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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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