Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce

Introduction

Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce is a delightful fusion of Southern comfort and coastal cuisine. This dish brings together the flaky texture of red snapper, the succulent taste of shrimp, and the creamy, cheesy goodness of grits, all enhanced by a rich Cajun cream sauce. It’s a hearty meal that satisfies the soul and palate alike, perfect for a special dinner or a weekend treat.

History

Grits have a storied history in Southern cuisine, tracing back to Native American tribes who ground corn into a coarse meal. This humble ingredient became a staple in the Southern diet, evolving into the creamy, comforting dish we know today. Red snapper and shrimp, abundant along the Gulf Coast, bring the taste of the sea to this classic dish. The Cajun cream sauce, with its origins in Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage, adds a flavorful twist, combining the robust spices of Cajun cooking with the creamy richness beloved in Southern fare.

Ingredients

For the Red Snapper and Shrimp

• 4 red snapper fillets
• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Grits

• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cajun Cream Sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Grits

1. In a large pot, combine 2 cups of water and 2 cups of milk. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Gradually stir in 1 cup of stone-ground grits.
3. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the grits are thick and creamy, about 20-25 minutes.
4. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tbsp of butter until melted and well combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.

Cooking the Red Snapper and Shrimp

1. Season 4 red snapper fillets and 1/2 lb of shrimp with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the snapper fillets, skin-side down, for 3-4 minutes per side, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, cook the shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Making the Cajun Cream Sauce

1. In the same skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion. Sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning.
5. Simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bringing It All Together

1. Spoon a generous portion of cheesy grits onto each plate.
2. Place a red snapper fillet and several shrimp on top of the grits.
3. Drizzle the Cajun cream sauce over the fish and shrimp.
4. Serve immediately.

Benefits

1. High Protein: Both red snapper and shrimp are excellent sources of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
2. Rich in Omega-3: Red snapper provides omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
3. Vitamins and Minerals: The dish is packed with essential vitamins and minerals from the seafood and vegetables, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.
4. Comfort Food: Grits provide a comforting, hearty base, making this dish satisfying and filling.

Conclusion

Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of Southern and coastal flavors. The combination of creamy grits, fresh seafood, and a zesty Cajun cream sauce offers a complex, mouth-watering experience that is sure to impress. Whether you’re enjoying it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish brings warmth and comfort to the table, embodying the rich culinary traditions of the South.