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Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce

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There’s something truly special about bringing together fresh seafood, creamy grits, and a luscious Cajun cream sauce that just screams comfort and flavor. This Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits recipe is a celebration of Southern cooking at its finest. The tender, flaky snapper pairs beautifully with the succulent shrimp, while the creamy grits and rich sauce pull everything together in a harmony of textures and bold flavors.

Spoiler Alert: the smell of this dish in your kitchen will make you wish you’d made a double batch! And trust me, this is the kind of meal that everyone will rave about long after the plates have been cleaned.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Versatile Southern comfort: Grits and seafood are such a winning duo! Whether you’re planning a fancy dinner or a casual meal, this dish fits right in.
  • Packed with flavor: The Cajun seasoning brings that perfect balance of heat and depth, while the creamy sauce elevates every bite.
  • Impressive, but easy: It might sound complicated, but this dish comes together in under an hour! Perfect for a weeknight treat or a weekend special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Grits:

  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Red Snapper and Shrimp:

  • 2 red snapper fillets
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cajun Cream Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

  • Medium saucepan
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits

1. Cook the Grits

In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water and a pinch of salt to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits, ensuring there are no lumps. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy.
Pro Tip: Stir in some milk, cheddar cheese, and butter for that extra creaminess we all love. Keep them warm while you prepare the seafood.

2. Prepare the Snapper and Shrimp

  • Season the snapper fillets and shrimp with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the snapper for 3-4 minutes on each side until it flakes easily with a fork. Set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add another tbsp of olive oil and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Cajun Cream Sauce

  • In the same skillet (you’re keeping all those flavors!), melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for 5 minutes until soft, then add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Cajun seasoning. Bring it to a simmer, whisking occasionally, and cook until it thickens—about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice for that zesty, cheesy finish. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Assemble the Dish

  • Spoon those rich, creamy grits onto your plate.
  • Top with the red snapper fillet and shrimp.
  • Drizzle the Cajun cream sauce generously over the seafood and garnish with fresh parsley.

What to Serve with Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits

This dish pairs perfectly with some sautéed greens—think collard greens or spinach—or even a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness. Cornbread on the side? Yes, please!

Tips for Making Perfect Shrimp & Grits

  1. Control the heat: Adjust the Cajun seasoning depending on your heat tolerance. Start with 1 tbsp, and if you’re feeling bold, sprinkle in a little more!
  2. Grits can be made ahead: Save time by making the grits ahead of time and reheating them with a splash of milk when ready to serve.
  3. Crisp that fish: If you like extra texture, you can sear the snapper skin-side down to get a crisp, golden crust before flipping.

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Store the seafood and grits in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to the grits to bring them back to their creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish?

Absolutely! If you can’t find red snapper, cod or tilapia will also work well in this recipe.

What if I don’t have stone-ground grits?

You can use quick grits, just follow the package instructions for cooking times, though stone-ground grits will give you that authentic, hearty texture.

How do I make this dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, swap the butter with a plant-based alternative, use coconut milk instead of cream, and skip the cheese in the grits.

Conclusion

This Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce is a true showstopper, bringing the bold flavors of the South right to your table! It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal, but elegant enough for entertaining. Creamy, flavorful, and utterly delicious—you’ll find yourself making this recipe on repeat!

More Recipes to Try:

Did you try this recipe?
I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and don’t forget to share your delicious creations on Pinterest or Instagram!

Nutritional Info:
Approx. 600 calories per serving.

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Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce


  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce brings bold Southern flavors to your table! Creamy, cheesy grits pair with perfectly seasoned red snapper and shrimp, all topped with a rich, zesty Cajun cream sauce. A showstopping seafood dish that’s surprisingly easy to make! Perfect for cozy nights in or impressing guests. Try it today!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Grits:

  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Red Snapper and Shrimp:

  • 2 red snapper fillets
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cajun Cream Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Cook the Grits:
    Bring water and a pinch of salt to a boil. Slowly add grits, stirring. Lower the heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until creamy. Stir in milk, cheese, and butter. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

  • Season the Fish and Shrimp:
    Season red snapper fillets and shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

  • Cook the Red Snapper:
    Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook snapper for 3-4 minutes per side, until fish is cooked through and flakes easily. Set aside.

  • Cook the Shrimp:
    In the same skillet, heat remaining olive oil. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Set aside with the fish.

  • Prepare the Cajun Cream Sauce:
    Melt butter in the skillet. Sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Stir in Parmesan and lemon juice. Season to taste.

  • Assemble the Dish:
    Spoon the creamy grits onto plates. Top with red snapper and shrimp. Drizzle with Cajun cream sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your spice preference. Add more for a spicy kick, or reduce for a milder dish.
  • Swap the snapper with another white fish like cod or tilapia if you prefer.
  • Leftover Cajun cream sauce can be stored in the fridge and reheated gently.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Southern, Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 600 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 220mg

Keywords: Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits, Cajun Cream Sauce, Southern Seafood, Comfort Food

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