Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup of freshly grated vegetarian Parmesan-style cheese (or a plant-based Parmesan alternative)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Season the seafood: Start by patting the salmon and shrimp dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and pepper. (Don’t skip this step—it brings out their natural flavors!)
- Sear the salmon: Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if they have skin) and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the salmon.
- Make the garlic sauce: Reduce the heat slightly and melt the butter in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for about a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn—it can turn bitter.
- Add the cream and cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Bring it all together: Return the salmon and shrimp to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Cook for another 2 minutes until everything is warmed through.
- Finish with parsley and lemon: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley and drizzle with lemon juice. It adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness.
Notes
For a full-on dinner party presentation, serve the salmon and shrimp over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttered pasta. Garnish with extra parsley for a pop of green and a few lemon wedges on the side. You could also pair it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to keep things light.
For plating, spoon a generous amount of sauce over the seafood and let it cascade down to the sides—it looks (and tastes) stunning!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner