Red Snapper Shrimp Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce

Hello, dear readers! Today, I’m excited to share a dish that brings Southern comfort to your table with a touch of elegance—Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce. This recipe combines tender, flaky red snapper, juicy shrimp, and creamy, buttery grits, all topped with a bold and flavorful Cajun cream sauce. It’s a luxurious take on a Southern classic, making it perfect for a special dinner or weekend indulgence. Let’s dive into this rich and flavorful dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce is the ultimate combination of fresh seafood, creamy grits, and a spicy, flavorful sauce. The red snapper and shrimp are perfectly seasoned and seared, while the grits are smooth and buttery, providing the perfect base for the dish. The Cajun cream sauce ties everything together with its bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors. It’s a restaurant-quality dish you can easily recreate at home, and it’s guaranteed to impress your family or guests!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Grits:

• 1 cup stone-ground grits: The base of the dish, cooked until creamy and smooth.
• 4 cups water or chicken broth: For cooking the grits and adding flavor.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk: To make the grits rich and creamy.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and smooth texture.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the grits.

For the Red Snapper and Shrimp:

• 2 red snapper fillets (about 6 oz each): Fresh, flaky red snapper, seasoned and seared to perfection.
• 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Adds a succulent, juicy element to the dish.
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: A bold and flavorful spice blend to season the seafood.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter: For searing the red snapper and shrimp.

For the Cajun Cream Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: To sauté the aromatics.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a savory, aromatic flavor.
• 1/4 cup diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning: Provides a smoky, spicy kick to the sauce.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: The base of the creamy sauce.
• 1/4 cup chicken broth: Helps thin the sauce while adding flavor.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the sauce and balances the richness.
• Salt and pepper to taste: To season the sauce.

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped: For a burst of color and freshness.
• Lemon wedges: To squeeze over the seafood for added brightness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Grits:

• In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in the grits, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot. Cook the grits, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes, until they are thick and creamy.
• Stir in the butter, heavy cream (or milk), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the grits warm while you prepare the rest of the dish.

2. Cook the Red Snapper and Shrimp:

• Season the red snapper fillets and shrimp generously with Cajun seasoning on both sides.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the red snapper fillets, skin-side down if applicable, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the red snapper from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Cajun Cream Sauce:

• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
• Stir in the Cajun seasoning and cook for another minute. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
• Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the sauce from heat once it’s creamy and flavorful.

4. Assemble the Dish:

• To serve, spoon a generous portion of creamy grits onto each plate. Place a red snapper fillet on top of the grits, followed by a few cooked shrimp.
• Drizzle the Cajun cream sauce over the top, ensuring each plate gets a good amount of the rich, flavorful sauce.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of brightness. Enjoy your Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce hot, and savor every bite!

Serving Suggestions

As a Main Course: This dish is perfect as a standalone main course, but you can serve it alongside sautéed greens, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a balanced meal.

For Special Occasions: This recipe is ideal for special occasions or dinner parties. The combination of flavors and textures will impress any guest, and it pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Tips for Making the Best Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits

• Use Fresh Seafood: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh red snapper and shrimp. If using frozen seafood, make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
• Don’t Overcook the Grits: Stir the grits occasionally while cooking to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot. For creamier grits, you can add more butter or heavy cream.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning in the sauce. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add Andouille Sausage: For a heartier dish, sauté sliced andouille sausage along with the shrimp and serve on top of the grits.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the seafood for grilled vegetables and use vegetable broth in the sauce for a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish.
• Cheesy Grits: Add 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the grits for an extra layer of flavor and richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time? The grits and sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. However, it’s best to cook the red snapper and shrimp fresh to ensure the best flavor and texture.

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover grits, seafood, and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the grits and sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed.

Can I use other types of fish? Yes! If red snapper is not available, you can substitute it with other firm white fish such as grouper, halibut, or cod.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish is packed with protein from the red snapper and shrimp, while the grits provide a comforting source of carbohydrates. The Cajun seasoning and garlic offer anti-inflammatory benefits, and the dish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health.

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Final Thoughts

Thank you for joining me in making this flavorful Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce! It’s a dish that blends Southern comfort with rich, bold flavors, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and impressive. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something indulgent, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations and tag us on social media! Here’s to many more delicious and memorable meals. Happy cooking!