🍋🐟🦐 Cajun Salmon & Garlic Shrimp with Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus

A restaurant-style seafood dinner made at home — flaky Cajun-seasoned salmon, buttery garlic shrimp, creamy mashed potatoes, and tender asparagus come together for a rich, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Cajun Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp butter

Garlic Shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cubed
• 4 tbsp butter
• ½ cup warm heavy cream or milk
• ¼ cup sour cream or cream cheese (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garlic Asparagus

• 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon zest or lemon slices

Instructions

1. Make the mashed potatoes

1. Boil potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until fork tender.
2. Drain and mash until smooth.
3. Mix in butter, warm cream, and sour cream (if using).
4. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

2. Cook the asparagus

1. Toss asparagus with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until tender-crisp.
3. Finish with lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice.

3. Cook the Cajun salmon

1. Pat salmon dry.
2. Coat with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and lemon juice.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear salmon for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
5. Add butter at the end and spoon over the salmon.

4. Make garlic shrimp

1. Melt butter in a skillet.
2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add shrimp, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and tender.
5. Add lemon juice and parsley.

5. Serve

Plate:

• A scoop of creamy mashed potatoes
• Cajun salmon fillet
• Garlic shrimp
• Roasted asparagus

Drizzle with extra garlic butter or lemon sauce.

Chef Tips

🔥 More Cajun heat: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
🧈 Richer sauce: Make a quick garlic butter cream sauce with shrimp drippings.
🍋 Fresh finish: Add extra lemon right before serving to balance the richness.

Pairs beautifully with: a crisp salad, garlic bread, or a glass of sparkling water with lemon. 🍽️✨