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