If you have ever dreamed of a meal that perfectly balances bold flavors and comforting textures, this Red Snapper and Shrimp with Cajun Cream Sauce over Cheesy Grits Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine tender, perfectly seared red snapper and succulent shrimp resting atop creamy, cheesy grits, all bathed in a luscious Cajun cream sauce bursting with garlic and spices. This recipe brings the rich, soulful taste of Southern cooking straight to your table, combining fresh seafood with vibrant seasoning in a way that feels special yet surprisingly simple to make. Whether it’s a weekend dinner treat or a way to impress friends with minimal fuss, this dish is destined to become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Red Snapper and Shrimp with Cajun Cream Sauce over Cheesy Grits Recipe come together effortlessly to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each item is simple and approachable, yet essential for creating that picture-perfect dish that sings with Southern charm.
- Red snapper fillets: Fresh fillets provide a mild, flaky base that pairs beautifully with bold spices.
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined for easy cooking and a succulent seafood bite.
- Grits: The creamy foundation that absorbs all those delicious sauces.
- Water: Needed to cook the grits perfectly.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness to both the grits and the Cajun cream sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the grits for cheesy, savory goodness.
- Cajun seasoning: Brings a spicy, smoky kick that enlivens the seafood.
- Butter: Used for cooking and to enrich the sauce with creaminess.
- Olive oil: Provides a nice searing base for the fish without overpowering flavors.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for aromatic and flavorful depth.
- Chicken broth: Adds a subtle savory note and helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient.
How to Make Red Snapper and Shrimp with Cajun Cream Sauce over Cheesy Grits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Grits
Start by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot. Slowly add the grits, stirring occasionally to prevent clumps, and cook until thick and creamy, following the package instructions. This creamy base is the soul of the dish—so give it the attention it deserves.
Step 2: Enrich the Grits
Once your grits have thickened beautifully, stir in half a cup of heavy cream and the shredded cheddar cheese. This step transforms the grits from simple to irresistibly creamy and cheesy. Season with salt and pepper to taste and keep warm while you move on to the seafood.
Step 3: Cook the Red Snapper
Pat the red snapper fillets dry and evenly coat them with the Cajun seasoning, ensuring every bite carries a wonderful spice hit. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the fillets for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set them aside with care—you don’t want to lose all that delicious crust.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Using the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, then add the shrimp. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque, roughly 2 to 3 minutes per side. This quick cook keeps the shrimp tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Remove the shrimp and keep them warm alongside the snapper.
Step 5: Prepare the Cajun Cream Sauce
In the skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant, about a minute—you want that garlic flavor mellow and inviting, not burnt. Pour in the remaining heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring frequently as the sauce begins to thicken over 5 to 7 minutes. Adjust with salt and pepper to round out those robust Cajun flavors perfectly.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
To bring it all together, spoon a generous bed of the cheesy grits onto each plate. Nestle the red snapper fillets and shrimp on top, and then drizzle the luscious Cajun cream sauce over everything. This final touch ties the whole dish together, creating a harmonious bite every time.
How to Serve Red Snapper and Shrimp with Cajun Cream Sauce over Cheesy Grits Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions adds a punch of color and a hint of freshness that perfectly complements the rich sauce and cheesy grits. A light squeeze of lemon over the top can also brighten and balance the Cajun spices.
Side Dishes
While the dish is hearty on its own, crisp roasted vegetables or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette make excellent light sides to cut through the creaminess. For a real Southern-inspired feast, try collard greens or fried okra alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve in shallow bowls to catch all the sauce with every forkful, or stack the seafood artfully on the grits for an elegant look. You can also offer individual ramekins or cast-iron skillets for a rustic, charming presentation that wows guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Red Snapper and Shrimp with Cajun Cream Sauce over Cheesy Grits Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The creamy texture remains inviting, but the seafood is best eaten fresh for maximum flavor.
Freezing
It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, especially because the grits and cream sauce can change texture after thawing. If you want to prep in advance, cook the grits and seafood separately and freeze them individually for better results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on low heat either in a saucepan or microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or cream if the grits have firmed up too much. Avoid overheating to keep the seafood tender and the sauce smooth.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish instead of red snapper?
Absolutely! White flaky fish like cod, tilapia, or grouper work well with this recipe and will absorb the Cajun seasoning beautifully.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this recipe?
The Cajun seasoning provides a nice balanced heat that’s flavorful without overwhelming; however, you can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute for both the grits and the sauce, and opt for a dairy-free cheese or skip it altogether for a lighter version.
What type of grits is best for this dish?
Stone-ground grits offer the best texture and flavor, but quick or instant grits can be used in a pinch—just adjust cooking time accordingly.
How do I tell when the fish and shrimp are perfectly cooked?
The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork, and the shrimp will turn pink and curl slightly when done. Overcooking can make them tough, so watch closely.
Final Thoughts
This Red Snapper and Shrimp with Cajun Cream Sauce over Cheesy Grits Recipe is a celebration of vibrant flavors and comforting textures that you simply must try. It’s the kind of dish that warms your heart and impresses your palate, making every meal feel like a special occasion. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe over and over again—trust me, it’s that good!
Print
Red Snapper and Shrimp with Cajun Cream Sauce over Cheesy Grits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Description
This delicious Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits recipe features tender red snapper fillets and juicy shrimp served over creamy, cheesy grits and topped with a rich Cajun cream sauce. Ready in just 40 minutes, it offers a perfect balance of Cajun spices, creamy textures, and fresh seafood flavors for a comforting Southern-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 4 red snapper fillets
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Grits
- 1 cup grits
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup heavy cream (divided)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cajun Cream Sauce
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 4 tbsp butter (divided)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Grits: In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the grits and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally until thickened.
- Finish the Grits: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm while preparing the rest of the dish.
- Season the Red Snapper: Pat red snapper fillets dry and evenly season both sides with Cajun seasoning.
- Cook the Red Snapper: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the snapper fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the snapper.
- Prepare the Cajun Cream Sauce: Using the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, then sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Finish the Sauce: Pour in remaining heavy cream and chicken broth. Cook while stirring frequently until sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spoon cheesy grits onto plates, top with red snapper and shrimp, then drizzle generously with the Cajun cream sauce.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use stone-ground grits for a heartier texture, though quick-cooking grits work well too.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Make sure not to overcook the seafood to maintain tender texture.
- Grits can be prepared ahead and kept warm while cooking the seafood and sauce.
