Name: Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 1-inch pieces; ½ pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 teaspoons garlic, minced; 2 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated); 4 cups (744 g) cooked day-old white rice, like jasmine rice; 2 large eggs, beaten; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste; Lemon wedges, for serving; Chopped green onions, for garnish

Ingredients

1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 1-inch pieces

½ pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

4 cups (744 g) cooked day-old white rice, like jasmine rice

1 small yellow onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

2 teaspoons garlic, minced

2 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)

2 large eggs, beaten

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, or more to taste

Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Lemon wedges

Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the salmon and shrimp dry with paper towels. Season both with 1 ½ tablespoons of Cajun seasoning.

Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and the butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the salmon and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Transfer to a plate.

Step 3: Add the shrimp to the same skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Transfer to the plate with the salmon.

Step 4: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and the white portions of the green onions; cook for 30 seconds.

Step 5: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs onto the empty side and scramble them until just set. Stir the eggs into the vegetables.

Step 6: Add the cooked rice, soy sauce, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through and lightly crisped.

Step 7: Gently fold in the cooked salmon and shrimp. Stir in the green portions of the green onions. Taste and season with additional Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper if needed.

Step 8: Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and garnish with additional chopped green onions.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old rice to ensure your fried rice has the best texture and doesn’t turn mushy.

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

Swap salmon for another firm fish like cod or tilapia if preferred.

Include other vegetables like peas or carrots for added color and nutrition.

Make it gluten-free by choosing tamari instead of soy sauce.

FAQs

Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?

Freshly cooked rice tends to be more moist and sticky, which can make your fried rice clumpy or mushy. Day-old rice is drier and separate, providing the best texture for frying.

How can I tell when the salmon is cooked properly?

Cook the salmon until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. It should be opaque throughout and tender but not dry.