Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce

Here’s a show-stopping Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce that’s bursting with Southern flavor—creamy, spicy, and perfectly balanced.

Ingredients

For the Grits:

• 1 cup stone-ground grits (or polenta)

• 4 cups chicken or seafood stock (or water)

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

• 2 tbsp butter

• ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Cajun Cream Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small shallot, finely diced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup chicken or seafood stock

• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust for heat)

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp hot sauce (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Seafood:

• 2 red snapper fillets (skin-on or off)

• ½ lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined

• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

• Lemon wedges & fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Make the Grits:

• Bring stock to a boil, then whisk in grits. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 mins, stirring occasionally.

• Stir in cream, butter, and cheeses until smooth. Season with salt & pepper. Keep warm.

2. Prepare the Cajun Cream Sauce:

• In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic and shallot until fragrant (~2 mins).

• Add cream, stock, Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, and hot sauce. Simmer for 5-7 mins until slightly thickened. Season to taste.

3. Cook the Seafood:

• Pat snapper and shrimp dry. Season both sides with Cajun seasoning and garlic powder.

• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear snapper for 3-4 mins per side until golden and flaky. Remove and set aside.

• In the same pan, cook shrimp for 2 mins per side until pink. Remove and set aside.

4. Assemble & Serve:

• Spoon creamy grits into bowls. Top with snapper and shrimp.

• Drizzle generously with Cajun cream sauce.

• Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and extra hot sauce if desired.

Pro Tips:

🔥 Spice Control: Adjust Cajun seasoning based on heat preference (Tony Chachere’s or homemade blend works great).
🍤 Seafood Swap: Use catfish or scallops if snapper isn’t available.
🧀 Extra Creamy Grits: Stir in a splash more cream or cream cheese at the end.

This restaurant-quality dish is perfect for brunch, date night, or impressing guests! 🐟🍤✨