Salmon and Shrimp Recipes: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Seafood Dishes

There’s something magical about the moment when perfectly cooked salmon flakes apart with the gentle press of a fork, or when shrimp transforms from translucent to a beautiful coral pink. The rich, buttery texture of salmon paired with the sweet, delicate flavor of shrimp creates culinary possibilities that are both sophisticated and surprisingly accessible.

Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast looking to expand your repertoire or a home cook wanting to impress dinner guests, this comprehensive guide to salmon and shrimp recipes will take your seafood game to the next level. We’ll explore everything from quick weeknight meals to show-stopping special occasion dishes, with techniques ranging from simple pan-searing to the art of smoking these delicious proteins.

What Makes Salmon and Shrimp Perfect Culinary Partners?

Before diving into specific recipes, let’s understand why salmon and shrimp make such excellent companions in the kitchen. As Chef James Peterson notes, “The rich, fatty nature of salmon complements the lean, sweet profile of shrimp, creating a balanced flavor experience that few other seafood combinations can match.”

Salmon brings:

• Heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids
• Rich, buttery texture
• Robust flavor that stands up to bold seasonings
• Versatility across cooking methods

Shrimp contributes:

• Quick cooking time
• Sweet, delicate flavor
• Satisfying texture
• High protein content

Together, they create dishes that are nutritionally balanced, visually appealing, and incredibly satisfying.

How Do I Choose the Best Salmon and Shrimp?

Selecting Quality Salmon

The foundation of any great salmon dish begins at the market. Here’s what to look for:

• Appearance: Look for moist, shiny flesh with deep orange or red coloring. Avoid fish with brown spots or drying edges.
• Smell: Fresh salmon should smell clean and oceanic, never “fishy.”
• Texture: The flesh should be firm and spring back when touched.
• Source: When possible, choose wild-caught salmon for its superior flavor profile and nutritional benefits.
• Sustainability: Look for Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification to ensure your seafood comes from responsible sources.

“The quality of your ingredients is especially important with seafood,” explains seafood expert Mark Bittman. “When it comes to salmon, fresher is always better, but properly frozen fish can be nearly indistinguishable from fresh when handled correctly.”

Choosing Perfect Shrimp

For shrimp, consider these factors:

• Size: Shrimp are sold by count per pound. Larger shrimp (fewer per pound) are often preferred for special dishes, while smaller shrimp work well in pastas and stir-fries.
• Freshness: Fresh shrimp should have a clean sea scent. Avoid any with a strong ammonia smell.
• Shell: Whether to buy shell-on or peeled depends on your recipe, but shell-on often provides better flavor and texture.
• Preparation: Look for shrimp that has been deveined to save preparation time.
• Frozen vs. Fresh: Unless you live near the coast, high-quality frozen shrimp is often fresher than “fresh” shrimp, which may have been thawed for display.

What Are the Best Cooking Methods for Salmon and Shrimp?

Mastering Salmon Preparation

Salmon’s versatility makes it ideal for various cooking techniques:

Baking

Baking salmon at 375°F for 12-15 minutes (depending on thickness) creates a moist, evenly cooked result. This method works beautifully for both whole fillets and individual portions.

Pan-Searing

For that coveted crispy skin and tender interior, pat the salmon dry, season well, and sear skin-side down in a hot pan with a touch of oil for about 4-5 minutes before flipping briefly to finish.

Grilling

Grilling imparts a delightful smokiness. Use a fish basket or cedar plank to prevent sticking, and cook over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.

Poaching

Gentle poaching in seasoned liquid keeps salmon extremely moist and is nearly foolproof. Simmer (don’t boil) for about 8-10 minutes until the fish flakes easily.

Smoking

“Smoking salmon transforms it into something entirely different—a complex, deeply flavored delicacy,” notes BBQ champion Myron Mixon. Cold smoking preserves the silky raw texture while hot smoking fully cooks the fish to flaky perfection.

For hot smoked salmon:

• Brine salmon fillets for 4-6 hours
• Air dry for 1-2 hours to form a pellicle (sticky surface layer that absorbs smoke)
• Smoke at 225°F for 60-90 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F
• Use alder, apple, or maple wood for complementary flavors

Perfecting Shrimp Cooking Techniques

Shrimp cook quickly and can become tough when overdone, so timing is crucial:

Sautéing

Heat oil or butter in a pan over medium-high heat and cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until just opaque. Remove immediately to prevent overcooking.

Grilling

Thread onto skewers (soak wooden skewers first) and grill over high heat for just 1-2 minutes per side.

Boiling

For perfectly cooked shrimp, bring seasoned water to a boil, add shrimp, and remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 2-3 minutes until just pink.

Steaming

Place in a steamer basket over simmering water for 3-4 minutes until opaque.

Smoking

“Shrimp take smoke beautifully but require a delicate touch,” explains seafood smoking expert Steven Raichlen. For smoked shrimp:

• Brine jumbo shrimp for 30 minutes
• Pat dry and air for 20 minutes
• Smoke at 225°F for just 20-30 minutes
• Use fruit woods like apple or cherry for their mild flavor

Can I Combine Salmon and Shrimp in One Dish?

Absolutely! Some of the most impressive seafood recipes feature both salmon and shrimp. These combinations work especially well in:

Seafood Pasta Dishes

Combine chunks of salmon and shrimp with your favorite pasta, a light cream sauce, and fresh herbs for an elegant yet simple meal.

Rice-Based Creations

Seafood paella or risotto makes excellent use of both proteins, allowing their distinct flavors to complement each other.

Sheet Pan Dinners

For easy weeknight meals, roast salmon fillets and shrimp together with vegetables for a complete one-pan dinner.

Kabobs

Alternate chunks of salmon with shrimp on skewers with vegetables for a beautiful presentation and easy grilling.

What Are Some Must-Try Salmon and Shrimp Recipes?

Easy Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp

This simple yet impressive recipe combines both seafoods in one pan:

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper
2. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat
3. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes
4. Flip salmon and push to one side of the pan
5. Add remaining butter and garlic to the empty side
6. Add shrimp to the garlic butter and cook for 2 minutes
7. Flip shrimp, add lemon juice and zest
8. Cook until shrimp are opaque and salmon reaches 145°F internal temperature
9. Garnish with fresh dill and serve immediately

Cedar Plank Maple Glazed Salmon with Smoked Shrimp

This recipe showcases smoking techniques for both proteins:

Ingredients:

• 1 cedar plank, soaked for at least 1 hour
• 2 lb salmon fillet
• 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh herbs (dill, thyme, rosemary)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F)
2. Whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, lemon juice, mustard, and garlic
3. Place salmon skin-side down on cedar plank and brush with half the glaze
4. Thread shrimp onto skewers
5. Place cedar plank on grill and close lid
6. After 10 minutes, place shrimp skewers on grill
7. Brush salmon with remaining glaze and cook until internal temperature reaches 145°F (about 15-20 minutes total)
8. Flip shrimp after 2 minutes and cook another 1-2 minutes
9. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve directly from the plank for presentation

Mediterranean Salmon and Shrimp Bowl

For a healthy, customizable option:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb salmon, cut into cubes
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Cooked quinoa or rice
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• Kalamata olives
• Feta cheese (optional)
• Fresh herbs (parsley, dill)

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate salmon and shrimp in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and oregano for 30 minutes
2. Cook salmon in a hot skillet for about 3 minutes per side
3. In the same pan, cook shrimp until pink and opaque (about 2 minutes per side)
4. Arrange quinoa or rice in bowls
5. Top with salmon, shrimp, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and cheese
6. Whisk dressing ingredients together and drizzle over bowls
7. Garnish with fresh herbs

How Can Beginners Successfully Cook Salmon and Shrimp?

For those new to cooking seafood, here are some foolproof approaches:

Salmon Foil Packets

Foil packet cooking is nearly impossible to mess up and results in moist, flavorful salmon:

1. Place salmon fillet on a large piece of foil
2. Top with lemon slices, herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil
3. Fold foil to create a sealed packet
4. Bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes

Simple Garlic Shrimp

This basic technique creates perfect shrimp every time:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat
2. Add 1 pound peeled shrimp and 3-4 cloves minced garlic
3. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque
4. Finish with lemon juice, salt, and parsley

“The most common mistake with seafood is overcooking,” warns chef Rick Moonen. “When in doubt, remember that you can always cook it a bit more, but you can’t uncook it!”

What Advanced Techniques Can Elevate My Seafood Game?

For experienced cooks looking to impress, try these techniques:

Salmon Wellington (En Croûte)

Wrap salmon fillets in mushroom duxelles and puff pastry for an elegant presentation.

Shrimp Mousse Stuffed Salmon

Create a mousse from raw shrimp and stuff it into a pocket cut into salmon fillets before cooking.

Cold-Smoked Salmon Carpaccio

Thin-slice cold-smoked salmon and arrange with capers, dill, and mustard-dill sauce.

Sous Vide Salmon with Herb Butter Shrimp

Cook salmon perfectly in a sous vide bath, then quickly sear and serve with herb butter shrimp.

How Can I Make Salmon and Shrimp Recipes More Sustainable?

Sustainability should be a consideration when enjoying seafood. Here are some tips:

• Choose wild Alaskan salmon, which is well-managed and sustainable
• Look for MSC-certified seafood products
• Consider farm-raised shrimp with Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification
• Use the Seafood Watch app to make informed choices
• Purchase locally when possible to reduce carbon footprint

“Sustainable seafood isn’t just better for the planet—it often tastes better too,” notes chef Barton Seaver. “Fish harvested responsibly from clean waters simply offers superior flavor.”

FAQ: Common Questions About Salmon and Shrimp Recipes

Can I refreeze seafood after thawing?

It’s not recommended, as this can significantly degrade quality and increase food safety risks.

The world of salmon and shrimp recipes offers endless possibilities for creative, nutritious, and impressive meals. Whether you’re grilling, smoking, baking, or sautéing, these versatile seafood options deliver exceptional results with proper technique and quality ingredients. Start with simple preparations to build confidence, then explore more advanced methods as your skills grow.

Remember that cooking seafood well is about respecting the ingredients—using gentle heat, proper timing, and complementary flavors that enhance rather than overpower the natural taste of salmon and shrimp. With practice and patience, you’ll soon be creating seafood dishes worthy of the finest restaurants, right in your own kitchen.

Stuffed Salmon
We’d love to hear about your experiences with these recipes! What are your favorite ways to prepare salmon and shrimp?