Salmon and shrimp recipe nights were a family favorite in our southern kitchen. My grandmother called it “the ocean’s surf and surf”, two stars sharing one pan. We’d gather around the stove, the scent of garlic and butter rising while someone squeezed a fresh lemon over the sizzling salmon. Cooking seafood was never about fuss; it was about connection, timing, and watching simple ingredients turn into something special.
This recipe brings that magic to your table. In just one skillet, salmon gets its golden crust while shrimp soak up every bit of savory, lemony goodness. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough for guests. You’ll learn how to cook both proteins perfectly without overcooking either, plus smart ways to season, pair, and serve them.
Ready to bring balance and bold flavor together on one plate? Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this dish shine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cooking salmon and shrimp together is all about balance, rich, flaky fish paired with tender, sweet shellfish. These simple ingredients make that harmony possible:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on for crispness)
- ½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning (for spice lovers)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Each ingredient plays a role, the olive oil helps prevent burning, the butter deepens flavor, and lemon keeps the dish bright.
Smart Substitutions
Whether you’re cooking for dietary preferences or simply using what’s in the fridge, these swaps keep your dish flavorful and wholesome:
| Goal | Substitute | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy-Free | Replace butter with avocado oil or ghee | Keeps richness without lactose |
| Low-Fat | Use half the butter, add broth or white wine | Reduces calories, keeps moisture |
| Low-Sodium | Skip added salt, use garlic and lemon zest | Maintains flavor naturally |
| Different Proteins | Try cod, tilapia, or scallops | Adjust timing, similar mild flavor |
| Different Seasonings | Use Italian herbs or soy-ginger glaze | Creates global twists easily |
Tip: Always bring salmon and shrimp to room temperature before cooking, it ensures even doneness and prevents the seafood from seizing up in the pan.
Health Highlight:
Both salmon and shrimp offer lean protein and omega-3s, making this dish heart-healthy and energizing.
Try this Garlic Shrimp Recipe for comparison, or explore spicy options in our Cajun Alfredo Sauce Guide.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking salmon and shrimp together takes a bit of timing magic. Salmon cooks slower, while shrimp need just minutes. The secret is to start the salmon first, then finish with shrimp in the same pan, letting both proteins soak up the buttery, garlicky flavor.
How to Cook Salmon and Shrimp Together
Step 1 – Prep the Seafood:
Pat salmon fillets and shrimp dry with paper towels. Season both generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Step 2 – Heat the Pan:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Step 3 – Sear the Salmon:
Place salmon skin-side down. Sear 4–5 minutes, then flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 4 – Add Aromatics:
Melt remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with lemon juice or a splash of broth.
Step 5 – Cook the Shrimp:
Add shrimp to the pan and cook 2–3 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque.
Step 6 – Combine and Finish:
Return salmon to the skillet, spooning garlic butter over both proteins. Simmer for 1 minute to unite the flavors.
Timing & Temperature Tips
| Protein | Cook Time | Internal Temp | Key Visual Cue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon (6 oz fillet) | 6–8 minutes total | 145°F (63°C) | Opaque center, flakes easily |
| Shrimp (large) | 4–6 minutes total | 120°F (49°C) | Pink, curled “C” shape |
Pro Tip:
If baking, roast salmon at 425°F (218°C) for 10 minutes, then add shrimp and cook another 6–7 minutes until both are tender and juicy.
| Cooking Method | Salmon Time | Shrimp Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pan-Sear | 6–8 min | 4–5 min | Quick weekday meals |
| Oven-Bake | 10 min | 6–7 min | Hands-free cooking |
| Grill | 5–6 min | 3–4 min | Smoky summer dinners |
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Don’t cook both proteins from cold, it shocks the texture.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan, it steams instead of sears.
- Don’t overcook shrimp, they toughen fast.
Try pairing your sauce with this Seafood Boil Sauce or mix it into Creamy Shrimp Pasta.
Variations & Flavor Twists
The beauty of a salmon and shrimp recipe lies in its adaptability. Whether you crave bold Cajun spice or a bright Mediterranean zest, you can transform this dish into something new every time.
Garlic Cream Sauce (Southern Comfort Style)
For a rich, restaurant-worthy version, whisk in ¼ cup heavy cream and 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan after sautéing the garlic. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. Spoon the creamy blend over salmon and shrimp for a velvety finish that feels indulgent yet balanced.
Cajun Style (Bold and Spicy)
If you love a bit of heat, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning before cooking. Sprinkle extra smoked paprika and chili flakes over the salmon fillets. Finish with a squeeze of lime instead of lemon for a zesty twist.
This version pairs beautifully with rice or roasted corn, a nod to southern coastal flavors.
Try it with our Cajun Alfredo Sauce Guide for an extra flavor punch.
Mediterranean Twist (Light and Fresh)
For a lighter take, skip the cream and use olive oil, garlic, capers, and lemon zest. Add fresh dill or oregano before serving. The flavors stay bright and clean, perfect with quinoa or a green salad.
If you enjoy refreshing combinations like this, explore our Salmon Caesar Salad Recipe.
Cooking Methods to Match Your Mood
| Method | Why You’ll Love It | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| One-Pan Oven Bake | Easy cleanup; even cooking | Use foil for moisture retention |
| Pan-Sear Then Bake | Crispy crust + tender interior | Deglaze with lemon juice |
| Grilled Foil Packets | Smoky flavor, outdoor-friendly | Add butter and herbs before sealing |
Flavor Insight:
Layering fats (butter and olive oil) enhances depth and prevents burning, while citrus and herbs keep seafood vibrant. That’s the balance FlavorMenus celebrates, healthy, bold, and simple.
Explore more Healthy Sauces or build a full seafood menu with our Salmon Caesar Salad.
Side Dishes & Pairings
A salmon and shrimp recipe deserves sides that complement its buttery richness without stealing the spotlight. The right pairings can elevate your meal, from light and refreshing to warm and indulgent.
Best Sides for Salmon and Shrimp
| Type | Side Dish | Flavor Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy | Roasted asparagus, quinoa, brown rice | Adds texture and fiber without heaviness |
| Comfort | Garlic mashed potatoes, creamy pasta, cornbread | Balances the dish with satisfying creaminess |
| Light | Mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette, cucumber salad | Keeps the meal bright and refreshing |
| Bold | Spicy couscous or Cajun rice | Amplifies flavor for spice lovers |
Perfect Pairings
Wine Pairings
- Chardonnay – complements buttery sauces beautifully.
- Pinot Grigio – keeps light dishes crisp and balanced.
- Rosé – pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean variations.
Beer & Beverages
- Light lager or wheat beer balances Cajun heat.
- Sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing non-alcoholic choice.
- A chilled citrus spritz complements the garlic and herbs.
Sauce Companions
Add an extra layer of flavor with easy sauces:
- Garlic butter drizzle for indulgence.
- Herbed yogurt sauce for a lighter, tangy contrast.
- Spicy Cajun mayo for bold Southern flair.
Pro Tip:
Keep sides simple. Your salmon and shrimp bring plenty of richness, so choose accompaniments that add color, freshness, or crunch.
Browse our Seafood and Fish Recipes for balanced meals, or discover more pairings in Cottage Cheese Mix Ideas.
Nutritional Benefits of Salmon and Shrimp
Cooking salmon and shrimp together delivers more than flavor, it brings serious nutritional power. This dish balances lean protein, heart-healthy fats, and essential vitamins for a meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Why Salmon and Shrimp Are Good for You
1. High-Quality Protein
Both salmon and shrimp provide complete protein that supports muscle repair and steady energy.
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
According to Healthline’s guide to salmon nutrition, salmon is one of the richest natural sources of omega-3s, known to promote brain and heart health while reducing inflammation.
3. Low in Saturated Fat
As noted by Health.com’s breakdown of shrimp nutrition, shrimp are naturally low in fat and calories yet high in selenium and antioxidants, the perfect complement to salmon’s healthy oils.
4. Packed with Micronutrients
Together, these seafood staples supply vitamin D, B12, iodine, and astaxanthin, supporting immune strength and cellular repair.
5. Balanced Energy Source
Paired with vegetables or whole grains, salmon and shrimp create a satisfying meal that keeps you full without heaviness.
Food Safety & Sustainability
Proper handling keeps seafood both delicious and safe.
According to FoodSafety.gov’s seafood safety guidelines, always refrigerate raw seafood below 40 °F (4 °C), keep it separate from cooked foods, and cook fish to 145 °F (63 °C) until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
When shopping, choose wild-caught salmon for its robust flavor or responsibly farmed salmon for affordability. For shrimp, look for U.S.-farmed or ASC-certified options to support sustainability.
Quick Nutrition Overview (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Salmon (6 oz) | Shrimp (4 oz) | Combined Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 367 kcal | 120 kcal | ~487 kcal |
| Protein | 39 g | 24 g | ~63 g |
| Fat | 22 g | 2 g | ~24 g |
| Omega-3s | 2.2 g | 0.3 g | ~2.5 g |
| Sodium | 80 mg | 190 mg | ~270 mg |
FlavorMenus Note:
This recipe proves that healthy doesn’t mean boring, rich, buttery flavors meet balanced nutrition for the best of both worlds.
Explore more Quick Seafood Recipes or visit the FlavorMenus Home for fresh ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can salmon and shrimp be cooked together?
Yes, absolutely. Salmon and shrimp can be cooked in the same pan or oven if you manage timing correctly. Salmon takes longer, so start it first, then add shrimp during the last few minutes. This approach lets both proteins finish perfectly tender without overcooking either one.
2. What sides go with salmon and shrimp?
Great sides balance the meal’s richness. Try roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, brown rice, or a fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette. For a comfort-style dinner, creamy pasta or buttered cornbread works beautifully, while quinoa or steamed veggies keep it light and healthy.
3. Can shrimp and fish be cooked together?
Yes, shrimp and most fish pair wonderfully when cooked together, as long as you adjust timing. Shrimp cook in just a few minutes, while fish like salmon need slightly longer. Begin cooking the fish, then add shrimp halfway through. This ensures juicy shrimp and flaky fish every time.
4. Is shrimp and salmon good for you?
Definitely. Both are high-protein, low-fat seafood options packed with vitamins and omega-3s. Combined, they deliver heart-healthy fats, muscle-supporting protein, and anti-inflammatory nutrients like selenium and vitamin D, making this combo a delicious, balanced addition to any diet.
Conclusion: Bring Flavor Home
Cooking salmon and shrimp together is more than a recipe, it’s a rhythm. The gentle sizzle of butter, the burst of citrus, and the aroma of garlic all come together in a single, balanced moment. This dish captures the essence of FlavorMenus: simple steps, bold taste, and nourishing comfort.
Whether you choose the creamy garlic version for cozy nights or the Cajun twist for spice lovers, you’ll find a combination that fits your table perfectly. It’s quick enough for weeknights yet elegant enough to impress guests, a true “flavor meets wellness” dinner.
Try it once, then make it your own. Adjust seasonings, swap sides, or explore fresh herbs from your market haul. Cooking is connection, and every plate tells a story.
Salmon and Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat salmon and shrimp dry. Season both with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear salmon skin-side down for 4–5 minutes, flip, and cook 2–3 minutes more. Remove and set aside.
- Add garlic to the pan; sauté for 30 seconds. Deglaze with lemon juice.
- Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Return salmon to the skillet and spoon garlic butter over both proteins. Simmer for 1 minute to combine flavors.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm with your favorite sides.