why make this recipe
This dish gives you bold blackened fish with a smooth, creamy sauce and tender shrimp. It cooks fast and feels special. If you want a quick dinner that looks and tastes like a restaurant meal, try it. For a simple sweet finish after this rich main, you might try a fruit dessert like these baked apples with feta, honey, and cranberries.
introduction
Creamy Blackened Salmon with Shrimp brings spicy seared salmon and juicy shrimp together in a rich cream sauce. The sauce uses heavy cream and Parmesan for a silky texture. The meal pairs well with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. This dish is great for a weeknight or a small dinner with guests.
how to make Creamy Blackened Salmon with Shrimp
Follow these clear steps. Use a hot pan to get a good blackened crust. Cook the shrimp quickly so they stay tender. Finish by spooning the cream sauce over the seafood to warm and flavor it. For another savory side that fits well, check this balsamic roasted mushrooms with herby kale mashed potatoes.
Ingredients :
- Salmon fillets
- Cajun/blackened seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Shrimp, peeled & deveined
- Garlic, minced
- Butter
- Paprika
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon juice (optional)
Directions :
- Pat salmon dry and season with blackened seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet on medium-high and sear salmon for 3-4 minutes per side until blackened. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a splash of oil and minced garlic. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Add butter to the pan and melt. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in paprika. Pour in heavy cream and simmer until thickened. Add parmesan and whisk until creamy. Add parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
- Add salmon and shrimp back into the creamy sauce, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer for 1 minute.
- Serve with rice, pasta, steamed veggies, or mashed potatoes.
how to serve Creamy Blackened Salmon with Shrimp
Serve hot. Spoon extra sauce over the fish and shrimp. Add lemon wedges on the side for a bright touch. Pair with plain rice, garlic pasta, steamed green beans, or mashed potatoes. A simple green salad works well to cut the richness.
how to store Creamy Blackened Salmon with Shrimp
Cool the dish to room temperature for no more than two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring so the sauce does not break. Do not freeze the cream sauce; it may separate when thawed.
tips to make Creamy Blackened Salmon with Shrimp
- Dry the salmon well so the spice crust forms properly.
- Use a very hot pan for the blackened sear.
- Cook shrimp fast to avoid toughness.
- Grate fresh Parmesan for better melting and flavor.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or water to loosen it.
- For a full meal that kids like, try a cheesy pasta side like this cheesy baked tortellini casserole.
variation (if any)
- Swap salmon for cod or trout if you prefer a milder fish.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
- Use lemon zest in the sauce for extra brightness.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen salmon or shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw fully and pat dry before cooking. This helps the fish sear well.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: You can make the sauce ahead and reheat gently. Add the cooked seafood just before serving.
Q: Is this very spicy?
A: The blackened seasoning has spices but you can use less or a mild version to lower heat.
Q: Can I skip Parmesan?
A: You can, but Parmesan adds creaminess and salt. Try a mild grated cheese if you skip it.
Q: What sides go best with this dish?
A: Rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables are all good.
Conclusion
For a close recipe and more tips, see this version at Grilled Blackened Salmon with Shrimp – Mindful Cooks.
Creamy Blackened Salmon with Shrimp
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the salmon dry and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side until blackened. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a splash of oil and minced garlic.
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Add butter to the pan and melt.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in paprika and pour in heavy cream. Simmer until thickened.
- Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until creamy. Stir in parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
- Add the salmon and shrimp back into the creamy sauce, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer for 1 minute.
- Serve hot with a side of rice, pasta, steamed veggies, or mashed potatoes.