Recipe: Creamy Cajun Surf 'n Surf

Looking to serve up something that feels like a special occasion—but without hours in the kitchen? This Cajun Salmon with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Shrimp & Broccoli Sauté is a flavor-packed, restaurant-worthy dinner you can make in just 40 minutes. It’s spicy, savory, buttery, and balanced—perfect for nights when you want something a little extra. And when you’re cooking with Passanante’s high-quality salmon and shrimp, the difference in flavor and freshness is unmistakable.
🍽️ What’s on the Plate:
- Blackened Cajun Salmon: Seared to perfection for a crispy, spiced exterior and flaky, tender center.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Pepper Gravy: Creamy, buttery mash topped with a silky, slightly spicy gravy.
- Shrimp-Broccoli Sauté: A light, flavorful veggie side with juicy shrimp and vibrant greens.
🧂 Ingredients Breakdown
For the Cajun Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt, to taste
For the Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled & cubed
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup milk (more if needed)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Pepper Gravy:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Shrimp-Broccoli Sauté:
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 8–10 medium shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Directions
1️⃣ Make the Mashed Potatoes
Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Drain and mash with butter, warm milk, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
2️⃣ Cook the Cajun Salmon
Pat salmon fillets dry, then rub with olive oil and Cajun seasoning. Pan-sear over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side until the edges are blackened and the inside is cooked through.
3️⃣ Prepare the Pepper Gravy
In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until thickened. Season with crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Pour over the mashed potatoes.
4️⃣ Shrimp-Broccoli Sauté
In a hot skillet, add olive oil and broccoli. Cook for 2–3 minutes. Add shrimp, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue to sauté until shrimp are pink and broccoli is tender-crisp.
5️⃣ Assemble the Plate
Spoon mashed potatoes onto the plate, drizzle with gravy, and place the Cajun salmon alongside. Add the shrimp-broccoli sauté to complete the dish. Serve hot!
🕒 Quick Facts:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Calories: ~620 per serving
💡 Pro Tips & Substitutions
- Mild it Down: Use a milder seasoning blend if you’re sensitive to spice.
- Creamy Upgrade: Add a dollop of sour cream to the mashed potatoes for extra richness.
- More Veggies? Stir in bell peppers or mushrooms with the shrimp sauté.
🍽️ Make It with Passanante’s
Recipes like this shine when you use clean, chemical-free ingredients—and that’s what Passanante’s is all about. With our chef-selected seafood, premium produce, and farm-fresh meats, dinner becomes less of a chore and more of a joy.