If you’re craving a dish that brings a splash of vibrant flavors to your dinner table, look no further than this incredibly satisfying Cajun Salmon with Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Shrimp-Broccoli Sauté Recipe. It masterfully combines tender, blackened salmon bursting with smoky Cajun spices, creamy garlic mashed potatoes that act as the perfect comforting base, and a lively sauté of shrimp and broccoli that adds brightness and texture. Each element complements the others, making for a balanced, well-rounded meal that feels special yet manageable enough for a weeknight feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating the magic of this Cajun Salmon with Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Shrimp-Broccoli Sauté Recipe. Each item plays a critical role in building layers of flavor, color, and texture that elevate the dish beyond the ordinary.
- Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, firm fillets for the best texture and flavor.
- Potatoes: Medium starchy potatoes are ideal for smooth and creamy mashing.
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp cook quickly and add a sweet seafood contrast.
- Olive oil: Provides a rich base for searing and sautéing, bringing out the spices’ aromas.
- Cajun seasoning: A bold blend of spices that infuse the salmon with a smoky, spicy punch.
- Butter: Essential for creamy mashed potatoes and luscious gravy.
- Milk: Adds smoothness and moisture to the mashed potatoes and gravy.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for that irresistible aromatic depth.
- Broccoli florets: Brighten the dish with their fresh green color and mild crunch.
- Paprika: Sprinkled on shrimp to enhance color and add mild smokiness.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that perfectly balance all components.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Bring a subtle heat to the gravy unless you prefer milder flavors.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the pepper gravy for a luscious finish.
- Fresh parsley: Finely chopped for a burst of fresh herbal brightness at the end.
How to Make Cajun Salmon with Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Shrimp-Broccoli Sauté Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Start by cubing your potatoes and boiling them in salted water until they’re tender and easily pierced with a fork—this usually takes about 15 minutes. Drain them well to avoid watery mash. While still warm, mash them with butter, milk, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper until silky and creamy. This sets the rich, comforting foundation your Cajun Salmon with Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Shrimp-Broccoli Sauté Recipe deserves.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon with Cajun Spice
Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels; this step ensures you get that coveted blackened crust when searing. Rub them generously with olive oil and Cajun seasoning on all sides. Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the salmon for 4 to 5 minutes per side until beautifully blackened outside yet tender inside. This method locks in the fish’s natural flavors while giving a lively spicy crust that’s just irresistibly crunchy.
Step 3: Make the Peppery Gravy
In a small saucepan, melt butter and whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux—this will thicken your gravy nicely without lumps. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens into a creamy gravy. Season with crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to give it a gentle kick that pairs perfectly with both the mashed potatoes and seafood.
Step 4: Sauté Broccoli and Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a separate skillet and sauté the broccoli florets for 2 to 3 minutes just until bright green but still slightly crisp. Then add the shrimp, sprinkled with paprika for color and a hint of smokiness. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and curl up—this only takes a couple of minutes. This quick sauté locks in their freshness and melds beautifully with the dish’s spicy character.
Step 5: Plate and Combine
Serve the blackened salmon fillet alongside a generous scoop of garlic mashed potatoes topped with the creamy pepper gravy. Add the shrimp and broccoli sauté on the side. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness that pulls all the flavors together in your Cajun Salmon with Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Shrimp-Broccoli Sauté Recipe.
How to Serve Cajun Salmon with Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Shrimp-Broccoli Sauté Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple yet effective garnish that brightens the rich colors of this dish while adding a subtle herbaceous note. A light squeeze of lemon over the salmon just before serving adds a zesty lift that cuts through the creamy potatoes and spicy shrimp perfectly.
Side Dishes
Though this meal is delightful on its own, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. The freshness will balance the richness of the mashed potatoes and spice of the Cajun salmon, making your meal more vibrant and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try plating the salmon and shrimp atop the mashed potatoes in a neat stack, then drizzle the pepper gravy artistically around the plate. Alternatively, serve the broccoli and shrimp sauté in a small ramekin on the side for a restaurant-style look that impresses guests without fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure the salmon and shrimp are cooled completely before refrigerating to keep the seafood fresh and prevent any unwanted texture changes.
Freezing
While mashed potatoes freeze well, seafood like salmon and shrimp generally do not maintain their texture once frozen and reheated. For best results, freeze the mashed potatoes separately if you want to keep part of this meal for later.
Reheating
Reheat mashed potatoes gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Warm the shrimp and broccoli in a skillet over medium heat briefly to retain their firmness. The salmon is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated lightly in a low oven to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works fine. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sauté nicely and don’t release excess moisture.
Is Cajun seasoning spicy?
Cajun seasoning has a moderate level of heat with a smoky, earthy flavor profile. You can adjust the amount you use depending on your preferred spice level.
Can I substitute the milk in mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! You can use cream, half-and-half, or even a plant-based milk like almond or oat to achieve creamy mashed potatoes.
What’s the best way to cook salmon evenly?
Cooking salmon over medium heat ensures it cooks through without burning the seasoning crust. Turning once during cooking keeps it moist and flavorful.
Can this recipe be doubled for more servings?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve more people. Just make sure your pans are large enough to sear the salmon fillets without overcrowding.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so rewarding about bringing the Cajun Salmon with Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Shrimp-Broccoli Sauté Recipe to your own kitchen—its bold spices, creamy textures, and fresh seafood create a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Give it a try, and you might just find a new favorite that guests will be asking for again and again.
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Cajun Salmon with Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Shrimp-Broccoli Sauté Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Cajun
Description
A flavorful Cajun Salmon dish paired with creamy garlic mashed potatoes and a vibrant shrimp-broccoli sauté. This recipe combines spicy, savory, and fresh elements, perfect for an easy yet impressive dinner for two.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Mashed Potatoes
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Shrimp and Broccoli Sauté
- 8–10 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Gravy
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: Boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain thoroughly. Mash the potatoes with butter, milk, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper to taste until smooth and creamy.
- Cook Cajun Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry. Coat each fillet evenly with olive oil and Cajun seasoning. Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, until nicely blackened on the outside and cooked through.
- Make Pepper Gravy: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux and cook briefly until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Season with crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the gravy thickens to desired consistency.
- Sauté Shrimp and Broccoli: In a separate skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender. Add shrimp seasoned with paprika, cooking until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the Cajun salmon alongside a generous scoop of garlic mashed potatoes topped with the pepper gravy. Add the shrimp and broccoli sauté on the side. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
Notes
- Ensure salmon skin is removed or crisp up skin side first if desired.
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the Cajun spice while searing salmon.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- For creamier mashed potatoes, warm the milk before adding.
- Peel and devein shrimp before cooking for best texture.
