Southern Garlic Shrimp Salmon

Succulent shrimp and flaky salmon smothered in a rich garlic cream sauce was always a showstopper at our Sunday table The Southern spin with paprika and cayenne adds just enough warmth and comfort to make it unforgettable A bed of fluffy rice completes this meal turning simple ingredients into something special you will crave again and again

Every time I serve this people ask for seconds The creamy sauce and juicy seafood together remind me of the first time my aunt in Baton Rouge cooked this for me and set the standard for comfort food at home

Ingredients

• Salmon fillet: Choose fresh center cut for tender moist bites
• Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined so every bite is plump and sweet
• Cooked white rice: Use long grain for fluffy texture or jasmine for extra aroma
• Butter: Adds richness and silkiness to the sauce European style butter gives a deeper flavor if you can find it
• Olive oil: Helps sear the salmon for a beautiful golden crust Use extra virgin oil for best results
• Garlic: Fresh minced cloves bring bold flavor Stores with loose papery skin usually have strongest garlic
• Heavy cream: This is the secret to a silky decadent sauce Grab a carton with highest fat content you can find
• Paprika: Lends smokiness and color A bright red Spanish paprika is my go to
• Onion powder: Savory backbone for seasoning
• Dried parsley: Adds a herbaceous hint and some color Go for vibrant green leaves with strong aroma
• Cayenne pepper: Optional but brings a Southern kick Use sparingly or skip if you are spice shy
• Salt and black pepper: Enhances every element Taste as you go for best results
• Lemon juice: Fresh squeezed brightens up all the rich flavors and adds a finishing zing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Salmon:

Rub salmon fillet with salt black pepper paprika and a bit of olive oil Pat seasoning gently into the flesh so it sticks well

Sear the Salmon:

Place salmon skin side down in a hot pan over medium heat Sear undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes until a golden crust forms Flip carefully and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until just cooked through Remove and set aside on a warm plate

Sauté the Garlic:

In the same pan with heat lowered add butter and let it melt Add all the minced garlic and stir gently Cook slowly for about 2 minutes until garlic is soft and fragrant but not browned

Cook the Shrimp:

Add shrimp to the pan Sprinkle with salt black pepper paprika and dried parsley Stir to coat evenly Cook for around 2 minutes per side until shrimp turns pink and curls Remove a shrimp and check the center if unsure it should be opaque

Make the Cream Sauce:

Pour in heavy cream stirring to scrape up any flavorful bits from the pan Sprinkle in onion powder and cayenne if using Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 3 to 5 minutes stirring occasionally until it thickens to your desired consistency

Finish the Sauce:

Stir in lemon juice Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed The sauce should be creamy with a light citrusy note

Assemble and Serve:

Pile warm white rice onto plates Arrange the salmon on top Spoon shrimp and plenty of sauce over everything Serve immediately for maximum freshness

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Every time I cook this dish I look forward to zesting the lemon because the aroma fills the whole kitchen My daughter loves helping me peel the shrimp and it has become a bit of a tradition whenever seafood is on the menu

Storage Tips

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container for up to two days Refrigerate promptly and reheat gently on the stove stirring the sauce to keep it creamy For longer storage freeze the cooked rice separately from the sauce and seafood for best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

If salmon is not available try another firm fish like cod or steelhead trout Jumbo prawns work well in place of large shrimp For a lighter version use half and half cream or even coconut milk Just note coconut will add a hint of sweetness

Serving Suggestions

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top looks beautiful and adds more green Serve with lemon wedges for extra zing I love a side of buttered green beans or roasted asparagus for color and crunch A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling lemonade ties everything together

Save

Southern Seafood Roots

Southern kitchens are famous for bringing together local seafood and comforting sauces This dish borrows inspiration from classic shrimp and grits blending it with a creamy garlic sauce and salmon for a modern twist It is a reminder of lively family Sundays and the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the salmon from drying out?

Sear salmon fillets on medium heat just until golden and cooked through. Avoid overcooking to keep them moist.

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking for the best texture and flavor absorption.

→ What type of rice works best?

Fluffy white rice is ideal, but you can substitute with brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

→ Is the creamy sauce spicy?

The cayenne adds gentle heat, but you can adjust or omit it based on your preference for spiciness.

→ Can I make this dish ahead?

Prepare components in advance and reheat gently before serving. Assemble over rice just before eating for best results.