Jump to:

Why This Cajun Red Snapper Shrimp Recipe Works

What You’ll Need for Cajun Red Snapper Shrimp

How to Make Cajun Red Snapper with Shrimp Grits

Serving and Storage Tips for Cajun Red Snapper Shrimp

Mistakes to Avoid while making Cajun Red Snapper Shrimp

Suggestions for Cajun Red Snapper Shrimp

Conclusion

Cajun Red Snapper with Shrimp Grits – Cajun Red Snapper Shrimp

Name: Cajun Red Snapper with Shrimp Grits
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 red snapper fillets (about 6 oz each); 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup stone-ground grits; 4 cups water or chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Cajun Red Snapper Shrimp brings together the bold flavors of Louisiana cuisine in one spectacular dish. This Southern-inspired recipe combines perfectly seasoned red snapper and succulent shrimp served over creamy cheese grits, all topped with a rich Cajun cream sauce. The combination creates an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of Gulf Coast cooking.

❤️

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Bold Cajun flavors that create an authentic Louisiana taste experience with perfectly balanced spices
Restaurant-quality presentation that impresses guests while being surprisingly easy to prepare at home
Creamy cheese grits provide the perfect base that absorbs all the delicious Cajun cream sauce
Fresh seafood combination of red snapper and shrimp offers excellent protein and omega-3 benefits
One-pan cooking method that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor development

Why This Cajun Red Snapper Shrimp Recipe Works

This recipe succeeds because it layers flavors strategically. The Cajun seasoning creates a flavorful crust on both the fish and shrimp, while the same pan builds the cream sauce foundation. Using stone-ground grits ensures the perfect creamy texture that complements the seafood beautifully.

The cooking sequence matters tremendously. Preparing grits first allows them to stay warm while developing their creamy consistency. Cooking the seafood in the same skillet creates fond that becomes the base for an incredibly rich sauce.

What You’ll Need for Cajun Red Snapper Shrimp

Ingredients

For the Red Snapper & Shrimp:

2 red snapper fillets (about 6 oz each)
1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Grits:

1 cup stone-ground grits
4 cups water or chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cajun Cream Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Tools

You’ll need a large pot for grits, a large skillet for seafood, a whisk, and measuring cups. Having a fish spatula helps flip delicate fillets without breaking them.

How to Make Cajun Red Snapper with Shrimp Grits

Step 1: Prepare the Grits	In a large pot, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in grits and reduce heat to low.
Step 2: Cook Grits	Simmer grits for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy.
Step 3: Finish Grits	Stir in butter, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Keep warm.
Step 4: Season Seafood	Season red snapper fillets and shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Cook Red Snapper	Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook snapper 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 6: Cook Shrimp	In same skillet, cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Step 7: Start Sauce	Melt butter in same skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3-4 minutes until softened.
Step 8: Build Sauce	Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Simmer 5 minutes.
Step 9: Finish Sauce	Stir in Parmesan cheese and hot sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 10: Serve	Spoon grits onto plates, top with red snapper and shrimp. Drizzle with sauce and garnish with parsley.

♥

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use stone-ground grits for the best texture and flavor – they’re worth the extra cooking time
Don’t move the fish too early when cooking – let it develop a golden crust before flipping
Save the fond from cooking seafood to build maximum flavor in your cream sauce
Keep grits warm by covering with a lid and stirring occasionally to prevent skin formation
Taste and adjust Cajun seasoning throughout cooking as different brands vary in heat level

Serving and Storage Tips for Cajun Red Snapper Shrimp

Serving Tips

Serve this dish immediately while hot for the best experience. The contrast between the creamy grits and seasoned seafood creates the perfect bite. Consider pairing with creamy garlic shrimp pasta techniques for additional seafood inspiration.

Garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, or a sprinkle of paprika. A wedge of lemon adds brightness that cuts through the rich cream sauce beautifully.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream to restore the sauce consistency.

Mistakes to Avoid while making Cajun Red Snapper Shrimp

Don’t rush the grits – they need time to properly hydrate and become creamy. Instant grits won’t provide the same texture or flavor depth as stone-ground varieties.

Avoid overcooking the seafood. Red snapper becomes dry and tough when overcooked, while shrimp turn rubbery. Watch for visual cues rather than relying solely on timing.

Never add cheese to boiling grits as it will become stringy. Always reduce heat and let the temperature drop slightly before incorporating dairy products.

💡

You Must Know

Fresh red snapper fillets should smell like the ocean, not fishy – this indicates quality and freshness
Grits will continue thickening as they cool, so keep them slightly looser than desired final consistency
The cream sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently with additional broth if needed
Room temperature seafood cooks more evenly than cold fish straight from the refrigerator

Suggestions for Cajun Red Snapper Shrimp

Try variations by substituting different seafood like grouper or mahi-mahi for the red snapper. Both work excellently with Cajun seasonings and hold up well to pan-searing.

Experiment with different cheese combinations in your grits. Sharp white cheddar, Gruyere, or even cream cheese create unique flavor profiles. For more comfort food inspiration, check out this ultimate chicken casserole recipe.

Add vegetables like bell peppers or okra to the sauce for extra nutrition and authentic Louisiana flavors. These vegetables complement the seafood beautifully while adding color and texture.

For additional Cajun recipe inspiration, explore Food Network’s Cajun snapper variations or try Allrecipes’ Cajun Ponchartrain sauce for different flavor profiles.

FAQs:

Can I use frozen shrimp for Cajun Red Snapper Shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly. Thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning. Remove any remaining shells or tails, and ensure they’re at room temperature before cooking for even results.

What's the best substitute for red snapper in this recipe?

Grouper, mahi-mahi, or halibut make excellent substitutes. Choose firm, white fish that can handle the bold Cajun seasonings and won’t fall apart during cooking.

How do I prevent my grits from becoming lumpy?

Whisk constantly while adding grits to boiling liquid. Add them slowly in a steady stream while whisking vigorously. If lumps form, continue whisking and they’ll usually dissolve during cooking.

Can I make the Cajun cream sauce ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sauce up to 2 days ahead. Store refrigerated and reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if it becomes too thick.

How spicy is this Cajun Red Snapper Shrimp dish?

The heat level depends on your Cajun seasoning blend. Most commercial blends provide mild to moderate heat. Adjust by adding more seasoning for heat or omitting hot sauce for milder flavor.

Conclusion

Cajun Red Snapper Shrimp delivers restaurant-quality flavors in your own kitchen. This recipe combines the best of Southern cooking – perfectly seasoned seafood, creamy grits, and rich sauce that brings everything together beautifully.

The key to success lies in proper timing and not rushing the process. Let the grits develop their creamy texture, create a good sear on your seafood, and build layers of flavor in the sauce. With these techniques, you’ll create a memorable meal that showcases the vibrant flavors of Cajun cuisine.

More Easy Recipes Recipes:

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe?
Please rate this recipe with
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card