There’s something magical about a dish that combines fresh seafood, creamy grits, and a rich, flavorful Cajun sauce. This Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits recipe brings bold Southern flavors to your table, creating a meal that’s both comforting and restaurant-quality. Picture tender, flaky red snapper and juicy shrimp nestled on a bed of buttery grits, all topped with a spicy, velvety Cajun cream sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a special occasion, but trust me, you can whip it up any night of the week.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Versatile: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, this dish fits any occasion. It’s impressive enough for guests but easy enough for a cozy night in.
Budget-Friendly: No need for fancy ingredients! This dish proves you can create a gourmet meal with simple, accessible items.
Quick and Easy: While it looks like something straight out of a fine dining restaurant, the steps are straightforward and beginner-friendly.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your preference, swap out the seafood, or tweak the sauce to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: A dish that wows every time! Whether you’re feeding seafood lovers or just want to switch up your usual dinner routine, this one’s a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients
Red Snapper & Shrimp
Red Snapper Fillets: Mild, slightly sweet, and perfect for soaking up the Cajun flavors.
Shrimp: Plump, juicy shrimp add a delicious, briny bite to the dish.
Olive Oil: Helps achieve that golden, crispy sear on the fish.
Cajun Seasoning: The secret to bold, spicy, smoky flavors.
Grits
Stone-Ground Grits: Creamy, rich, and the perfect base for this dish.
Butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the grits.
Heavy Cream: Creates an extra velvety texture.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the grits for a deliciously cheesy bite.
Cajun Cream Sauce
Butter: The base for a rich and flavorful sauce.
Garlic: Infuses the sauce with a deep, aromatic taste.
Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its creamy, luxurious texture.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth and balances the richness.
Cajun Seasoning: Brings the signature kick of heat and spice.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Sear the Seafood
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the red snapper fillets with Cajun seasoning, then sear them for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and flaky. Remove and set aside. Repeat with the shrimp, cooking until pink and opaque.
Make the Grits
In a saucepan, bring water and chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits and reduce the heat to low. Stir frequently until thick and creamy. Finish with butter, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese, stirring until fully incorporated.
Prepare the Cajun Cream Sauce
Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in Cajun seasoning. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
Assemble & Serve
Spoon the creamy grits onto plates, top with seared snapper and shrimp, then drizzle generously with Cajun cream sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy!
How to Serve Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits
Fresh Salads: A light, citrusy arugula salad pairs beautifully with the richness of the dish.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the Cajun cream sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or sautéed spinach make great sides.
As a Standalone: This dish is hearty enough to enjoy all on its own!
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Chop and measure your ingredients in advance to streamline cooking.
Adjust Spice Levels: Add cayenne for more heat or reduce Cajun seasoning for a milder version.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm up the grits and seafood gently over low heat to maintain texture.
Make It Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use light cheese for a lower-calorie version.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different fish?
A1: Absolutely! Try grouper, cod, or even salmon for a tasty variation.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the grits and sauce in advance and reheat when ready to serve.
Q3: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: The seafood is best fresh, but the grits and sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Q5: How can I reheat this dish?
A5: Warm the grits on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk. Reheat the seafood in a pan over low heat.
Q6: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A6: Yes! Swap the butter for dairy-free alternatives and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
Q7: What’s the best Cajun seasoning to use?
A7: You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and thyme.
Q8: Can I add vegetables to the dish?
A8: Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms would be great additions.
Q9: Is this dish spicy?
A9: It has a kick, but you can adjust the spice level to your taste by reducing or increasing the Cajun seasoning.
Q10: Can I make this gluten-free?
A10: Yes! Just ensure that your Cajun seasoning and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and comforting textures. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re dining at a high-end restaurant—except you made it yourself! Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a new recipe to impress, this one’s a keeper. Try it out and let me know how it turns out!
Print
Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
This Southern-inspired dish combines crispy red snapper, succulent shrimp, and creamy grits with a rich Cajun cream sauce for a comforting yet elevated meal. Perfect for a fine dining recipe at home, this high-protein dinner is both flavor-packed and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas or a delicious meal for a special occasion, this dish delivers on taste and texture. Pair it with a side of sautéed greens for a complete healthy recipe.
Ingredients
For the Grits:
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cajun Shrimp:
- 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Red Snapper:
- 2 red snapper fillets
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Cajun Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
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Cook the Grits: In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits, reduce heat to low, and cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the heavy cream, butter, and cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
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Prepare the Cajun Shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Cook the Red Snapper: Pat the snapper fillets dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the fish for 3-4 minutes per side, until crispy and cooked through. Remove from heat.
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Make the Cajun Cream Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, and chicken broth. Simmer for 2 minutes. Pour in heavy cream, stir, and let simmer for another 2 minutes. Add Parmesan cheese and hot sauce, stirring until smooth.
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Assemble the Dish: Spoon creamy grits onto a plate, top with a snapper fillet and Cajun shrimp. Drizzle the Cajun cream sauce over everything. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a healthier version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Substitute catfish or tilapia if red snapper is unavailable.
- Add crispy bacon or green onions for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 250mg