Pan-Seared Cajun Salmon with Shrimp and Red Bell Pepper Cream Sauce
Spicy Cajun-seasoned salmon fillets pan-seared to perfection, topped with a rich shrimp and red bell pepper cream sauce. This seafood-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 30 minutes blends pound, cut into 4 pieces salmon fillets, ounces, peeled and deveined shrimp, tablespoons butter into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 pound, cut into 4 pieces salmon fillets
- 8 ounces, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup, diced shallots
- 1/2 cup, diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1 tablespoon, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 1 pound salmon fillets cut into 4 pieces, then season both sides with 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering; add the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes until the edges are crispy, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes until cooked through. Remove salmon and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon butter, 1/4 cup diced shallots, and 2 cloves minced garlic; sauté over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and shallots are translucent.
- Step 4: Add 8 ounces peeled and deveined shrimp and 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper; sauté for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and peppers soften.
- Step 5: Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream, stir well, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 6: Return salmon to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and heat together for 1 minute.
- Step 7: Garnish with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Cajun Salmon with Shrimp and Red Bell Pepper Cream Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Cajun Salmon with Shrimp and Red Bell Pepper Cream Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Cajun Salmon with Shrimp and Red Bell Pepper Cream Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Cajun Salmon with Shrimp and Red Bell Pepper Cream Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Pan-Seared Cajun Salmon with Shrimp and Red Bell Pepper Cream Sauce keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
