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Seafood lovers, rejoice! This Quick Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Recipe with Lemon is the ultimate easy seafood recipe for busy weeknights or special dinners. With bold Cajun spices, juicy salmon, and succulent shrimp, this dish bursts with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a home-cooking enthusiast, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste right in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love seafood but want something quick and impressive, this recipe is your ticket. The combination of salmon and shrimp brings a satisfying mix of textures tender, flaky fish and perfectly firm shrimp. Coated in a vibrant Cajun seasoning and brightened with fresh lemon, each bite is a perfect balance of heat, zest, and umami.

This dish is also extremely versatile. Serve it over rice, pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables. You can prepare the spice mix in advance, making weeknight cooking a breeze. For gatherings, the bright colors and rich aromas make it a crowd-pleaser. Even picky eaters often fall in love with the bold yet balanced flavor profile.

Beyond taste, the recipe is quick and straightforward, with step-by-step instructions that guide you from prep to plating. With just a handful of ingredients and a 12-inch skillet or baking tray, you can have a gourmet-style seafood dinner ready in under 30 minutes.

What Makes It Healthy & Special

This homemade Cajun salmon and shrimp recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Salmon is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart and brain health. Shrimp provides lean protein, low in calories but high in essential vitamins and minerals like iodine and selenium.

The recipe avoids heavy sauces, using olive oil (or avocado oil) for healthy fats and fresh lemon juice for natural acidity. You can also pair it with whole-grain rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a complete, balanced meal.

Additionally, because it’s made at home, you control the salt and spice levels, making it suitable for dietary preferences. Gluten-free? No problem. Dairy-free? Absolutely doable. You can even adjust the spice intensity without compromising flavor. This dish is both simple enough for weeknights and impressive enough for dinner parties, making it a kitchen staple.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 salmon fillets (400 g / 14 oz)
12 large shrimp (250 g / 9 oz), peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
1 lemon, zested and juiced
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cajun Seasoning

1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme

Optional Add-Ins

Chopped parsley for garnish
A pinch of red chili flakes for extra heat

Instructions / Method

Preparing the Salmon and Shrimp

Pat dry the salmon fillets and shrimp with a paper towel. This ensures they sear properly and don’t steam in the pan.
Check for bones in salmon fillets and remove with tweezers. Pro tip: gently run your fingers along the fillet to feel for pin bones.

Making the Cajun Seasoning & Marinade

In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Rub the seasoning evenly over both sides of salmon and shrimp.
Drizzle lemon juice and 1 tbsp olive oil over seafood for added moisture and brightness. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.

Cooking the Seafood Perfectly

Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat (190°C / 375°F). Add 1 tbsp olive oil and swirl to coat.
Place salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) and cook for 4-5 minutes, until the edges turn golden and crisp. Flip carefully and cook another 3-4 minutes. Visual cue: the flesh should turn opaque and slightly firm.
In the same skillet, add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and slightly curled. Pro tip: avoid overcooking shrimp should be firm but not rubbery.

Tips and Tricks for Juicy Seafood

Use a spatula with a thin edge to flip salmon gently.
Do not overcrowd the pan; cook shrimp in batches if necessary.
Let salmon rest 2-3 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Troubleshooting

Salmon sticking to the pan? Ensure the skillet is hot enough before adding oil.
Shrimp turning mushy? Reduce cooking time or check freshness.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover seafood in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in a preheated oven at 150°C / 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.

Plating / Serving Suggestions

Serve over steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.
Garnish with lemon wedges and chopped parsley.
Optional drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness.

Recipe Information Box

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Cajun / American

Notes / Tips

Variations

Spicy: Increase cayenne or add hot sauce.
Gluten-free: Ensure all spices are gluten-free; serve with rice or quinoa.
Protein add-ins: Mix scallops or crab meat for variety.

Substitutions

Oils: Substitute olive oil with avocado or coconut oil.
Seafood: Swap salmon with cod, trout, or tilapia.
Dairy-free: No dairy is needed; optional garnish with vegan butter.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Marinate seafood up to 30 minutes in advance.
Store cooked seafood in airtight containers; consume within 48 hours.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

Overcooked shrimp: Remove from heat as soon as they turn pink and curl.
Bland seasoning: Taste marinade before applying; adjust salt and spice.
Soggy salmon: Pat dry before cooking and avoid moving until seared.

Tools & Equipment

12-inch skillet or nonstick pan
Small mixing bowl for spice blend
Tongs or thin spatula
Kitchen thermometer (optional but recommended)

Serving Ideas

Pair with garlic bread or roasted vegetables.
Complement with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
Add a side of mashed potatoes or couscous for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approx.)

Calories: 360 kcal
Protein: 32 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fat: 24 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sodium: 480 mg

Conclusion

Try this Quick Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Recipe with Lemon for a homemade seafood feast. Comment below with your feedback or share your own variations.