Southern Bayou Cajun Salmon & Shrimp Rice

 

📝 Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 12–16 large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
• 2 cups long-grain rice (rinsed)
• 3 cups chicken broth (warm 🔥)
• 1 cup green peas
• ½ cup diced red bell pepper
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning (more flavor 👌)
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp thyme
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (secret freshness 🔥)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (deep flavor)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1️⃣ Season & Sear the Salmon (Flavor base 🔥)

Season salmon with:

• Cajun seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt & pepper

Heat olive oil in a pan → sear salmon 4–5 min per side until golden crust forms.
👉 Remove and set aside (don’t overcook).

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2️⃣ Build the Flavor Base

In the same pan (important 👇):
Add butter + onion + bell pepper → sauté until soft.
Add garlic → cook 30 seconds.

👉 This keeps all the salmon flavor in the dish.

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3️⃣ Toast the Rice (Game changer 🔥)

Add rice → stir 1–2 minutes.

👉 Slight toasting = better texture + flavor.

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4️⃣ Create the Cajun Broth

Add:

• Warm chicken broth
• Thyme
• Worcestershire
• A pinch of Cajun seasoning

Bring to a simmer.

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5️⃣ Cook the Rice

Cover and cook on low heat 12–15 minutes until almost done.

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6️⃣ Add Seafood Layer

Add:

• Peas
• Shrimp (lightly seasoned)

Place salmon on top.

Cover and cook 6–8 minutes until:

• Shrimp are pink
• Rice is fully tender

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7️⃣ Final Finish (Restaurant Touch 😮)

Drizzle:

• Lemon juice
• Extra butter (optional 😏)

Sprinkle parsley on top.

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🔥 Pro Tips:

• Warm broth = better cooking consistency
• Don’t overcook shrimp ❌
• Toast rice = next-level flavor
• Lemon at the end = fresh balance
• Use the same pan = layered taste