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Thereโs something undeniably satisfying about a hearty plate of seafood paired with creamy grits, all topped off with a rich, flavorful sauce. This recipe for Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce brings together the best of Southern cuisine with a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The tender grits, spicy seafood, and luxurious cream sauce make this dish an indulgent treat thatโs perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. Whether youโre a seasoned cook or a beginner, this Red Snapper Shrimp Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce recipe is straightforward and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients for Red Snapper Shrimp Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce
For the Grits:
โข 1 cup stone-ground grits
โข 4 cups water
โข 1 cup heavy cream
โข 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
โข Salt and pepper to taste
For the Seafood:
โข 2 red snapper fillets
โข 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
โข 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
โข 2 tablespoons olive oil
โข Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cajun Cream Sauce:
โข 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
โข 2 cloves garlic, minced
โข 1/2 cup chicken broth
โข 1 cup heavy cream
โข 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
โข 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
โข 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Directions for Red Snapper Shrimp Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce
1. Prepare the Grits:
Begin by preparing the base of your dishโthe creamy, comforting grits. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Gradually whisk in the stone-ground grits to avoid lumps. Once incorporated, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the grits simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and reach a thick, tender consistency.
After the grits have thickened, stir in the heavy cream, which adds a rich, velvety texture. Then, mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating a smooth, creamy mixture. Season the grits with salt and pepper to your liking, and keep them warm while you prepare the seafood.
2. Cook the Seafood:
Season the red snapper fillets and shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to infuse them with bold, spicy flavors. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the red snapper fillets to the skillet, cooking them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until theyโre fully cooked and flake easily with a fork. Once done, remove the fillets from the skillet and set them aside.
Using the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook them for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside with the red snapper.
3. Make the Cajun Cream Sauce:
To the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sautรฉ for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. This forms the base of your sauce.
Stir in the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning, allowing the sauce to cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken. The addition of grated Parmesan cheese enhances the sauceโs richness and adds a subtle nuttiness. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
4. Assemble and Serve:
Now that all the components are ready, itโs time to assemble your dish. Begin by spooning the creamy grits onto your plates or serving dishes. Place the red snapper fillets on top of the grits, followed by the cooked shrimp. Finally, generously drizzle the Cajun cream sauce over the seafood and grits, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
5. Enjoy:
Your Red Snapper Shrimp Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce is now ready to be served. This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the flavors are fresh and the grits are still warm.
Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
โข Cooking Time: 40 minutes
โข Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information about Red Snapper Shrimp Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce
โข Calories per Serving: Approximately 720 kcal
Tips for Success of Red Snapper Shrimp Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce
โข Use Fresh Seafood: For the best flavor, use fresh red snapper and shrimp. If fresh seafood is not available, opt for high-quality frozen options and ensure they are properly thawed before cooking.
โข Seasoning: Adjust the Cajun seasoning according to your taste preference. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of seasoning, or for a spicier kick, increase it slightly.
โข Grits Consistency: If your grits become too thick, you can thin them out with a little more water or cream. Stirring them occasionally while they simmer will also help maintain a smooth texture.
โข Cajun Cream Sauce: To achieve the perfect sauce consistency, allow it to simmer until it coats the back of a spoon. If it becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little more chicken broth or cream.
Benefits of the Red Snapper Shrimp Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce Dish
This Red Snapper Shrimp Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce dish is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits:
โข Rich in Protein: Both red snapper and shrimp are excellent sources of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
โข Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Red snapper is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their heart health benefits, including reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of heart disease.
โข Bone Health: The cheddar cheese and heavy cream in the grits provide calcium, which is crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
โข Antioxidants: The fresh parsley used in the Cajun cream sauce adds a boost of antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
FAQs
1. Can I substitute another fish for red snapper?
โข Yes, you can substitute red snapper with other mild, flaky white fish such as grouper, tilapia, or cod. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fish.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
โข If youโre looking for a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter. However, this may slightly alter the richness of the sauce.
3. Can I make the grits ahead of time?
โข Yes, you can prepare the grits ahead of time and reheat them when ready to serve. If they thicken too much, simply stir in a bit more cream or water when reheating.
4. Is this dish gluten-free?
โข Yes, as long as all the ingredients used are gluten-free, including the Cajun seasoning and chicken broth, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
5. How do I store leftovers?
โข Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to the grits if needed.
Conclusion
Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce is a dish that brings the taste of the South to your table with its bold flavors and comforting textures. This Red Snapper Shrimp Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce recipe is easy to follow, yet it delivers a gourmet experience thatโs sure to delight your taste buds. Whether youโre preparing a special meal for guests or treating yourself to a delicious dinner, this dish is a perfect choice. Enjoy the rich combination of seafood, creamy grits, and a decadent Cajun cream sauceโa true celebration of flavors and culinary tradition.
