Red Snapper Shrimp Grits Cajun

Crispy red snapper and succulent shrimp sit atop creamy grits, all drizzled with a vibrant Cajun cream sauce. This dish is perfect for family dinners or impressing guests at a gathering. The unique flavors and comforting textures of Red Snapper Shrimp Grits Cajun make it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavors: The combination of Cajun seasoning and creamy elements brings an exciting taste to your plate.
• Comfort Food: Creamy grits paired with seafood create a warm, satisfying dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s sure to please everyone at your table.
• Quick to Prepare: In just 45 minutes, you can serve up this delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from shrimp and snapper, along with wholesome grits, this dish is both filling and healthy.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the essential tools you’ll need for this recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Large skillet
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium saucepan: Ideal for cooking the grits evenly while allowing you to control the texture.
• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing shrimp and snapper, ensuring they get that lovely golden-brown color.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate ingredients smoothly when making the grits so they become creamy without lumps.

Ingredients

Crispy snapper and shrimp atop creamy grits, finished with a bold Cajun cream sauce for classic Southern comfort.

For the Grits

• 240 g stone-ground grits
• 960 ml chicken broth or water
• 240 ml heavy cream
• 28 g unsalted butter
• 60 g shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

For the Shrimp

• 225 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 15 ml olive oil
• 14 g unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

For the Red Snapper

• 2 red snapper fillets (about 170 g each)
• 15 ml olive oil
• 14 g unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

For the Cream Sauce

• 240 ml heavy cream
• 120 ml chicken broth
• 28 g unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

How to Make Red Snapper Shrimp Grits Cajun

Step 1: Cook the Grits

In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in the grits. Reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 20 to 25 minutes until thick and creamy. Stir in heavy cream, unsalted butter, and cheddar cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cover and keep warm.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

Combine the shrimp with Cajun seasoning in a bowl, tossing to coat. Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Red Snapper

Pat the red snapper fillets dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning. In the same skillet, heat olive oil and unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the snapper fillets and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and chicken broth; simmer for 2 minutes. Add heavy cream, stir, then simmer for another 2 minutes. Incorporate Parmesan cheese along with hot sauce if desired; cook until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble Your Dish

Spoon creamy grits onto warm plates. Top each serving with a red snapper fillet and arrange Cajun shrimp over it. Drizzle generously with Cajun cream sauce before serving immediately.

Enjoy your delightful plate of Red Snapper Shrimp Grits Cajun, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Red Snapper Shrimp Grits Cajun

Serving Red Snapper Shrimp Grits Cajun is all about presentation and pairing. This dish combines crispy fish and succulent shrimp atop a bed of creamy grits, making it a delightful centerpiece for any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

Serve with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle over the dish for a burst of color and a mild onion flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of freshness and enhances the dish’s visual appeal.

Accompany with Lemon Wedges

• Zesty Lemon Wedges: Serve on the side for guests to squeeze over their dish, adding brightness and acidity that complements the flavors.

Pair with Hot Sauce

• Variety of Hot Sauces: Provide different levels of heat for guests to customize their spice preference, enhancing the Cajun flavor profile.

Include a Side Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette can balance the richness of the grits and seafood while providing a refreshing contrast.

How to Perfect Red Snapper Shrimp Grits Cajun

To achieve perfection in your Red Snapper Shrimp Grits Cajun, consider the following tips. These will help you enhance flavors and improve texture.

• Bold Seasoning: Ensure both shrimp and snapper are generously seasoned with Cajun spices to maximize flavor.
• Creamy Grits: Stir in enough cream and cheese to make your grits luxuriously creamy; this is key to a satisfying dish.
• Patience with Cooking: Cook shrimp until just done; overcooking can make them rubbery. They should be pink and opaque.
• Sauce Thickness: Simmer your sauce until it coats the back of a spoon. This ensures a rich consistency that clings beautifully to the seafood.

Best Side Dishes for Red Snapper Shrimp Grits Cajun

Enhancing your meal with complementary side dishes can create a full dining experience. Consider these delicious options alongside your Red Snapper Shrimp Grits Cajun:

1. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the rich seafood.
2. Cornbread Muffins: A Southern classic, these muffins provide sweetness that balances well with spicy dishes.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy sprouts bring earthiness and crunch that contrast nicely with creamy grits.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers freshness and crunch, cutting through the richness of the main dish.
5. Fried Green Tomatoes: These provide a crispy texture and slight tartness that complements the main entrée beautifully.
6. Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, garlic bread adds an aromatic element to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Red Snapper Shrimp Grits Cajun can be delightful, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your shrimp and snapper well can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to coat them generously with Cajun seasoning for that bold taste.
• Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, and overcooking can make it rubbery. Aim for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
• Neglecting the grits’ texture: Cooking grits too fast can make them gritty instead of creamy. Stir frequently and cook over low heat until thickened.
• Using cold ingredients: Adding cold cream or butter to hot grits can shock them. Make sure these ingredients are at room temperature before mixing them in.
• Rushing the sauce: Simmering your Cajun cream sauce too quickly can prevent it from thickening properly. Allow it to simmer gently for optimal flavor and consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Red Snapper Shrimp Grits Cajun

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Red Snapper Shrimp Grits Cajun

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring between each interval until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a saucepan, stirring frequently until warmed evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Red Snapper Shrimp Grits Cajun:

What can I substitute if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative for a lighter version while maintaining creaminess.

Can I use other fish instead of red snapper?

Yes, you can substitute with other white fish like tilapia or cod if you prefer.

How spicy is Red Snapper Shrimp Grits Cajun?

The spiciness depends on the amount of Cajun seasoning used. Adjust according to your taste preferences.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best fresh, you can prepare components separately ahead of time and assemble just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Red Snapper Shrimp Grits Cajun offers a delicious blend of flavors that brings Southern comfort right into your kitchen. This dish is not only satisfying but also customizable; feel free to adjust spices or add vegetables like bell peppers for extra flavor. Try making it for your next dinner gathering!

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Red Snapper Shrimp Grits Cajun

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Red Snapper Shrimp Grits Cajun, a comforting dish that perfectly blends crispy red snapper and tender shrimp atop a bed of creamy grits. Finished with a vibrant Cajun cream sauce, this recipe is designed to impress at family dinners or special occasions. With its bold spices and rich textures, it’s sure to be a hit for seafood lovers. You can prepare this delectable meal in just 45 minutes, making it an easy choice for any night of the week.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 240 g stone-ground grits
• 960 ml chicken broth
• 240 ml heavy cream
• 225 g large shrimp
• 2 red snapper fillets (about 170 g each)
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 14 g unsalted butter
• 15 ml olive oil
• 28 g unsalted butter
• 60 g shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil and whisk in the grits. Cook uncovered on low heat for 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy. Stir in heavy cream, butter, and cheddar cheese; season to taste.
2. Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté garlic briefly, then add shrimp and cook until pink.
3. Season red snapper with Cajun spice, cook in the same skillet until golden brown.
4. For the cream sauce, melt butter, sauté garlic, mix in spices and chicken broth; add heavy cream and simmer before incorporating Parmesan cheese.
5. Assemble by spooning grits onto plates, topping with fish and shrimp, and drizzling with sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (about 400g)
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 180mg