10 Easy Salmon and Shrimp Recipes to Try
You know those nights when you want something delicious but your brain refuses to cooperate with anything that takes more than 20 minutes? Yeah, welcome to my world.
That’s usually when I reach for salmon and shrimp—the two seafood MVPs that never judge me for being tired, hungry, or slightly dramatic about dinner.
These recipes keep things easy, flavorful, and fun without trapping you in the kitchen longer than necessary.
I mean, who doesn’t love quick meals that taste like something you could proudly serve to friends or pretend you meal-prepped “on purpose”?
This list gives you ten easy salmon and shrimp recipes that deliver big flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy nights, lazy weekends, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something that feels a little fancy without actually trying too hard.
1. Creamy Garlic Salmon and Shrimp Skillet
This skillet feels like comfort food and date-night food rolled into one. The creamy garlic sauce hugs every bite of salmon and shrimp, making the whole dish rich, cozy, and ridiculously satisfying.
I made this once on a cold evening when I wanted something warm but didn’t want soup again—instant obsession.
One bite and I thought, “Okay, we’re definitely doing this again.” The sauce tastes luxurious, but the recipe stays quick enough for any weeknight.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets (skinless)
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Paprika
- Spinach
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a pan.
- Season the salmon and sear until golden; remove.
- Cook the shrimp until pink; remove.
- Sauté garlic and add cream.
- Stir in parmesan, paprika, and spinach.
- Return the salmon and shrimp to the pan.
- Simmer until the sauce thickens.
Why You’ll Love It
The sauce turns silky, the seafood stays tender, and the whole dish feels fancy with zero stress. It hits every craving: creamy, savory, and comforting.
Tips
- Quick tip: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Serving idea: Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or fettuccine.
2. Lemon Butter Salmon and Shrimp Bake
This dish tastes bright, buttery, and full of those fresh citrus notes that make you feel like you suddenly know how to cook professionally.
It’s the kind of recipe you trust when you need something easy but impressive.
I once made this for guests after forgetting I had invited them—saved my life. Everything roasts together in one pan, so cleanup barely counts as work.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- Shrimp
- Butter
- Lemon slices
- Garlic powder
- Parsley
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place salmon and shrimp on a parchment-lined tray.
- Melt butter and pour over the seafood.
- Add lemon slices, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Bake until flaky and juicy.
Why You’ll Love It
You get bright lemon flavor, buttery richness, and perfectly cooked seafood without standing over the stove.
Tips
- Quick tip: Add asparagus to the baking sheet to make this a full meal.
- Serving idea: Pair with couscous, quinoa, or roasted potatoes.
3. Spicy Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Pasta
This pasta brings heat, creaminess, and big flavor—basically a hug in a bowl for spice lovers. The Cajun seasoning adds smoky warmth, while the shrimp and salmon give it that seafood richness that just works with pasta.
I once used store-bought Cajun seasoning that was way spicier than expected, and it turned into a conspiracy against my taste buds—but wow, flavor for days.
Ingredients
- Salmon pieces
- Shrimp
- Cajun seasoning
- Butter
- Garlic
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan
- Pasta
- Salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook your pasta.
- Season seafood with Cajun spices.
- Sear salmon and shrimp; remove.
- Melt butter and sauté garlic.
- Add cream and parmesan.
- Toss with pasta and return the seafood.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s spicy, bold, and wildly satisfying. Perfect for nights when you want something indulgent.
Tips
- Quick tip: Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Serving idea: Add sautéed peppers for extra color and crunch.
4. Garlic Honey Shrimp and Salmon Stir Fry
This stir-fry gives sweet-meets-savory energy in the best way. The honey adds gloss and sweetness while the soy adds depth, and the shrimp and salmon soak it all up like they’re meant to.
I love this one on weeknights when I want flavor but zero drama—everything cooks fast and tastes incredible.
Ingredients
- Salmon cubes
- Shrimp
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Whisk honey, soy, and garlic.
- Cook the salmon and shrimp until lightly browned; remove.
- Stir-fry veggies.
- Add sauce and return seafood.
- Toss until glossy.
Why You’ll Love It
You get sweetness, savoriness, and freshness all in one pan—plus leftovers taste even better.
Tips
- Quick tip: Add ginger for more punch.
- Serving idea: Serve with jasmine rice or noodles.
5. Creamy Tuscan Salmon and Shrimp
This recipe tastes like a restaurant meal you somehow pulled off in under 30 minutes. The sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and cream turn into a dreamy sauce that clings beautifully to both salmon and shrimp.
I once swapped sun-dried tomatoes for fresh ones and regretted every second—trust me, the flavor isn’t the same.
Ingredients
- Salmon
- Shrimp
- Cream
- Parmesan
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Spinach
- Garlic
- Basil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sear salmon and shrimp; set aside.
- Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Add cream, parmesan, and spinach.
- Simmer and return seafood.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s creamy, rich, and bursting with Italian-inspired flavor.
Tips
- Quick tip: Add fresh basil at the end for brightness.
- Serving idea: Serve with pasta, crusty bread, or rice.
6. Teriyaki Salmon and Shrimp Bowl
This bowl hits that sweet-savory umami combo that feels like takeout but much healthier. The homemade teriyaki sauce coats everything perfectly, and you can pack the bowl with veggies.
I meal-prepped it once and felt like a responsible adult for the entire week—highly recommend.
Ingredients
- Salmon
- Shrimp
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Rice
- Broccoli
- Sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
- Pan-sear seafood.
- Add sauce and simmer.
- Build bowls with rice, veggies, and seafood.
Why You’ll Love It
You get sweet, salty, saucy goodness in every bite with minimal effort.
Tips
- Quick tip: Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Serving idea: Add edamame or cucumber for crunch.
7. Shrimp and Salmon Foil Packs
Foil packs save lives on busy nights. I swear these are magic—everything steams inside the foil, so flavors intensify without any extra work.
The salmon stays juicy, the shrimp cooks perfectly, and the veggies soak up all the buttery goodness.
Ingredients
- Salmon
- Shrimp
- Butter
- Garlic
- Corn
- Bell peppers
- Lemon
- Paprika
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Lay out foil sheets.
- Add seafood and veggies.
- Top with butter, garlic, and paprika.
- Seal and bake.
Why You’ll Love It
No cleanup, no mess, and maximum flavor. These foil packs feel like a reward after a long day.
Tips
- Quick tip: Add a splash of white wine before sealing the foil.
- Serving idea: Serve with crusty bread or rice.
8. Creamy Shrimp and Salmon Chowder
This chowder gives you all the cozy vibes without drowning you in heaviness. The broth stays creamy and comforting, and the salmon and shrimp add richness.
I make this whenever the weather decides to be cold for no reason.
Ingredients
- Salmon
- Shrimp
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic
- Cream
- Butter
- Thyme
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook butter, veggies, and garlic.
- Add broth and potatoes.
- Add cream and thyme.
- Stir in seafood and simmer.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for chilly nights or anytime you want something warm and nourishing.
Tips
- Quick tip: Add smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note.
- Serving idea: Serve with warm biscuits or garlic bread.
9. Grilled Salmon and Shrimp Skewers
These skewers make cooking feel fun and summery, even if you’re grilling indoors on a pan. The smoky char pairs perfectly with seafood, and you can customize the marinade however you want.
I once added pineapple chunks and felt like I was on a beach vacation without leaving my apartment.
Ingredients
- Salmon cubes
- Shrimp
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Paprika
- Bell peppers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Whisk marinade with oil, lemon, and seasoning.
- Thread seafood and veggies on skewers.
- Grill until lightly charred.
Why You’ll Love It
You get smoky flavor, juicy bites, and a fun presentation with almost no effort.
Tips
- Quick tip: Soak wooden skewers to prevent burning.
- Serving idea: Serve with rice pilaf or grilled corn.
10. Shrimp and Salmon Fried Rice
This fried rice tastes way better than takeout and takes less time than waiting for delivery. The shrimp and salmon add richness, while the rice soaks up all the savory soy-garlic goodness. I make this when I have leftover rice and want something satisfying fast.
Ingredients
- Salmon pieces
- Shrimp
- Day-old rice
- Soy sauce
- Eggs
- Garlic
- Peas
- Carrots
- Green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook salmon and shrimp; set aside.
- Sauté veggies and garlic.
- Add rice and soy sauce.
- Scramble eggs in the pan.
- Add seafood and stir.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s fast, flavorful, and uses simple ingredients you probably already have.
Tips
- Quick tip: Add sesame oil for extra depth.
- Serving idea: Serve with cucumber salad or kimchi.
Conclusion
These ten salmon and shrimp recipes deliver big flavor without demanding too much time, energy, or kitchen expertise.
They work for cozy nights when you want creamy comfort, busy days when you just want something quick, or those weekends when you convince yourself you’ll meal-prep and actually follow through.
Salmon and shrimp keep things satisfying, healthyish, and flexible enough for any mood or craving. Pick the recipe that matches your vibe and let the seafood do the heavy lifting.
Dinner stays easy, delicious, and way more fun when you have this kind of lineup in your back pocket.
