Southern garlic shrimp salmon

This Southern Garlic Shrimp Salmon offers a rich, cozy meal featuring tender salmon and juicy shrimp bathed in a creamy garlic sauce. Pan searing the seafood creates a golden crust while the smoky paprika and a hint of cayenne pepper add warmth and character. Serving it over fluffy white rice helps soak up every bit of the luscious sauce making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The bright notes of fresh lemon juice bring everything to life balancing the richness and keeping the flavors vibrant.

I first encountered this dish at my aunt's house in Baton Rouge and ever since it has been a favorite in my family. It is the kind of recipe that gets requested over and over because the creamy sauce paired with fresh seafood feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillet: choose a fresh center cut for moist, tender pieces that hold together well while cooking
• Large shrimp: peeled and deveined to ensure every bite is juicy and easy to eat
• Cooked white rice: opt for long grain for fluffy texture or jasmine to add a subtle aroma that boosts the dish
• Butter: adds a silky richness and depth to the sauce using European style butter intensifies the flavor if available
• Olive oil: helps create a beautiful golden sear on the salmon use extra virgin for a fruity, robust taste
• Garlic: fresh minced cloves provide bold, punchy flavor pick bulbs with tight, papery skin as they tend to be strongest
• Heavy cream: the secret behind the silky texture and richness aim for the highest fat content you can find
• Paprika: imparts smokiness and vibrant color Spanish variety is ideal for its brighter, sweeter notes
• Onion powder: forms a savory backbone in the sauce bringing subtle sweetness and depth
• Dried parsley: adds a mild herbaceous hint and fresh green color choose vibrant leaves with a strong aroma
• Cayenne pepper: optional but offers a warm Southern heat perfect to tweak according to your spice tolerance
• Salt and black pepper: essential to highlight and balance all flavors taste frequently as you cook
• Lemon juice: fresh squeezed adds a bright, zesty finish that lifts the richness and brings freshness

Instructions

Season the Salmon:

Rub the salmon fillet evenly with salt black pepper paprika and a drizzle of olive oil gently pat the seasoning so it clings to the flesh this ensures every bite is flavorful

Sear the Salmon:

Heat a pan to medium and place the salmon skin side down cook without moving for 4 to 5 minutes until a golden crust forms flip carefully and sear the other side for 2 to 3 minutes until just cooked through then remove and keep warm on a plate

Sauté the Garlic:

Lower the heat and add butter to the same pan let it melt slowly then stir in all the minced garlic cook gently for about 2 minutes until fragrant and soft but not browned this slow cooking extracts sweetness and aroma

Cook the Shrimp:

Add the shrimp to the pan season with salt black pepper paprika and dried parsley stir to coat the shrimp evenly cook for about 2 minutes on each side until pink and curled check one shrimp to ensure it is opaque in the center then remove them from the pan

Make the Cream Sauce:

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to lift all the browned bits from the pan this adds deep flavor sprinkle in onion powder and cayenne if you want a little heat let the sauce simmer on low for 3 to 5 minutes stirring occasionally until thickened to your liking

Finish the Sauce:

Add fresh lemon juice to brighten the sauce taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper the sauce should be creamy with a delicate citrus note

Assemble and Serve:

Spoon cooked white rice onto plates top with the seared salmon then add shrimp and generously ladle the garlic cream sauce on top serve immediately for the best flavor and texture

One of my favorite parts of making this dish is zesting the lemon while the sauce thickens the fresh aroma fills the kitchen and my daughter loves to help peel the shrimp turning cooking into a fun family ritual that we both look forward to

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove stirring frequently to keep the sauce creamy and smooth. For longer storage freeze the cooked rice separately from the sauce and seafood to maintain the best texture when reheated.

Ingredient Substitutions

If salmon is not in season or available try firm fish such as cod or steelhead trout for similar texture. Jumbo prawns can be swapped in place of large shrimp. For a lighter creamy sauce use half and half or even coconut milk though the coconut will lend a subtle sweetness that changes the flavor profile a bit.

Serving Suggestions

Top with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a splash of color and fresh herbal notes. Serve with extra lemon wedges to add a zesty kick at the table. Buttered green beans or roasted asparagus complement the dish well by adding crisp textures and vibrant greens. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling lemonade creates an uplifting pairing.

Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of golden seared salmon tender shrimp and silky garlic cream. A squeeze of lemon brightens each bite and makes this a memorable family meal.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ How do I prevent the salmon from drying out?

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

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking to ensure good texture and flavor absorption.

→ What type of rice works best with this dish?

Fluffy white rice is ideal, but jasmine rice adds extra aroma. Brown rice or cauliflower rice can be used as alternatives.

→ Is the creamy garlic sauce spicy?

The sauce has a gentle heat from cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted or omitted depending on your preference.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, cook components in advance and reheat gently before serving. Assemble over rice just before eating to maintain freshness.