Prepare to indulge in a symphony of Southern flavors with this incredible Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce! This dish takes the beloved comfort of creamy grits and elevates it with perfectly seared red snapper, succulent shrimp, all brought together by a rich, zesty, and subtly spicy Cajun cream sauce. It’s an elegant yet approachable meal that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the South.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits recipe is an absolute masterpiece in my kitchen, and I adore it for its unforgettable blend of textures and bold flavors. The creamy, cheesy grits provide the perfect comforting base. Then, you have the delicate, flaky seared red snapper and the plump, tender shrimp, both seasoned with that essential Cajun spice. But the real star is that luscious Cajun Cream Sauce – rich with heavy cream, vibrant with paprika and cayenne, it perfectly ties all the elements together, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying experience. It’s a dish that feels incredibly gourmet and special, yet it comes together surprisingly quickly, making it ideal for a special occasion or a delicious weeknight treat.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce:
- 4 red snapper fillets (about 4-6 oz each), skin on or off
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup grits (quick-cooking or regular)
- 4 cups water (for grits)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for grits)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (for grits)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for grits)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided (for searing fish/shrimp)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (for fish/shrimp)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional), chopped
Swaps and Notes
- Red Snapper: Look for fresh, firm fillets. Other white fish like cod, snapper, or even mahi-mahi can be substituted.
- Shrimp: Use large (16/20 or 21/25 count) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined.
- Grits: Quick-cooking grits will reduce preparation time. Adjust water and cooking time according to package directions. Stone-ground grits will offer a richer texture but take longer to cook.
- Cheddar Cheese (for grits): Sharp or mild cheddar works. For extra creaminess, use white cheddar or Monterey Jack.
- Cajun Seasoning: Use your favorite brand. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
- Cayenne Pepper: Optional, but adds a nice kick to the sauce. Adjust to your desired heat level.
- Heavy Cream (for sauce): Essential for a rich, velvety sauce. Do not substitute with milk or half-and-half.
- Paprika/Garlic Powder: Enhance the overall flavor of the Cajun cream sauce.
- Garnish: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
Instructions
Let’s get this delicious Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits cooking!
- Cook the Grits: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Slowly whisk in the 1 cup of grits, reducing the heat to low. Stir frequently (every 1-2 minutes) until the water is absorbed and the grits are thickened to a creamy consistency, about 15-20 minutes for quick grits (longer for regular). Remove from heat. Stir in the 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons butter, and 1/4 cup heavy cream. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and set aside to keep warm.
- Season Seafood: Pat the 4 red snapper fillets and 12 large shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the snapper fillets and all sides of the shrimp generously with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
- Sear Red Snapper: In a large skillet (cast iron or non-stick works well) heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Carefully place the seasoned red snapper fillets in the hot skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until a golden crust forms and the fish is opaque and cooked through. Remove the seared snapper from the skillet and set aside on a plate to keep warm.
- Sauté Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink, opaque, and are cooked through. Do not overcook. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the snapper.
- Make the Cajun Cream Sauce: Lower the heat in the skillet to medium-low. Add 1 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using), and salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes until the sauce gently simmers and thickens slightly. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet into the sauce for extra flavor.
- Assemble & Serve: To serve, spoon a generous portion of the creamy grits onto each plate. Place a seared red snapper fillet and some sautéed shrimp over the grits. Generously drizzle the hot Cajun cream sauce over the top of the snapper and shrimp. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Dry Seafood is Key: Patting the snapper and shrimp very dry before seasoning and searing is crucial for achieving a beautiful golden crust.
- Don’t Overcook Seafood: Both red snapper and shrimp cook very quickly. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.
- Whisk Grits Constantly: Whisking grits frequently prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
- Don’t Boil Cream Sauce: Keep the heat low when making the cream sauce to avoid curdling the cream. A gentle simmer is all you need.
- Taste & Adjust: Always taste the grits and sauce as you go, adjusting salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning to your preference.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce is a complete and incredibly satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
- Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread or hushpuppies for soaking up extra sauce.
- Steamed Asparagus: A simple vegetable side that complements seafood well.
- For other incredibly popular, crowd-pleasing Southern or hearty meals, consider our This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl Of Southern Comfort or our This Tomato Skillet With Okra And Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed With Southern Flavor.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This dish is truly best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture of the seafood and grits.
- Grits: Cooked grits can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. They will thicken significantly; reheat with a splash of milk or broth and a pat of butter, stirring frequently.
- Cooked Seafood & Sauce: Store cooled, cooked snapper, shrimp, and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Reheating seafood can make it rubbery.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this dish due to the delicate textures of the seafood and the dairy in the grits and sauce, which can separate upon thawing.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the rich, comforting, and deeply flavorful nature of this Southern-inspired meal, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that bring warmth and satisfaction to your table:
- For another classic one-pan dinner, check out our This Mexican Chicken And Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always A Hit.
- If you’re a fan of easy sheet pan meals, our These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way To Feed A Crowd Fast are incredibly efficient.
- And for a fun, interactive way to feed a crowd, our This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way To Feed A Crowd is always a hit!
Final Thoughts
This Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce recipe is a brilliant culinary experience, delivering a harmonious blend of Southern comfort and elegant seafood flavors. It’s perfect for a special meal at home, promising a plate full of rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying goodness.
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite Southern comfort food to elevate? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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