Cajun Salmon & Garlic Butter Shrimp with Roasted Broccoli

This Cajun Salmon & Garlic Butter Shrimp with Roasted Broccoli is a restaurant-quality seafood feast made right at home. Packed with bold Cajun spices, buttery garlic shrimp, and crispy roasted broccoli, it’s a well-balanced and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or an elegant weekend treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers a delicious combination of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors all on one plate. The Cajun-spiced salmon delivers a crisp, flavorful crust, while the garlic butter shrimp is juicy and aromatic. Roasted broccoli rounds out the dish with texture and nutrition. It’s quick to prepare, nutrient-rich, and impressive enough to serve to guests without requiring complicated steps or ingredients.

ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cajun Salmon:

2 salmon fillets

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp butter

1 tsp Cajun seasoning

½ tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

1 tbsp honey (optional, for caramelization)

For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:

500 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Roasted Broccoli:

2 cups broccoli florets

1 tbsp olive oil

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

directions
Prepare the Cajun Salmon:

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.

Rub both sides of the fillets with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Place the salmon skin-side down and sear for about 4 minutes.

Flip and cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes, until cooked through.

Add butter and honey to the pan in the final minute of cooking for extra flavor and caramelization. Remove and set aside.

Cook the Garlic Butter Shrimp:
7. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
8. Add the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
9. Cook for about 2 minutes per side or until pink and opaque.
10. Add butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Stir well to coat the shrimp in the sauce.
11. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, then finish with chopped parsley.

Roast the Broccoli:
12. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
13. Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
14. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20–25 minutes, until edges are crisp and golden.

Assemble the Dish:
15. Serve the Cajun salmon and garlic butter shrimp alongside a generous portion of roasted broccoli. Drizzle any remaining pan sauces over the seafood.

Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2 people generously.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations
Add a Carb Base: Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or creamy grits for a more filling meal.

Use a Different Fish: Cod, halibut, or trout can be used in place of salmon.

Make it Creamy: Add a splash of cream to the shrimp after the garlic for a creamy garlic butter version.

Vegetable Swap: Try asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans instead of broccoli.

Spice Level: Increase or decrease the red pepper flakes to adjust the heat to your liking.

storage/reheating
Store leftovers in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat:

Salmon and shrimp: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or butter to retain moisture.

Broccoli: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–10 minutes to restore crispness.
Avoid microwaving seafood if possible, as it may become rubbery.

FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp and salmon?
Yes, just be sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking for best results.

What’s the best pan for searing salmon?
A heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan works well to get a crisp sear.

Can I grill the salmon and shrimp instead?
Yes, both can be grilled. Use a grill basket for the shrimp to prevent sticking.

What’s a good Cajun seasoning blend?
Look for a blend with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano. Or make your own.

How do I know when salmon is done?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an opaque center.

Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick. Adjust Cajun spice and red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter or omit butter altogether. The dish will still be flavorful.

What wine pairs well with this dish?
A chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs nicely with the bold flavors.

Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes, cook each component and store separately. Assemble and reheat when ready to serve.

How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?
Cook just until they turn pink and firm. Remove from heat immediately to avoid rubbery texture.

Conclusion
Cajun Salmon & Garlic Butter Shrimp with Roasted Broccoli is a bold, satisfying meal that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your dinner table. With minimal prep and cook time, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special seafood-inspired meal. Balanced, flavorful, and customizable—this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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