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Dive into Flavor: Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce

If you’re yearning for a recipe that brings a little southern magic right into your kitchen, look no further than this delightful Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce. Imagine succulent shrimp paired with perfectly cooked red snapper, all nestled on a cozy bed of creamy grits and crowned with a rich, tantalizing Cajun sauce. This dish is like a warm hug after a long day—comforting, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience waiting to unfold on your dinner table.

Whether you’re a busy mom juggling work and family or a professional looking to impress guests without losing your sanity in the kitchen, this recipe is your newfound best friend. Grab your apron, and let’s cook up some joy together!

Why You’ll Love This Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: This delectable dish can be ready in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to wow your guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
2. Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors of the shrimp, snapper, and creamy grits will have everyone asking if you’ve taken a culinary class.
3. Bold Flavors: The Cajun cream sauce adds just the right amount of zing, waking up your taste buds while staying comforting and familiar.

Ingredients

Before we dive into those magical moments of cooking, here’s what you’ll need for this delightful dish:

For the Grits:

• 1 cup coarse grits
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Seafood:

• 2 fillets of fresh red snapper
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust for your spice tolerance!)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter

For the Cajun Cream Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Grits

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
2. Whisk in the grits and a pinch of salt. Lower the heat to medium and cover. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until they’re creamy and have absorbed most of the water.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Cook the Seafood

1. While the grits are cooking, season the red snapper and shrimp with Cajun seasoning.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt.
3. Place the red snapper fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until the fish is flaky and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
4. In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cajun Cream Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
3. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. To plate, spoon a generous serving of cheesy grits into the center of a plate.
2. Top it off with a fillet of red snapper and a handful of sautéed shrimp.
3. Drizzle that creamy Cajun sauce over the seafood and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Cooking Tips

• If your sauce looks a little lumpy, don’t worry! It’s all part of the magic—just give it a good whisk and it’ll come together beautifully.
• Want to spice things up? Feel free to add some sliced jalapeños into the shrimp for an extra kick!
• Keep the grits warm by covering them with a towel while you finish the rest of the dish.

Personal Anecdotes

I still remember the first time my sister Patricia and I attempted this dish. Let’s just say the kitchen looked like a tornado had passed through! But once we took that first bite, we knew we had stumbled onto something special. You’ll find that every step, every splash of seasoning, and every moment spent stirring brings a smile to your face and fills your home with mouthwatering aromas. It became a staple at our family gatherings faster than you can say “Cajun delight!”

FAQs

Can I substitute red snapper with another fish?
Absolutely! Any white fish, like tilapia or cod, could work well. Each will bring its own unique flavor.

Can I use quick-cooking grits?
Sure thing! Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions and you’ll be set.

How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just remember, the grits might thicken, so you may need to add a splash of cream or water when reheating!

The aroma of Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce wafts through your kitchen, and you’ll know you’ve made a meal that speaks from the heart. It’s comforting, fulfilling, and perfect for sharing with loved ones—or for a cozy solo dinner, because you deserve that too!

So, ready to dive in? Trust me, this Southern classic will quickly become your go-to recipe for those days when you need a little extra love in your life!

Meta Description: Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits is the perfect dish for a cozy night in. Quick, easy, and delicious—try this Cajun delight today!

Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce

A comforting Southern dish featuring succulent shrimp and red snapper on creamy grits with a rich Cajun cream sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Cajun, Southern

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Grits

• 1 cup coarse grits
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Seafood

• 2 fillets fresh red snapper
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Adjust for your spice tolerance!
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter

For the Cajun Cream Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
2. Whisk in the grits and a pinch of salt. Lower the heat to medium and cover. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until they’re creamy and have absorbed most of the water.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking the Seafood

1. While the grits are cooking, season the red snapper and shrimp with Cajun seasoning.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt.
3. Place the red snapper fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until the fish is flaky and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
4. In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink. Remove and set aside.

Cajun Cream Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
3. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

Assembly

1. To plate, spoon a generous serving of cheesy grits into the center of a plate.
2. Top it off with a fillet of red snapper and a handful of sautéed shrimp.
3. Drizzle that creamy Cajun sauce over the seafood and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Notes

If your sauce looks a little lumpy, don’t worry! Just give it a good whisk and it’ll come together beautifully. For extra spice, feel free to add some sliced jalapeños into the shrimp. Keep the grits warm by covering them with a towel while you finish the rest of the dish.