If you love seafood dinners with a little bit of everything, this combination is hard to beat. Crispy golden white fish served alongside juicy garlic shrimp in a creamy Parmesan sauce gives you crunch and richness on the same plate, making for a truly satisfying seafood feast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two textures, one plate. Crispy fried fish pairs perfectly with rich, creamy shrimp.
- That crunchy breaded coating. A flour, egg, and panko breading fries up deeply golden and crisp.
- Rich garlic Parmesan shrimp sauce. Every bite of shrimp gets coated in a smooth, flavorful sauce.
- A true seafood feast. Substantial enough to be the centerpiece of a special dinner.
Ingredients
For the Crispy White Fish
- 4 white fish fillets, cod, haddock, or tilapia
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs or panko
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Crispy White Fish with Creamy Garlic Shrimp
1. Bread the white fish. Season the fish fillets with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Coat each fillet in flour, dip into the beaten eggs, then press into the breadcrumbs or panko until evenly coated.
2. Fry until golden and crispy. Heat the vegetable oil to 350°F. Fry the white fish for 4 to 5 minutes per side until deeply golden, crispy, and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
3. Cook the garlic shrimp. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and tender.
4. Make the creamy Parmesan sauce. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the shrimp. Stir in the Parmesan and simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the creamy garlic sauce is smooth and lightly thickened.
5. Finish the creamy shrimp. Stir the fresh parsley into the creamy garlic shrimp and remove the skillet from the heat.
6. Plate and serve. Arrange the crispy white fish alongside the creamy garlic shrimp. Spoon plenty of Parmesan cream sauce around the shrimp and serve immediately while the fish is still hot and crunchy.
Tips for the Best Crispy Fish and Creamy Shrimp
- Press the breadcrumbs on firmly. This helps the coating stick and creates a more even, crispy crust.
- Keep the oil at a steady 350°F. Too hot and the coating burns before the fish cooks through; too cool and it turns greasy.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp. Two to three minutes is enough; they’ll continue warming slightly in the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce, since pre-shredded cheese can make it slightly grainy.
What to Serve with Crispy Fish and Creamy Garlic Shrimp
This dish is substantial on its own, but a simple side salad or steamed vegetable adds a fresh contrast to the rich, crispy plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake the fish instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 425°F for about 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway, though the coating won’t get quite as crispy as frying.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking so they sear properly instead of releasing excess water.
Can I lighten up the sauce?
Half-and-half can be used in place of heavy cream, though the sauce will be a bit thinner and less rich.
Crispy White Fish with Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season the fish fillets with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Coat each fillet in flour, dip into the beaten eggs, then press into the breadcrumbs or panko until evenly coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil to 350°F. Fry the white fish for 4 to 5 minutes per side until deeply golden, crispy, and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and tender.
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the shrimp. Stir in the Parmesan and simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the creamy garlic sauce is smooth and lightly thickened.
- Stir the fresh parsley into the creamy garlic shrimp and remove the skillet from the heat.
- Arrange the crispy white fish alongside the creamy garlic shrimp. Spoon plenty of Parmesan cream sauce around the shrimp and serve immediately while the fish is still hot and crunchy.