If you're looking for a quick seafood dinner that's bursting with bold flavor, this Cajun Salmon and Shrimp recipe deserves a spot on your menu. Perfectly seasoned salmon and juicy shrimp are pan-seared until beautifully golden, creating a meal that's both impressive and surprisingly easy to make.
The homemade Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of smoky spice without overpowering the natural flavors of the seafood. Whether you're preparing a special date-night dinner or simply treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and never disappoints.
Flavor & Texture Highlights
- Perfectly flaky, tender salmon
- Juicy, succulent shrimp
- Bold Cajun seasoning with smoky spices
- Crispy golden seared exterior
- Fresh citrus finish from lemon wedges
- Quick enough for busy weeknights
Jump to Section
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- What You'll Need to Make This Recipe
- How to Make Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Step by Step
- Expert Tips
- How to Store and Reheat It
- What to Serve With
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients and very little prep work. The homemade Cajun seasoning creates a delicious crust on both the salmon and shrimp while allowing their natural flavors to shine.
It's a one-skillet meal that's ready in less than half an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights without sacrificing taste.
It's also incredibly versatile. Pair it with rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal everyone will enjoy.
What You'll Need to Make This Recipe
Fresh salmon fillets provide a rich, buttery flavor and become wonderfully flaky when pan-seared.
Large shrimp cook quickly and soak up every bit of the flavorful Cajun seasoning.
A blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper creates a perfectly balanced homemade Cajun spice mix.
Olive oil helps develop a crisp golden crust while keeping the seafood tender and moist.
Fresh lemon wedges brighten every bite, while chopped parsley or green onions add a fresh finishing touch.
Exact ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Cajun Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.
Step 2: Season the Seafood
Pat the salmon and shrimp dry with paper towels. Generously coat both sides of the salmon and all of the shrimp with the Cajun seasoning mixture.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Carefully flip and continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Remove and keep warm.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Place the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Arrange the salmon and shrimp on serving plates. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions and serve with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the seafood.
Expert Tips
- Pat the seafood dry before seasoning for the best sear.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet so the seafood browns instead of steams.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to make the seasoning as mild or spicy as you like.
- Fresh lemon juice adds wonderful brightness just before serving.
- Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.
How to Store and Reheat It
Store leftover salmon and shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power to avoid overcooking the seafood.
Freezing is possible, although the shrimp may become slightly softer after thawing.
What to Serve With
This Cajun seafood pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic butter rice
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted asparagus
- Steamed broccoli
- Cajun dirty rice
- Creamy grits
- Fresh garden salad
- Warm crusty bread
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake the salmon instead?
Yes. Bake the seasoned salmon at 400°F (200°C) for about 12 to 15 minutes, depending on its thickness.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.
Is this recipe very spicy?
It has a gentle kick, but you can easily reduce or increase the cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
Can I grill the seafood?
Yes. Both the salmon and shrimp are delicious grilled and develop an even smokier flavor.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Cajun Salmon and Shrimp
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients
For the Cajun Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Seafood:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley or chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Mix together all of the Cajun seasoning ingredients in a small bowl.
- Pat the salmon and shrimp dry and coat them evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the salmon for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and flaky. Remove from the skillet.
- Add the remaining olive oil and cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and fully cooked.
- Serve the salmon and shrimp together with fresh lemon wedges and garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
- Fresh lemon juice enhances the Cajun flavors beautifully.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
- Serve with rice, vegetables, or pasta for a complete meal.
- Do not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
Final Thoughts
Cajun Salmon and Shrimp is a simple yet impressive seafood dinner that's packed with bold Southern-inspired flavors. With perfectly seasoned salmon, juicy shrimp, and a bright squeeze of fresh lemon, every bite is satisfying and delicious. Whether you're making it for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite you'll want to make again and again.