Red Snapper Shrimp Grits with Fiery Cajun Cream Sauce
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Ready to Get Your Cajun On?
Ever have one of those days where only comfort food with a kick will do? Me too! That's why I'm so stoked to share this recipe for Red Snapper Shrimp Grits with a super flavourful Cajun cream sauce.
Honestly, it is gonna blow your mind. The spicy, creamy, seafood goodness is unreal.
A Taste of Louisiana
This ain't your average dish. This Red Snapper and Grits Louisiana is inspired by both Southern and Gulf coast seafood recipes .
I reckon it is a little bit New Orleans, a little bit Charleston, and a whole lotta yum. This Shrimp Grits Recipe New Orleans is one of my favourite to do.
While it might sound fancy, it's surprisingly doable. This is a medium difficulty recipe and takes about an hour, yielding 4 servings.
Perfect for a chill weeknight or a special dinner with friends.
Why You'll Love This Dish
The Red Snapper Shrimp Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce is packed with protein. Hello, muscles! Plus, it's bursting with flavor from the Cajun spices.
Imagine serving this up for a Mardi Gras party or a cozy Sunday brunch. Trust me, it's a total crowd pleaser.
I mean, who doesn't love creamy grits topped with succulent seafood? This is definitely one of my top Southern Fish Recipes for displaying fresh, local ingredients.
One stat: did you know that shrimp is one of the most consumed seafoods in the US? It fits perfectly in this recipe.
Ready to dive into the ingredients for this amazing Seafood grits recipe ? Let's do this! I know you can do it.
Next thing will be talking about how to make the recipe for Red Snapper Shrimp Grits with !
Let's Get Cookin': Red Snapper Shrimp Grits with Cajun Flair
Ready to make some magic? We're diving into Red Snapper Shrimp Grits with a Cajun twist. This isn't just food; it's an experience! It's Gulf Coast seafood recipes meets Southern comfort.
Honestly, it's one of my fave Southern Fish Recipes . Let's gather our supplies.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Dish
Alright, here's the lowdown on what you'll need. Precise measurements are key. Especially when dealing with Cajun Sauce For Fish . So, pay attention y'all!
For the Grits:
- Water: 4 cups (945 ml)
- Stone Ground Grits: 1 cup (185 g) . Pro tip: Don't skimp here! The better the grits, the creamier they'll be.
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons (57 g) , cubed
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g) , shredded. Use the good stuff!
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon , or to taste
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon , or to taste
For the Snapper & Shrimp:
- Red Snapper Fillets: 1.5 lbs (680 g) , skinless, 4 portions. Look for firm, bright red snapper!
- Large Shrimp: 1 lb (450 g) , peeled and deveined
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Cajun Seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
For the Cajun Cream Sauce:
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1/2 cup (75 g) , finely chopped
- Bell Pepper: 1/2 cup (75 g) , finely chopped (red or green)
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup (30 g)
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Cajun Seasoning: 1 tablespoon (store-bought or homemade)
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Hot Sauce: 1/4 teaspoon , or to taste
- Green Onions: 1/4 cup (15 g) , chopped, for garnish
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life
Okay, let's talk flavor! Cajun seasoning is the star. It’s the secret ingredient for killer Cajun Red Snapper Recipes . It brings the heat and depth.
Worcestershire sauce adds a savory umami kick. Hot sauce, use your fave! Tabasco? Sriracha? It's your call!
Don't be shy with the aromatics either. Onion and garlic are essential. They build a flavor base that's, like, totally addictive. Wanna swap something? Celery is a stand-in for bell pepper.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need a fancy kitchen for this recipe. Just the basics:
- Large saucepan: For the grits, obviously.
- Skillet: Cast iron if you've got it! Best Sauce For Snapper is created with proper tools.
- Whisk: No lumps allowed!
- Slotted spoon: Fish out the shrimp!
- Cutting board and knife: Dicing and slicing action.
No cast iron? No worries! Any skillet will do. Just make sure it gets hot!
I know you'll make Red snapper and grits Louisiana proud.
Alright, let's get down to business. Today, we're making Red Snapper Shrimp Grits with a killer Cajun Cream Sauce ! Think soul food meets spice, a total taste sensation.
Honestly, this dish is comfort food turned up to eleven. So grab your apron, and let's get started.
Level Up Your Cooking: Mastering This Method
This isn't just any recipe. It's about getting the technique right. This ensures that perfectly cooked fish and the creamiest grits come together.
We want it to be a Southern Fish Recipes masterpiece.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place is Your Best Mate
- First, gather all your ingredients. Get them measured and chopped! This is the essential mise en place . It's French, but basically means getting organised.
- Next, chop the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic. Pat the red snapper and shrimp dry with paper towels. Less moisture means a better sear.
- Safety: Don't forget to wash your hands and surfaces! We don't want any unwanted germs crashing the party.
step-by-step Process: Easy as Pie (Well, Easier Than Pie Crust)
- Cook the Grits: Bring 4 cups (945 ml) water to a boil. Add 1 cup (185 g) grits. Simmer for 20- 25 minutes . Stir it.
- Make Cajun Sauce: Sauté 1/2 cup (75 g) onion and 1/2 cup (75 g) bell pepper in butter. Stir in garlic, then flour. Whisk in 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth and 1/2 cup (120 ml) cream. Stir in Cajun Sauce For Fish . Simmer until thick.
- Add Shrimp: Pop in 1 lb (450 g) shrimp to the sauce. Cook for 3- 4 minutes , until pink. Then, take them out.
- Sear the Snapper: Sear 1.5 lbs (680 g) red snapper for 3- 4 minutes per side. It should flake easily with a fork.
- Assemble: Spoon grits into bowls. Top with snapper and shrimp. Drizzle with Cajun cream sauce. Garnish with green onions.
Pro Tips: Secrets From My Kitchen (And My Granny's)
- Want extra flavour in your Seafood grits recipe ? Add a bay leaf to the grits while cooking. Remember to remove it before serving!
- Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the snapper. If you do, you'll steam it instead of getting a good sear. Do it in batches!
- To make it ahead of time, cook the grits and sauce. Store them separately. Reheat before serving. The fish is best cooked fresh, though.
So there you have it. Red Snapper and grits Louisiana style with Spicy shrimp and grits . Trust me; this dish will wow everyone!
Recipe Notes for Your Red Snapper Shrimp Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce
Alright, y'all, before you jump into this Southern Fish Recipes masterpiece, let's chat about a few things. Think of these as insider tips to make sure your Red Snapper Shrimp Grits with come out absolutely banging! Honestly, this ain’t just food, it’s a hug on a plate with a kick!
This Seafood grits recipe is a crowd pleaser.
Get Your Plating On
Listen, food tastes better when it looks good. Spoon a generous portion of those creamy grits into a bowl. Next, strategically place the Cajun red snapper recipes and shrimp on top.
Drizzle that fiery Cajun sauce all over. Finally, don't forget a sprinkle of fresh green onions for a pop of color.
Boom! Restaurant worthy right there in your kitchen. You can also try some fresh chopped parsley for a herbal pop.
And what goes with this? Oh my gosh, collard greens are a classic. Some fluffy cornbread is perfect too. Feeling fancy? A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc is your best friend.
Storage Secrets
Got leftovers? No worries! Pop those Seafood grits recipe into an airtight container and they'll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days .
To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen them up.
I wouldn’t recommend freezing, honestly. Grits can get a bit weird after freezing. But, the Cajun Sauce For Fish freezes pretty well! Just thaw it overnight and gently reheat.
Remixing the Melody
Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Cajun Sauce For Fish . Need a dairy-free version? No sweat! Swap the heavy cream in the grits and sauce for coconut milk.
Use olive oil instead of butter and you can use celery if you want to substitute the bell pepper. And don’t be afraid to try this Spicy shrimp and grits ! It’s amazing!
Nutrition Nuggets
Okay, so this isn't exactly diet food, but it’s packed with goodness! You're getting a decent dose of protein from the Gulf coast seafood recipes .
Plus, grits are a good source of carbohydrates for energy. And, let's be real, it's good for the soul! One serving is approximately 650-750 calories with 45-55g of protein, 40-50g of fat, and 30-40g of carbohydrates.
So there you have it! Now go forth and create some culinary magic with this Red Snapper Shrimp Grits with recipe.
Have fun, experiment, and remember: cooking should be a joy, not a chore. The Shrimp Grits Recipe New Orleans will be the best version you have ever tasted! I’m telling ya! Let me know if you try the Red snapper and grits Louisiana style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are grits, and can I use the instant kind in this Red Snapper Shrimp Grits with recipe?
Grits are essentially coarsely ground corn, a staple in Southern cuisine. Stone ground grits are the gold standard, offering a richer, more complex flavor and better texture. While you can use instant grits in a pinch, the texture will be significantly different (think more like a thin porridge), and the overall flavor won't be as satisfying.
Think of it like using instant coffee versus freshly brewed both will get the job done, but one is a much more enjoyable experience!
I'm not a huge fan of spicy food. How can I tone down the heat in this Red Snapper & Shrimp Grits with Fiery Cajun Cream Sauce recipe?
No problem at all! The heat in this recipe comes primarily from the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce. Start with a smaller amount of Cajun seasoning (maybe half the amount listed) and taste as you go. Completely omit the hot sauce, or use just a dash.
You can always add more spice, but you can't take it away once it's in there! A dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt on top can also help cool things down.
Can I substitute the red snapper with another type of fish in this shrimp and grits recipe?
Absolutely! Red snapper is delicious, but other firm white fish like catfish, grouper, or even cod work beautifully in this Red Snapper Shrimp Grits with dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the fillets. You want the fish to be cooked through but still moist and flaky.
How far in advance can I make the different components of this Red Snapper Shrimp Grits with recipe?
Good planning is key, innit? You can definitely get a head start! The grits can be made a day ahead and reheated with a splash of milk or cream to loosen them up. The Cajun cream sauce can also be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
However, it's best to cook the shrimp and red snapper closer to serving time for optimal freshness and texture. Nobody wants rubbery shrimp!
I have leftovers! What's the best way to store and reheat the Red Snapper Shrimp Grits with dish?
Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, it's best to reheat the grits and the fish/shrimp separately to prevent the fish from becoming overcooked and dry.
You can gently reheat the fish in a skillet with a bit of butter, and the grits in a saucepan with a splash of milk or cream. You can also reheat in the microwave, but again, reheat the fish separately and gently to avoid drying it out. Top with fresh green onions for an extra touch!
Red Snapper Shrimp Grits With Fiery Cajun Cream
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650-750 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 40-50g |
| Fiber | 30-40g |