Cajun Salmon & Shrimp Bake
There’s something magical about a meal that feels both a little indulgent and incredibly easy at the same time. This Cajun Salmon & Shrimp Bake is exactly that kind of dish. It’s bold, buttery, and kissed with smoky spice — the kind of dinner that fills your kitchen with the warm scent of garlic and herbs and makes everyone wander in asking, “What smells so good?”
I love making this when I want something impressive without spending hours at the stove. It’s perfect for a cozy Friday night, a casual dinner with friends, or even a low-key celebration meal. The salmon turns tender and flaky, the shrimp bake up juicy and pink, and those roasted onion wedges soften into sweet, savory bites. Every forkful feels rich, zesty, and just a little bit fiery in the best way.
And the best part? It all comes together in one pan. Less mess, more flavor.
Ingredients
1 large salmon fillet (about 1½–2 pounds), skin removed
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1 large onion, cut into thick wedges
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven.
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or foil pan so nothing sticks later.
2. Mix the seasoning.
In a small bowl, stir together the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Give it a quick mix — this is where all that bold flavor begins.
3. Season the salmon.
Place the salmon fillet right in the center of your baking dish. Brush it with olive oil and half of the melted butter. Then sprinkle half of your seasoning mixture generously over the top. Don’t be shy — press it in gently so it sticks.
4. Coat the shrimp.
In another bowl, toss the shrimp with the remaining melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, and the rest of the seasoning. Mix until every shrimp is glossy and coated.
5. Assemble the pan.
Arrange the shrimp and thick onion wedges around the salmon. Let everything nestle together. If there’s any buttery seasoning left in the bowl, drizzle it over the top. That’s pure flavor.
6. Bake.
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes. The salmon should flake easily with a fork, and the shrimp will turn pink and opaque. Your kitchen will smell incredible by this point.
7. Optional broil.
If you like a slightly crisp, caramelized finish, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end. Keep a close eye on it — it can brown quickly.
8. Garnish and serve.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and add lemon wedges on the side. Serve it right away while everything is hot and buttery.
Presentation
This dish is beautiful straight from the oven, sizzling gently in the pan. For an extra touch, serve it on a large platter with the shrimp and onion arranged around the salmon like a frame. Scatter a bit more parsley for color, and tuck bright lemon wedges along the edges.
It pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice, roasted potatoes, or even a simple green salad. If you spoon a little of the buttery pan juices over everything before serving, you’ll get that glossy, restaurant-style finish.
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
🔥 Kcal: Approximately 420 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 4 servings
Conclusion
This Cajun Salmon & Shrimp Bake is one of those recipes that feels special but doesn’t ask much of you. It’s bold, comforting, and just a little bit fiery — perfect for when you want dinner to feel like an occasion.
If you’re craving something cozy with a kick, give this one a try soon. Light a candle, squeeze that fresh lemon over the top, and enjoy every warm, buttery bite. I have a feeling it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.