Zingy Cajun Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits Cream Sauce Recipe

Southern coastal kitchens have a magical red snapper recipe that blends oceanic flavors with creamy comfort.

Spicy aromas waft through the kitchen, promising a delectable culinary adventure.

Succulent seafood meets velvety grits in a dance of textures and intense seasonings.

Cajun cream sauce adds a luxurious touch that elevates this classic dish beyond traditional expectations.

Fresh ingredients come together to create a plate bursting with regional character and bold flavors.

Local chefs have perfected this combination, turning simple components into an extraordinary meal.

Prepare to savor every incredible bite of this mouthwatering Southern masterpiece.

You can practically taste the Gulf Coast in each carefully crafted spoonful.

Red Snapper Shrimp And Grits That Make A Bold Pair

• Quick Culinary Adventure: This recipe transforms complex restaurant-style dishes into an achievable home-cooked meal in under 45 minutes, perfect for home chefs wanting restaurant-quality results.
• Flavor Explosion: Layers of Cajun seasoning, creamy grits, and rich sauce create a bold taste profile that satisfies cravings for zesty, comforting seafood with minimal ingredient complexity.
• Impressive Entertaining Dish: Elegantly plated and bursting with vibrant colors and textures, this recipe looks sophisticated enough to wow dinner guests but remains straightforward to prepare, making it ideal for special occasions or weekend cooking.
• Customizable Spice Experience: Easily adjust Cajun seasoning and hot sauce levels to match individual heat preferences, ensuring everyone from mild-flavor lovers to spice enthusiasts can enjoy this delectable seafood creation.

Red Snapper & Grits Flavor Lineup

• Red Snapper, Shrimp: Fresh, mild-flavored fish and succulent shellfish that form the protein base of the dish. Wild-caught or sustainably sourced seafood is best.

• Heavy Cream, Butter, Parmesan Cheese: Rich ingredients that add creaminess and depth to the grits and sauce. Full-fat versions provide the best flavor and texture.

• Cajun Seasoning, Paprika, Garlic, Hot Sauce, Salt, Pepper: Spicy and aromatic seasonings that give the dish its bold Cajun-style profile. Look for high-quality, freshly ground spices for maximum flavor.

• Chicken Broth, Olive Oil: Versatile liquids that help cook and add subtle flavor to the grits, seafood, and sauce. Low-sodium broth allows better control of dish's saltiness.

• Grits: Traditional Southern corn-based side dish that serves as a creamy, comforting foundation for the seafood. Stone-ground or stone-milled grits offer the best texture and flavor.

Cajun Cream Sauce Method for Red Snapper & Grits

Step 1: Craft Creamy Grits

Bring chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan.

Slowly whisk grits into the bubbling liquid, reduce heat to low, and let them simmer for 20-25 minutes while stirring occasionally.

• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Cheese

Season with salt and pepper.

Keep the grits warm and inviting.

Step 2: Sizzle Spicy Shrimp

Toss shrimp in Cajun seasoning until each piece is coated with fiery flavor.

Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.

Carefully drop the seasoned shrimp into the pan.

Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and look perfectly opaque.

Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Crisp Red Snapper

Pat snapper fillets dry with paper towels.

Season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning.

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Gently place fish into the hot pan.

Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until the exterior becomes crispy and the fish is fully cooked through.

Remove from heat.

Step 4: Whip Up Cajun Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté for one minute until fragrant.

• Cajun seasoning
• Paprika
• Chicken broth

Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes.

Pour in heavy cream, stir, and allow to simmer for another 2 minutes.

Incorporate Parmesan cheese and hot sauce, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and luxurious.

Step 5: Build Your Delicious Masterpiece

Spoon creamy grits onto a plate as the delectable foundation.

Carefully place a snapper fillet on top of the grits.

Arrange Cajun shrimp around the fish.

Generously drizzle the spicy Cajun cream sauce over everything.

Serve immediately and savor every mouthwatering bite.

Cajun Shrimp Grits Technique Tweaks

• Whisk slowly and consistently to prevent lumps, ensuring a silky smooth texture that's rich and comforting.
• Pat fish and shrimp completely dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and enhance the Cajun spice absorption.
• Use medium-high heat for seafood to prevent overcooking, keeping the proteins tender and juicy without becoming rubbery.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning and hot sauce to match your heat preference, allowing personalization for mild or fiery palates.
• If the cream sauce breaks or separates, remove from heat and whisk in a small splash of cold chicken broth to re-emulsify and restore smoothness.

Shrimp and Grits That Keep Their Cajun Kick

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Separate components like grits, fish, shrimp, and sauce to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Keep refrigerated for up to 2-3 days. Consume quickly to enjoy the best flavor and quality of seafood and sauce.
• Warm gently in microwave with a splash of chicken broth or cream, stirring frequently to restore creamy consistency. Add extra cheese if needed.
• Warm carefully in skillet over low heat with a touch of butter to prevent drying. Alternatively, use microwave on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking to avoid overcooking.

Great Sides For Shrimp And Grits

• Savor Southern Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay to complement the creamy grits and rich Cajun cream sauce. Its bright acidity cuts through the richness while enhancing the seafood's delicate flavors.
• Create Citrus Cocktail Companion: Mix a zesty Cajun Mule with vodka, fresh lime juice, ginger beer, and a dash of Cajun seasoning. The cocktail's spicy kick and citrus notes perfectly match the dish's bold Cajun profile.
• Design Herb-Infused Garnish Technique: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions over the dish to add brightness and a fresh herbal note. These herbs provide a light, aromatic contrast to the creamy, spicy elements.
• Enhance Beer Matching Strategy: Select a light wheat beer or blonde ale with subtle hoppy undertones. These beer styles offer a refreshing counterpoint to the dish's rich, spicy sauce without overwhelming the delicate seafood flavors.

Shrimp Grits Sauce Enhancers

• Gluten-Free Seafood Sensation: Replace regular grits with stone-ground gluten-free grits and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly dining.
• Low-Carb Ocean Plate: Substitute grits with cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower, maintaining the rich seafood and cream sauce profile while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Coastal Comfort: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream, swap butter with olive oil, and select dairy-free cheese alternatives for those with lactose sensitivities.
• Spice-Level Customizer: Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by using mild paprika for less heat or adding extra cayenne pepper for those craving a fiery kick in the dish.

FAQs

• What makes Cajun seasoning special in this recipe?

Cajun seasoning adds a bold, spicy kick that enhances the seafood’s natural flavors, creating a vibrant and authentic Southern Louisiana taste profile.

• Can I use different types of fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute red snapper with other white fish like grouper, halibut, or cod, which have similar mild and flaky textures that work well with the Cajun cream sauce.

• Is this dish considered spicy?

The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning. Most blends offer moderate heat, but you can adjust by using less seasoning or choosing a mild blend if you prefer less spiciness.

• What cheese works best in the grits?

Sharp cheddar or white cheddar are traditional choices that provide a rich, tangy flavor. Parmesan can also add a nice nutty undertone to the creamy grits.

Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets coastal elegance in this red snapper, shrimp & grits masterpiece, where Cajun cream sauce elevates classic ingredients. Delicate seafood and creamy grits create a harmonious dance of flavors you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 red snapper fillets
• 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Base (Grits):

• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft the grits foundation by bringing chicken broth to a vigorous boil, then gently incorporate grits while reducing heat. Simmer for approximately 20-25 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent clumping. Enrich the mixture with heavy cream, butter, and cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper. Maintain warmth.
2. Season shrimp generously with Cajun spices in a mixing bowl. In a searing skillet, melt olive oil and butter over robust heat. Introduce seasoned shrimp, cooking swiftly until they transform to a vibrant pink and become translucent. Extract shrimp and reserve.
3. Meticulously pat red snapper fillets dry, then lavishly coat with Cajun seasoning on both surfaces. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet, creating a sizzling environment. Carefully place fish and cook until achieving a golden crisp exterior and thoroughly cooked interior, roughly 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Utilize the same pan for crafting the luxurious Cajun cream sauce. Melt butter, introducing minced garlic and sautéing briefly. Incorporate Cajun seasoning, paprika, and chicken broth, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop depth. Stream in heavy cream, then gently fold in Parmesan cheese and hot sauce until achieving a silky consistency.
5. Plate the dish by spreading creamy grits as a foundation, elegantly positioning snapper fillet and Cajun-spiced shrimp atop. Cascade the velvety Cajun cream sauce over the entire composition, creating a visually stunning and flavor-packed presentation. Serve immediately to preserve optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to create a vegetarian-friendly version of the grits.
• Toast grits briefly before adding liquid to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent clumping.
• Use gluten-free Cajun seasoning for those with gluten sensitivities to maintain the authentic spicy profile.
• Select fresh, high-quality seafood to ensure the best taste and texture in the final dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 634
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 204 mg