Taste the Bayou: Louisiana's Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits in a Rich Cajun Cream Sauce

Photo bydaily recipes

In Louisiana, where every meal is a celebration of flavor and heritage, there's one dish that truly captures the spirit of Cajun cooking: Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce. This meal is a fusion of rich, coastal ingredients and bold, Louisiana spices, creating an unforgettable dining experience that transports you straight to the bayou. With its fresh seafood, creamy grits, and a sauce that packs a punch, this dish is as comforting as it is exciting.

The heart of this recipe lies in the freshness of the red snapper and shrimp. Caught in the Gulf waters off Louisiana’s coast, these seafood staples are a perfect representation of the state’s vibrant culture. Paired with a bed of creamy, cheesy grits, it’s a meal that embodies the unique flavors of the region—both hearty and indulgent.

The Essence of Cajun Cuisine

Cajun cooking is known for its bold use of spices and locally sourced ingredients, and this dish doesn’t disappoint. The red snapper is seasoned with a classic Cajun spice blend, giving it that smoky, slightly spicy edge, while the shrimp adds a touch of sweetness. The star of the dish is the creamy Cajun sauce, made with garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream, which ties everything together with its silky texture and rich flavor.

Recipe: Louisiana Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce

Ingredients:

• 4 red snapper fillets
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup grits
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the grits. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, then stir in the grits. Lower the heat and cook until thick, about 15-20 minutes. Once the grits are creamy, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
2. Meanwhile, season the red snapper fillets with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the snapper for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set them aside with the snapper.
4. To make the Cajun cream sauce, add the minced garlic to the same pan. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in the remaining heavy cream and chicken broth. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Stir in the remaining butter for added richness.
5. To serve, spoon the cheesy grits onto each plate, then top with a red snapper fillet and a handful of shrimp. Drizzle the Cajun cream sauce over the top for the final touch.

A Taste of Louisiana at Home

This dish brings the bold, spicy flavors of Louisiana’s coastal waters right to your dinner table. The rich cream sauce complements the light, flaky red snapper, while the shrimp adds a touch of elegance to the plate. Paired with cheesy, comforting grits, this meal is a true taste of the bayou, perfect for family dinners or a special occasion.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to transform everyday ingredients into a dish that feels both luxurious and down-to-earth. With just the right balance of spice, creaminess, and freshness, Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce is a delicious reminder of the vibrant culinary traditions that make Louisiana cooking so special.

The Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce is a wonderful blend of Southern comfort food and coastal flavors, making it a standout dish from Louisiana's vibrant culinary tradition. The tender red snapper and juicy shrimp are seasoned with bold Cajun spices and served over creamy, cheesy grits. The highlight of the dish is the Cajun cream sauce, which is rich, slightly spicy, and ties everything together.

To make the dish, you start by preparing stone-ground grits, cooked until smooth and creamy with cheddar cheese and butter. The red snapper and shrimp are seasoned with Cajun seasoning and seared in a hot skillet until just cooked. The Cajun cream sauce, made with garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Cajun spices, adds a decadent finish​(LusciousRecipes)​(Isabella Gagiv).

The result is a dish that balances the richness of the grits with the light, flaky snapper and succulent shrimp, all brought to life by the sauce. This dish pairs well with sautéed greens or cornbread for a full meal​(Crabby Bags).

For the full recipe, you can visit:

• (LusciousRecipes)tps​(Isabella Gagiv)wit​(Crabby Bags)ajun Cream Sauce Version](https://isabella.gagiv.com/red-snapper-shrimp-grits-with-cajun-cream-sauce/)
• Crabby Bags for Southern Shrimp & Grits

Enjoy making this at home for a taste of Louisiana!