Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits: A Cajun Cream Dream!

If you're craving bold Southern flavor with a touch of elegance, this dish will hit every note. Say hello to Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits — a rich, spicy, and creamy Cajun-inspired meal that feels like a warm hug from Louisiana.

It’s comfort food with class, combining perfectly seared red snapper, juicy Cajun shrimp, and velvety cheese grits, all smothered in a decadent, smoky cream sauce. One bite and you’ll understand why we call it a Cajun Cream Dream.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Full of flavor: Bold Cajun spices meet creamy Southern comfort

• Great for special occasions or an impressive dinner at home

• Balanced and beautiful: Flaky fish, tender shrimp, and smooth grits

• One-pan sauce makes cleanup easy

This is the kind of meal that tastes like restaurant-quality, but you can make it in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and no stress.

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Shrimp & Snapper:

• 2 red snapper fillets (skin on, if desired)

• ½ pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

For the Creamy Cajun Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup diced onion

• ½ cup diced bell pepper (red or green)

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup chicken or seafood broth

• Optional: A dash of hot sauce for heat

• Fresh parsley for garnish

For the Grits:

• 1 cup stone-ground or quick-cooking grits

• 4 cups water (or a mix of water & milk)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 tablespoons butter

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👩‍🍳 How to Make It

1. Start with the Grits

Bring the water (and milk, if using) to a boil. Add salt, then stir in the grits. Cook according to package instructions, stirring often, until thick and creamy.

Stir in the butter and cheese. Cover and keep warm.

2. Season & Sear the Snapper and Shrimp

Pat the snapper fillets and shrimp dry. Rub them with Cajun seasoning, a pinch of salt, and black pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Sear the snapper skin-side down until golden and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

• In the same skillet, cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove and keep warm.

3. Make the Cajun Cream Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter, onions, and bell peppers. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Add garlic, paprika, and more Cajun seasoning. Stir for 30 seconds.
Pour in broth and cream, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or hot sauce if desired.

4. Bring It All Together

Return the shrimp (and snapper briefly, if you’d like) to the pan to soak up some of the sauce.

5. Serve Like a Pro

Spoon creamy grits into a shallow bowl. Top with a snapper fillet and shrimp, then drizzle with that dreamy Cajun cream sauce.

Finish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon.

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🔥 Pro Tips

• Want extra smoky flavor? Add a dash of liquid smoke or use andouille sausage in the sauce.

• Use gruyère or pepper jack cheese for a twist on the grits.

• Don’t overcook the shrimp — they cook fast!

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🐟 A New Southern Classic

Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits is more than a meal — it’s a celebration of Southern soul, coastal freshness, and comfort food charm. Whether you’re feeding guests or treating yourself, this Cajun Cream Dream is sure to impress.

And yes… licking the plate is completely acceptable.