Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits: A Cajun Cream Dream!

Ingredients:

For the Grits:

1 cup stone-ground grits

4 cups chicken broth (or water)

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons butter

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Cajun Cream Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup chicken broth

2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Seafood:

1 pound red snapper fillets, skin on or off

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions:

1️⃣ Get Those Grits Going: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth (or water) to a boil. Gradually whisk in the grits, reduce heat to low, and simmer, covered, for about 20-25 minutes, or until the grits are creamy and tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

2️⃣ Creamy Goodness: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter into the grits. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.

3️⃣ Sauce Sensation: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4️⃣ Creamy Dream: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in the chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.

5️⃣ Seafood Starring Role: Pat the red snapper fillets and shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss the seafood with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

6️⃣ Sear to Perfection: Heat a separate large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the red snapper fillets, skin-side down (if using), for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

7️⃣ Shrimp Time: In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.

8️⃣ Plate and Enjoy! Spoon a generous portion of grits onto each plate. Top with the Cajun cream sauce, red snapper fillets, and shrimp. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Prep Time:

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Enjoy this delicious and comforting Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits! 🍤