy garlic herb sauce complements chicken, cod, or scallops just as beautifully as salmon and shrimp.

Cajun Salmon Shrimp Herb Sauce

Salmon and shrimp shine in a bold, creamy garlic herb sauce with vibrant Cajun spice and fresh citrus.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cooking Time
15 mins
Total Duration
35 mins
By: Loura

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: Cajun

Portions Yielded: 2 Serving Size

Dietary Preferences: Low Carb, Gluten-Free

What You'll Need

→ Salmon & Shrimp

01 2 salmon fillets (170 g each)
02 10 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
03 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
04 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 Salt, to taste
06 Black pepper, to taste
07 Lemon wedges, for garnish

→ Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce

08 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 2 garlic cloves, minced
10 120 ml heavy cream
11 60 ml chicken or seafood broth
12 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
13 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
14 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives
15 Cracked black pepper, to taste
16 Pinch of chili flakes (optional)

Steps To Follow

Step 01

Pat salmon fillets and shrimp dry with paper towels. Rub with Cajun seasoning, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon skin-side down for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove salmon and set aside. Add shrimp to the same pan and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and slightly charred. Remove and set aside.

Step 02

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and broth, stirring to combine. Whisk in Dijon mustard and lemon juice; season with cracked pepper. Simmer the sauce gently until slightly thickened. Stir in chopped fresh herbs.

Step 03

Place seared salmon and shrimp on serving plates. Spoon hot garlic herb cream sauce over the top. Garnish with lemon wedges, additional herbs, and a pinch of chili flakes if desired.

Notes and Tips

  1. Ensure salmon fillets are well-dried before searing to achieve crisp skin and optimal browning.
  2. Adjust Cajun seasoning to preferred spice intensity.

Required Equipment

  • Skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan
  • Spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Chopping board
  • Chef's knife

Allergy Info

Double-check every ingredient for possible allergens and consult a health professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains fish (salmon) and shellfish (shrimp).
  • Contains dairy (cream, butter).
  • Contains mustard.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 710
  • Fats: 50 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Proteins: 54 g