If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality seafood dish that brings smoky heat, silky richness, and serious flavor to your plate—all without leaving your kitchen—then this Blackened Fish and Shrimp with Garlic Cream Sauce is your next must-make meal. It’s luxurious yet approachable, spicy yet creamy, and impressive enough for guests but easy enough for a cozy weeknight dinner.

This dish combines tender, flaky fish and juicy shrimp coated in bold blackened seasoning, all draped in a luscious garlic cream sauce that’s enhanced with a touch of Dijon and Parmesan. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice or alongside sautéed vegetables, and you’ve got a showstopper.

Why This Recipe Works

✅ Packed with bold Cajun/Creole flavor
✅ Balanced by a rich and creamy garlic sauce
✅ Quick to prepare—on the table in under 30 minutes
✅ Works with a variety of fish and shrimp
✅ Naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly

Whether you’re a seafood lover, a spice enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a truly good sauce, this one’s for you.

Ingredients Overview

🔸 For the Fish

• 2 fillets of tilapia, catfish, snapper, or your favorite white fish

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp blackened seasoning or Cajun seasoning

• Salt & pepper, to taste

🔸 For the Shrimp

• 10–12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 tsp olive oil

• 1 tsp blackened seasoning

• Juice of ½ lemon

🔸 For the Garlic Cream Sauce

• 1 tbsp butter

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt & pepper, to taste

🍚 Optional Sides

• Steamed white or dirty rice

• Sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Nonstick or cast iron skillet

• Tongs or fish spatula

• Measuring spoons

• Small whisk or spoon for the sauce

• Cutting board and knife

• Citrus juicer (optional, for lemon juice)

Step-by-Step Instructions

🔹 1. Prep the Fish and Shrimp

Start by patting dry the fish fillets and shrimp with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick and creates a better sear.

• Rub fish fillets with olive oil. Season both sides with blackened or Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

• In a separate bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, blackened seasoning, and lemon juice.

🧂 Tip: Don’t skip the lemon juice on the shrimp—it adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the cream sauce later.

🔹 2. Sear the Fish and Shrimp

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil.

• Sear the fish fillets for about 3–4 minutes per side until blackened and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.

• Remove from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, add the shrimp. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and have a nice char.

• Remove and set aside with the fish.

🔥 Pro Tip: A cast iron skillet gives the best blackened crust. Just don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.

🔹 3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

Lower heat to medium-low and melt the butter in the same pan.

• Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

• Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the Dijon mustard and Parmesan cheese.

• Simmer gently for about 3–4 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper.

🧄 Garlic Lovers’ Note: Add roasted garlic for a sweeter, deeper garlic flavor.

🔹 4. Finish and Serve

Return the cooked fish and shrimp to the pan and spoon the sauce over everything. Let it warm together for 1 minute, then plate.

Serve over steamed rice or with sautéed vegetables, and don’t forget to spoon extra sauce on top—it’s too good to waste!

Recipe Tips & Variations

💡 Not into fish? Use only shrimp, or sub with chicken tenders seasoned the same way.
💡 Keto-Friendly Sides: Cauliflower rice or roasted Brussels sprouts work wonderfully.
💡 Extra Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne to the cream sauce or finish with a few drops of hot sauce.
💡 Make it fancy: Garnish with chopped parsley, lemon zest, or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream to rehydrate the sauce if needed.
Avoid microwaving the fish if possible, as it can become rubbery.

❄️ Freezing Tip: This dish is best fresh. The cream sauce may separate if frozen.

What to Serve With It

🍽 Side Dishes:

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Buttery grits

• Roasted asparagus

• Cajun corn on the cob

🥂 Drink Pairings:

• A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio

• Sparkling water with lemon

• Iced sweet tea for a Southern twist

• A light lager or wheat beer

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp or fish?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.

Q: What’s the difference between Cajun and blackened seasoning?
A: They’re very similar, but Cajun tends to be spicier. Use what you prefer—or make your own blend!

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prep the sauce and season the seafood ahead, but for best results, cook everything fresh right before serving.

Time to Elevate Your Seafood Game 🎣🔥

This Blackened Fish and Shrimp with Garlic Cream Sauce is a next-level seafood dish that doesn’t require a culinary degree or fancy ingredients. Just bold flavors, a sizzling pan, and a silky sauce that brings it all together.

✨ If this recipe made your taste buds dance, share it with your fellow food lovers and subscribe to the blog for more deliciously doable dinners! ✨

Happy cooking, and even happier eating! 🐟🍤🧄