Cajun Salmon and Shrimp is seafood that has been seasoned with Cajun spices and then pan-fried. It is served with Monterey Jack cheese, spinach, and a slightly spicy Cajun cream sauce. For a pop of color, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. Then, serve it with a side of mashed potatoes and a vegetable for a complete meal. For another favorite seafood recipe, check out my Cajun Shrimp and Rice, too!.
Salmon: Look for 4 salmon filets, each about 4 ounces, with the skin removed. They will be seasoned with Cajun seasoning.
Shrimp: If possible, use fresh shrimp; it’s easy to peel and devein. To peel, start from underneath. Make a small cut along the back of the shrimp to remove the vein. Use the tip of a knife to pull out the black vein. It is up to you if you leave the tails on or off. If using smaller or larger shrimp, adjust the cooking time as needed. If using frozen raw shrimp, let them thaw before cooking.
Cajun Seasoning: You will use Cajun seasoning for both the cream sauce and the seafood. For the most flavor, make homemade Cajun seasoning. This dish does have a mild kick, but you can change how much you use based on your taste and desired level of spice.
Cheese: Monterey Jack cheese has a mild flavor, and it melts well, which is perfect for the sauce. You could also try it with other kinds of cheese like cheddar or Gouda.
Spinach: Baby spinach adds some color to the sauce as well as nutritional value. I prefer fresh spinach. If using frozen spinach, let it thaw and drain excess liquid before adding it to the sauce.
Salmon and shrimp are two delicious and versatile seafood ingredients that can be prepared in endless ways. When planning a meal around salmon and shrimp, it’s important to think about what sides would pair well to complete the dish The right side dishes can beautifully complement the flavors of the seafood, make the meal more nutritious, and provide an appealing variety of textures
In this article, I’ll share 15 of my favorite side dish ideas for salmon and shrimp meals. There’s something here for every palate – from rice and potatoes to colorful vegetables and salads. Read on for tasty inspiration!
Rice Dishes
When it comes to seafood, rice is a classic match that goes well with both salmon and shrimp. The mild flavor of the rice lets the seafood shine, and the carbs in the meal make it filling. Here are some rice side dish ideas:
1. Cilantro Lime Rice
Fresh cilantro and lime zest lend brightness that offsets rich salmon or shrimp Cook jasmine or basmati rice then stir in chopped cilantro, lime zest, olive oil or butter, and season with salt and pepper
2. Coconut Rice
Coconut rice has a subtle sweet flavor that complements spicy shrimp or salmon dishes Cook with coconut milk instead of water and sprinkle shredded coconut on top.
3. Risotto
Creamy risotto makes a luxurious base for seared or roasted salmon. For shrimp, mix in diced tomatoes or spinach. Top with parmesan cheese.
Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes
Potatoes add hearty comfort to a salmon or shrimp meal. They come in many forms – here are some ways to serve them:
4. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Smooth and creamy garlic mashed potatoes pair nicely with blackened or Cajun-spiced shrimp or salmon.
5. Roasted Potatoes
Salmon filets that have been baked or grilled go well with crispy roasted potatoes. Toss potato wedges with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary.
6. Sweet Potato Fries
Baked salmon burgers go great with a side of crunchy sweet potato fries. Cut sweet potatoes into wedges, drizzle with oil, and bake until caramelized.
Fresh Vegetable Sides
Salmon and shrimp go well with a variety of fresh veggies. Bright, crisp vegetables add nutrition and color. Some tasty options:
7. Sauteed Spinach
Sauteed spinach with garlic adds a pop of green to balance out rich, creamy salmon or shrimp pasta dishes.
8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts caramelize beautifully when roasted. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper then roast – a perfect pairing with simple baked or grilled salmon.
9. Asparagus
Grilled or steamed asparagus spears make an elegant and healthy side for garlic butter shrimp or herb-crusted salmon.
10. Green Salad
A fresh green salad complements rich salmon or shrimp entrees. Top with avocado, tomatoes, nuts or berries for extra flavor and nutrition.
Pasta and Grains
Carb-lovers can opt for a pasta or grain side. These soak up delicious sauces and add heft:
11. Quinoa
Fluffy quinoa provides a protein punch when served alongside blackened shrimp. Cook quinoa then stir in herbs, lemon, or diced veggies.
12. Israeli Couscous
Israeli (pearl) couscous has a toothsome, chewy texture that pairs nicely with pan-seared salmon. Cook, drizzle with olive oil, and add chopped herbs.
13. Linguine
Toasted garlic linguine is perfect for mopping up creamy white wine sauces from shrimp scampi or similar dishes.
More Creative Pairings
If you want to venture beyond typical side dishes, here are a couple fun ideas to try:
14. Plantains
Caramelized plantains add natural sweetness that balances spicy jerk salmon or shrimp. Fried green plantains are especially tasty.
15. Polenta
Creamy soft polenta is a nice alternative to rice or potatoes with grilled salmon, providing gritty texture and corn flavor. Stir in parmesan for richness.
There are so many possibilities when it comes to finding the perfect sides for salmon and shrimp! I hope these suggestions provide some inspiration for your next seafood meal. The key is choosing sides that add flavor, nutrition, color and texture to complement the main course. With the right sides, salmon and shrimp can be turned into spectacular, well-rounded meals.
Some of my favorite go-to recipes for cooking shrimp and salmon include:
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Cajun Salmon and Shrimp – a pan fried seafood dish in a spicy cajun cream sauce. It can be served with mashed potatoes or pasta.
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Creamy Tuscan Shrimp and Salmon Pasta – salmon and shrimp served over pasta in a creamy garlic and spinach sauce.
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Lemon Parmesan Baked Salmon and Shrimp – the salmon and shrimp are baked with a lemony parmesan breadcrumb topping. Goes well with roasted veggies.
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Coconut Curry Shrimp with Salmon – shrimp and salmon in a fragrant coconut curry broth with veggies. Serve over rice.
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Teriyaki Glazed Salmon with Sesame Shrimp Skewers – delicious paired with stir fried veggies and rice.
What To Serve With Cajun Salmon and Shrimp
There are many delicious side dishes to serve with this seafood dish to make it a complete meal. Here are some tasty options:
Can I Use Other Kinds Of Seafood?
Absolutely! You can stick to one variety of seafood (like only shrimp or only salmon). Or, experiment with other seafood and seafood combinations. Don’t forget to try the Cajun cream sauce with lobster meat, mussels, clams, or white fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia.
My Favorite Shrimp & Salmon With Creamy Sauce
FAQ
What is salmon usually served with?
What goes well with shrimp & salmon?
When you combine succulent shrimp, flavorful salmon, and a tantalizing garlic dijon sauce, you get one delicious foil-pack dinner. The tender and juicy shrimp are complemented perfectly by the flavor-packed salmon fillets, while the buttery garlic dijon sauce adds an irresistible creaminess to the mix.
What are the benefits of eating cooked salmon for dinner daily?
The daily consumption of salmon can provide proteins of high biological value, healthy fats, phosphorus, potassium, iodine, selenium, and vitamins of groups B, E, and D.
What goes well with shrimp and crab stuffed salmon?
Just imagine biting into the most luxurious salmon dish ever – that’s what you’ll get with this shrimp and crab stuffed salmon. The combination of shrimp and crab gives this recipe a wonderfully succulent taste, while the green onions, lemon juice, onion powder, parsley, and garlic add just the right amount of flavor.
What can I eat with salmon?
You can also serve with other vegetables such as corn, green beans, Brussels sprouts, or greens. 8 ounces fresh or frozen salmon (thawed) (alternatively, you can use one can of salmon, deboned and deskinned) 4-5 ounces raw shrimp (deveined and chopped), or cooked shrimp (directions included) 1 Tablespoon garlic (about 3 cloves), minced