can you cook salmon and shrimp together

Cooking Salmon and Shrimp Together The Ultimate Guide

Salmon and shrimp make a fantastic culinary pair that can easily be cooked together for delicious one-pan meals. Combining these two popular and nutritious seafood takes the guesswork out of meal planning. With similar cook times and complementary flavors, salmon and shrimp simply belong together. Read on to learn tips and tricks for successfully cooking moist flaky salmon and juicy shrimp in harmony.

Benefits of Cooking Salmon and Shrimp Together

Here are some of the top reasons to cook salmon and shrimp together in the same pan

• Convenience – Cook two proteins simultaneously with less dishes to wash.

• Tastes that go well together: The slightly salty shrimp brings out the rich fattiness of the salmon.

• Healthy fats and omega-3s are found in salmon, while minerals like selenium are found in shrimp.

• Simplified meal prep – Pick one pan and cook times that work for both.

• Ease of pairing – Salmon and shrimp go well with similar sauces, seasonings and sides.

• Versatility – Use fillets, cubes or skewers of salmon and tail-on or peeled shrimp.

• Restaurant quality – Achieve gourmet seafood dishes at home with minimal effort.

Choosing Your Salmon and Shrimp

When shopping for salmon and shrimp to cook together, keep these tips in mind:

Salmon

• Go for center-cut fillets 1-1 1⁄2 inches thick for even cooking.
• Fatty salmon like king and sockeye have the best flavor.
• Ensure freshness – purchase sushi-grade salmon if eating raw.
• Pick uniformly shaped fillets so pieces cook evenly.
• Skin-on salmon holds together better. Skinless works too.

Shrimp

• Select similarly sized shrimp for uniform cooking.
• Choose raw, shell-on shrimp for best flavor and texture.
• Peel and devein shrimp if desired.
• Opt for sustainably caught wild shrimp when possible.
• Defrost frozen shrimp gradually in the refrigerator.

Prep Tips Before Cooking

Proper prep ensures both seafood turn out perfectly cooked:

• Pat dry salmon and shrimp – moisture leads to steaming.
• Season shrimp and salmon similarly – salt, pepper, herbs and spices.
• Cut salmon into evenly sized cubes, skewers or fillets.
• Use metal or presoaked wood skewers to prevent burning.
• Chill salmon and shrimp before grilling or searing.
• Oil the cooking surface, not the seafood, to prevent sticking.

How to Cook Salmon and Shrimp Together

Thanks to similar cook times, cooking methods that work for shrimp also produce great salmon results. Here are some excellent ways to cook shrimp and salmon together:

• Pan sear skinless fillets and sauté shrimp in a hot skillet with butter or oil over medium-high heat until opaque and lightly charred.

• Skewer cubed salmon and shrimp chunks, brush with oil, and grill over direct high heat, turning frequently.

• Roast salmon fillets and shrimp atop a rimmed baking sheet at 400°F until flaky and pink.

• Bake salmon fillets stuffed with a shrimp, crab and cream cheese mixture at 375°F until cooked through.

• Steam salmon fillets and shrimp in parchment paper or foil packets for a mess-free meal.

• Sauté shrimp in a pan, then nestle salmon fillets into the pan and spoon the cooked shrimp over top.

• Cook salmon cubes and shrimp in coconut milk, tomatoes, and Thai curry paste for a one-pan curry.

Pro Cooking Tips

Follow these tips when cooking shrimp and salmon together:

• Brine skinless salmon briefly to retain moisture. Omit if cooking skin-on.

• Cook shrimp just until opaque – they turn rubbery and tough if overcooked.

• Cook fillets skin side down first to prevent drying out. Flip halfway through.

• Nestle shrimp around thicker salmon portions to cook through at the same time.

• If pan searing skin-on fillets, reduce heat after the initial sear to prevent burning.

• Baste shrimp and salmon frequently with butter, herbs or citrus juice to boost flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Salmon and shrimp pair beautifully with an array of flavors. Serve with:

• Fresh herbs – dill, basil, cilantro, parsley

• Citrus – lemon, lime, orange

• Butter and garlic

• Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger

• Pesto or chimichurri

• Teriyaki or hoisin glaze

• Coconut milk and red curry paste

• Wine, broth or mustard-based pan sauces

• Rice, couscous, pasta or fresh greens

Storing Leftovers

Follow proper storage methods to safely enjoy leftover cooked shrimp and salmon:

• Allow seafood to cool completely before refrigerating.

• Store shrimp and salmon pieces separately to prevent sogginess.

• Place in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

• Freeze for longer storage. Salmon keeps frozen for 2-3 months, shrimp up to 6 months.

• Thaw frozen seafood gradually in the refrigerator.

• Gently reheat leftovers in the oven or skillet – do not microwave.

Salmon and Shrimp Recipe Inspiration

If you’re seeking recipe ideas for cooking salmon and shrimp together, here are some mouthwatering flavor combinations:

• Lemon Garlic – Sauté shrimp and bake salmon fillets with lemon, garlic, parsley and butter.

• Cajun Blackened – Coat salmon and shrimp with Cajun seasoning and blackening spice. Pan sear.

• Teriyaki – Toss salmon cubes and shrimp with store-bought or homemade teriyaki marinade or glaze.

• Tuscan – Sauté shrimp, then bake salmon and top with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and white wine lemon sauce.

• Thai Coconut Curry – Simmer salmon chunks and shrimp in an aromatic Thai red or green curry coconut sauce.

• Mediterranean – Grill salmon and shrimp skewers. Serve over fresh spinach with feta, olives, diced tomatoes and hummus.

• Jerk – Rub salmon and shrimp with Jamaican jerk seasoning. Roast on a sheet pan or grill.

Let your imagination run wild playing with globally inspired seasoning blends and marinades that complement both seafood. Salmon and shrimp provide a neutral, mild flavor profile that welcomes bolder seasonings and sauces.

Mastering the art of cooking moist, tender salmon alongside plump juicy shrimp opens up a world of easy, elegant meals. Simply prepare the two proteins using the same techniques and flavors for perfect results with minimal effort. Enjoy this dynamic duo on its own, in pastas, bowls, tacos and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about successfully cooking salmon and shrimp together? Here are answers to some common queries:

1. Should you cook salmon and shrimp on separate pans?

Not necessarily – cooking them together works great as long as you follow a few guidelines. Choose a single cooking method suitable for both, like searing, roasting or grilling. Cut the salmon into pieces similar in thickness to the shrimp. Nestle shrimp in towards the center or thicker parts of salmon fillets to prevent overcooking.

1. How long do you cook salmon and shrimp?

Cook times vary depending on thickness and cooking methods. In general, salmon fillets take 8 to 12 minutes while shrimp need just 2 to 5 minutes. Roast salmon and shrimp at 400°F for about 10 minutes. Grill or pan sear salmon cubes and whole shrimp for 3 to 5 minutes per side.

1. What temperature should shrimp and salmon be cooked to?

Salmon should reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F. Shrimp are cooked through when they turn opaque and are firm to the touch. When in doubt, use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.

1. Can you cook frozen salmon and shrimp together?

Yes, you can cook frozen salmon fillets and shrimp from frozen by increasing cook times. Add a couple extra minutes for grilling, searing or roasting. Or thaw them gradually in the fridge overnight before cooking together.

1. How do you know if salmon and shrimp are done cooking?

Check that salmon flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Shrimp will be pink and firm with no translucent flesh. Carryover cooking after removing from heat ensures the centers are done without overcooking exterior.

Take your weeknight dinners up a notch by embracing this dynamic pair of proteins. Cooking succulent salmon and tender shrimp together streamlines meal prep while delivering gourmet flavors. Explore global seasonings, quick cooking methods and clever pairings to enjoy both seafood at their finest.