Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Bake

Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Bake

ByVerj Recipes

Some nights call for something bold. Something with a little heat, a little brightness, and a whole lot of flavor. This Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Bake is exactly that kind of meal.

It’s the dish you make when you want dinner to feel special — but you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The salmon turns tender and flaky, the shrimp cook up juicy and sweet, and everything gets coated in a buttery, garlicky Cajun seasoning that smells absolutely incredible as it bakes. There’s a gentle sizzle when it comes out of the oven, and that first squeeze of lemon over the top? Pure magic.

Best of all, it’s simple. One pan. Big flavor. Hardly any cleanup. Let’s get started.

Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Bake

Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme

  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 medium onion, sliced into wedges

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • 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 baking dish or line it with foil if you’re in the mood for easy cleanup.

2. Make the seasoning mixture

In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix until everything is well blended. It should smell rich, smoky, and just a little spicy.

3. Arrange the seafood

Place the salmon fillets in the center of your baking dish. Nestle the shrimp and onion wedges around them. Don’t worry about making it perfect — rustic looks beautiful here.

4. Coat everything generously

Brush or spoon the seasoning mixture over the salmon and shrimp. Make sure every piece gets a glossy layer. The butter and oil will keep everything moist while the spices build that bold Cajun flavor.

5. Bake

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes. The salmon should flake easily with a fork, and the shrimp will turn pink and opaque. Keep an eye on it — seafood cooks quickly, and you don’t want it to dry out.

6. Optional broil

If you like a slightly crisp top, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Stay close and watch carefully. It can go from perfect to too dark in seconds.

7. Garnish and serve

Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for that bright, fresh finish.

Presentation

This dish looks stunning straight from the oven. Serve it right in the baking dish for a cozy, family-style feel. The contrast of pink shrimp, golden salmon, and green parsley is beautiful on its own.

Pair it with fluffy white rice to soak up the buttery sauce, or roasted vegetables for a lighter touch. And don’t skip the lemon wedges — a quick squeeze just before eating makes the flavors pop and adds that fresh, zesty aroma.

If you’re hosting, serve it on a large platter with extra parsley scattered on top for a restaurant-style look.

Nutritional Information:

  • ⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 28 minutes

  • 🔥 Kcal: Approximately 420 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 4 servings

Conclusion

This Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Bake brings together bold spices, tender seafood, and bright citrus in the easiest way possible. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests.

Every bite is buttery, smoky, and just a little fiery — the kind of meal that makes you pause and say, “Wow, that’s good.”

If you’ve been craving something flavorful and satisfying without the fuss, this is your sign to make it soon. Your kitchen will smell amazing — and your dinner table will be very, very happy.

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