Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce 🐟🍤
Description
This Southern-inspired dish combines tender red snapper, succulent shrimp, and creamy cheese grits, all topped with a rich Cajun cream sauce. The crispy snapper and spicy shrimp balance perfectly with the smooth, buttery grits, making it a flavorful and comforting meal.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Grits:
- 1 cup grits
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Red Snapper & Shrimp:
- 4 red snapper fillets
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cajun Cream Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Grits
- In a medium saucepan, bring water and heavy cream to a boil.
- Slowly whisk in the grits, reduce heat to low, and stir frequently for 15-20 minutes until thick.
- Stir in cheddar cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. Cover and keep warm.
2. Cook the Red Snapper
- Pat red snapper fillets dry and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place snapper skin-side down and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and keep warm.
3. Cook the Shrimp
- Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In the same pan, add 1 tbsp butter and cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and keep warm.
4. Make the Cajun Cream Sauce
- Melt 2 tbsp butter in the skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Assemble & Serve
- Spoon cheesy grits onto plates.
- Top with red snapper and shrimp.
- Drizzle generously with Cajun cream sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, or a squeeze of lemon.
Notes & Tips
- Perfectly Crispy Snapper: Always pat the fish dry before seasoning to get a crispy skin.
- Creamier Grits: For extra richness, swap water for chicken broth or more heavy cream.
- Spicier Flavor: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cream sauce.
- Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free, just ensure your Cajun seasoning has no added flour.
- Make Ahead: Cook the grits first, then keep warm while preparing the shrimp and fish.
Servings & Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~600
- Protein: ~50g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fat: ~35g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~2g
(Values vary based on ingredients used.)
Health Benefits of Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits
- High in Protein: Shrimp and snapper provide lean protein for muscle growth.
- Omega-3s for Heart Health: Red snapper is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Bone & Joint Health: Dairy in grits offers calcium and vitamin D.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Garlic, Cajun spices, and shrimp contain antioxidants.
- Balanced Energy: The mix of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs keeps you full longer.
Q&A (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use a different fish?
Yes! Catfish, tilapia, or sea bass work well as substitutes.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cheese or omit cheese in the grits.
Q: What sides pair well with this dish?
Try collard greens, sautéed spinach, or roasted asparagus.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Reheat grits with extra cream, and warm the sauce separately before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: The grits can be frozen, but seafood is best eaten fresh.
This Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce is a rich, flavorful dish with the perfect mix of crispy, creamy, and spicy. Want to add a unique twist? Let me know!