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.
Cajun salmon is a flavorful, spicy fish dish that is full of robust Louisiana flavors. The blackened or pan-seared salmon gets its kick from a homemade Cajun seasoning blend often containing paprika garlic powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme and more. While the salmon is undoubtedly the star of the show, you’ll want some fantastic side dishes to round out the meal. The good news is that cajun salmon pairs well with a variety of sides spanning savory, sweet, creamy, crunchy and more.
In this article, I’ll suggest 10 of my personal favorite side dishes to serve with cajun salmon to make it a complete meal I’ll also offer some bonus serving suggestions to take your Cajun salmon dinner to the next level Let’s get started!
1. Dirty Rice
A traditional Louisiana rice dish called “dirty rice” is made with chicken livers and ground meat, and it goes great with blackened salmon. The rich, savory flavors go so well with the heat of the cajun spices. A lot of the time, onion, celery, garlic, chicken broth, and different spices are added to dirty rice. I like to add a little heat with cayenne pepper. The ground meat, rice, and liver all have different textures that go well with the flaky salmon. This is truly a match made in Louisiana cuisine heaven!.
2. Cheesy Grits
Creamy cheese grits are an ideal side to serve with spicy cajun salmon. The smooth, rich grits help to balance out the heat. Sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese also enhances the overall flavor experience. For the best texture, make sure not to overcook the grits – you want them thick but still creamy. Topping buttery grits with a piece of perfectly blackened salmon is absolute perfection.
3. Creamed Spinach
Buttery, garlicky creamed spinach makes a delicious accompaniment for your Cajun salmon. The velvety spinach provides a nice contrast to the heat of the salmon. I love to add a touch of nutmeg and top the creamed spinach with crispy, crunchy breadcrumbs. The textures and flavors combine for a truly tasty side. Creamed spinach is easy to make but tastes super decadent.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
A simple side of roasted sweet potatoes allows the spicy salmon to take center stage. Diced sweet potatoes roasted with a little olive oil, salt and pepper develop a caramelized sweetness that pairs well with the salmon’s heat. I like to toss the sweet potatoes with a little Cajun seasoning too for extra flavor. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, roasted sweet potatoes make the perfect complement.
5. Coleslaw
Cool, crunchy coleslaw is a great counterpart for boldly-seasoned blackened salmon. The acidity of the cabbage and the crunch of the vegetables help to cut through the richness of the fish. Creamy coleslaw dressing, often containing mayo, sour cream, apple cider vinegar and spices, provides even more flavor. Try topping your salmon with a scoop of tangy, lightly dressed coleslaw for a match made in heaven.
6. Cornbread
No Cajun meal is complete without a side of cornbread! The sweet, buttery cornbread soaks up all of the spicy, bold flavors of the cajun salmon. I like to add corn, chives and jalapenos to my cornbread batter for even more texture and flavor. The crumbly, moist cornbread serves as the perfect vehicle for the intense cajun spices. Be sure to slather your wedge with honey butter!
7. Southern-Style Green Beans
Buttery southern-style green beans, loaded with flavorful ingredients like bacon, onion and garlic, make a sensational side dish for cajun salmon. I love to cook the green beans low and slow until they are meltingly tender. Crispy crumbled bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch that pairs amazingly with the salmon. The buttery beans balance out the spiciness perfectly.
8. Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower
Serve your salmon over creamy, cheesy mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option. It’s a lighter, more vegetable-packed version of mashed potatoes made with heavy cream, butter, and gooey cheese. The richness balances the heat of the cajun spices. Garlic, scallions, bacon, jalapenos and any other mix-ins add even more flavor.
9. Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad is a classic side dish for a reason: it goes with almost everything! The pasta soaks up any sauce or seasoning from the salmon. The creaminess of the dressed macaroni salad balances out the cajun kick. I like to use corkscrew or rotini noodles so that each bite has a lot of creamy dressing. Feel free to get creative with mix-ins like chopped veggies, shrimp or peppers.
10. Skillet Cornbread
For an even quicker and easier cornbread option, whip up some skillet cornbread to go alongside your blackened salmon. Skillet cornbread cooks up fast right in the pan and develops a wonderful crispy edge. The cornmeal gives it a sweetness that complements the spice of the salmon. Skillet cornbread is so simple to throw together with just cornmeal, flour, milk, egg and honey.
Bonus Serving Suggestions:
While the 10 sides above are my top picks, the possibilities are truly endless when figuring out what to serve with cajun salmon. Here are a few more serving suggestions:
- Jasmine rice – fluffy rice soaks up all the sauce
- Mango avocado salsa – fresh contrast to the heat
- Sauteed zucchini – quick veggie side
- Cucumber dill salad – cool and refreshing
- Baked sweet potatoes – easier than mashing
- Sauteed asparagus – classic veggie pairing
- Garlic bread – soaks up all the flavor
No matter what sides you choose, cajun salmon makes for a fabulous dinner. With its bold flavors and spice, all you need to round out the meal are a few simple sides. Try out these delicious options for an easy, complete cajun-inspired meal. Just add a cold beer or sweet tea and enjoy!
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.
Can I Make Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Ahead Of Time?
You should wait to make the seafood until it’s time to serve, but you can make the Cajun cream sauce ahead of time. Once you have the sauce made, let it cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to use it in the recipe, gently heat it in a saucepan over low heat.
How To Cook Salmon – Blackened Salmon w/ Cajun Cream Sauce Recipe #Salmon #MrMakeItHappen
FAQ
What is salmon usually served with?