Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce

There’s something truly special about bringing together fresh seafood, creamy grits, and a luscious Cajun cream sauce that just screams comfort and flavor. This Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits recipe is a celebration of Southern cooking at its finest. The tender, flaky snapper pairs beautifully with the succulent shrimp, while the creamy grits and rich sauce pull everything together in a harmony of textures and bold flavors.

Spoiler Alert: the smell of this dish in your kitchen will make you wish you’d made a double batch! And trust me, this is the kind of meal that everyone will rave about long after the plates have been cleaned.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile Southern comfort: Grits and seafood are such a winning duo! Whether you’re planning a fancy dinner or a casual meal, this dish fits right in.
• Packed with flavor: The Cajun seasoning brings that perfect balance of heat and depth, while the creamy sauce elevates every bite.
• Impressive, but easy: It might sound complicated, but this dish comes together in under an hour! Perfect for a weeknight treat or a weekend special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Grits:

• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Red Snapper and Shrimp:

• 2 red snapper fillets
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cajun Cream Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Medium saucepan
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits

1. Cook the Grits

In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water and a pinch of salt to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits, ensuring there are no lumps. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy.
Pro Tip: Stir in some milk, cheddar cheese, and butter for that extra creaminess we all love. Keep them warm while you prepare the seafood.

2. Prepare the Snapper and Shrimp

• Season the snapper fillets and shrimp with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the snapper for 3-4 minutes on each side until it flakes easily with a fork. Set aside.
• In the same skillet, add another tbsp of olive oil and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Cajun Cream Sauce

• In the same skillet (you’re keeping all those flavors!), melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for 5 minutes until soft, then add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
• Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Cajun seasoning. Bring it to a simmer, whisking occasionally, and cook until it thickens—about 5-7 minutes.
• Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice for that zesty, cheesy finish. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Assemble the Dish

• Spoon those rich, creamy grits onto your plate.
• Top with the red snapper fillet and shrimp.
• Drizzle the Cajun cream sauce generously over the seafood and garnish with fresh parsley.

What to Serve with Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits

This dish pairs perfectly with some sautéed greens—think collard greens or spinach—or even a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness. Cornbread on the side? Yes, please!

Tips for Making Perfect Shrimp & Grits

1. Control the heat: Adjust the Cajun seasoning depending on your heat tolerance. Start with 1 tbsp, and if you’re feeling bold, sprinkle in a little more!
2. Grits can be made ahead: Save time by making the grits ahead of time and reheating them with a splash of milk when ready to serve.
3. Crisp that fish: If you like extra texture, you can sear the snapper skin-side down to get a crisp, golden crust before flipping.

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Store the seafood and grits in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to the grits to bring them back to their creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish?

Absolutely! If you can’t find red snapper, cod or tilapia will also work well in this recipe.

What if I don’t have stone-ground grits?

You can use quick grits, just follow the package instructions for cooking times, though stone-ground grits will give you that authentic, hearty texture.

How do I make this dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, swap the butter with a plant-based alternative, use coconut milk instead of cream, and skip the cheese in the grits.

Conclusion

This Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce is a true showstopper, bringing the bold flavors of the South right to your table! It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal, but elegant enough for entertaining. Creamy, flavorful, and utterly delicious—you’ll find yourself making this recipe on repeat!

More Recipes to Try:

• Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce – A decadent surf and turf with rich Cajun flavors.
• Spicy Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Delight – Another bold, seafood dish packed with spice and zest.
• New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp – A flavorful take on a Southern shrimp classic!

Did you try this recipe?
I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and don’t forget to share your delicious creations on Pinterest or Instagram!

Nutritional Info:
Approx. 600 calories per serving.

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