Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce

### **Instructions:**

#### **1. Prepare the Grits:**
Start by making the grits. In a large pot, bring the water (or chicken broth) to a boil. Slowly stir in the grits, reduce the heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook the grits for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are thick and tender. If the grits seem too thick, you can add more water or broth as needed to reach your desired consistency.

Once the grits are cooked, stir in the butter and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and keep warm while you prepare the seafood and sauce.

#### **2. Cook the Red Snapper & Shrimp:**
While the grits are cooking, season the red snapper fillets and shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. When the butter is melted and the oil is hot, add the red snapper fillets. Cook the fillets for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the snapper from the skillet and set aside.

Next, in the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the red snapper.

#### **3. Make the Cajun Cream Sauce:**
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the broth simmer for about 2 minutes, then stir in the heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

#### **4. Assemble the Dish:**
To plate, spoon a generous portion of the creamy grits onto each plate. Arrange the red snapper fillets and shrimp on top of the grits. Drizzle the Cajun cream sauce generously over the seafood and grits, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of citrus.

### **Tips for Success:**
– **For a richer sauce:** You can add a little grated Parmesan cheese or a splash of white wine to the sauce for added depth of flavor.
– **Adjust the spice level:** If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning to taste. If you like more heat, feel free to add extra cayenne or hot sauce to the cream sauce.
– **Choosing seafood:** While red snapper and shrimp work wonderfully, you can also substitute with other fish like grouper or tilapia if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for different fish.
– **Make it a meal:** This dish is perfect as a stand-alone entrée, but you can also serve it with sautéed greens or roasted vegetables for a complete Southern-inspired meal.

### **Conclusion:**
**Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce** is a show-stopping dish that brings the best of Southern comfort food and Cajun cuisine into one flavorful plate. With tender seafood, creamy grits, and a zesty sauce that packs a punch, this dish is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a special dinner. Whether you’re a fan of Southern cooking or new to this flavorful cuisine, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.

This dish strikes a perfect balance of rich, comforting flavors with the brightness of Cajun seasoning and the creaminess of the sauce. It’s a true celebration of Southern flavors that’s not only easy to make but also guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!