This vibrant and flavorful dish brings together the best of bold flavors—tender honey bourbon glazed salmon, juicy sautéed shrimp, creamy cheesy broccoli, and spicy Cajun corn—all served over a bed of golden turmeric-infused yellow rice. It’s a symphony of sweet, savory, and zesty elements that will leave your taste buds dancing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
The combination of rich, sticky glaze on the salmon, perfectly cooked shrimp, cheesy broccoli, and aromatic Cajun corn creates layers of texture and flavor that are both satisfying and elegant. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a regular weeknight, this recipe promises to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Honey Bourbon Glazed Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp bourbon (optional; substitute apple cider vinegar for a non-alcoholic version)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper , to taste
For the Sautéed Shrimp:
- 8–10 large shrimp , peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper , to taste
For the Cheesy Broccoli:
- 1 lb broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper , to taste
For the Cajun Corn:
- 4 ears of corn , husked and cleaned (or 2 cups frozen corn kernels)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- Salt , to taste
For the Yellow Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp turmeric (for color)
- Salt , to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Honey Bourbon Glazed Salmon
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) .
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey , bourbon , soy sauce , Dijon mustard , olive oil , garlic powder , smoked paprika , salt , and pepper to create the glaze.
- Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the glaze generously over the top of each fillet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes , basting with the glaze halfway through cooking. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) when done.
Step 2: Prepare the Sautéed Shrimp
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat .
- Season the shrimp with garlic powder , paprika , cayenne pepper (if using), salt , and pepper .
- Sauté the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side , or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
Pro Tip: Marinate the shrimp in the honey bourbon glaze for 10–15 minutes before sautéing for even deeper flavor.
Step 3: Make the Cheesy Broccoli
- Steam or blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 3–4 minutes , or until tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat . Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cheddar cheese , salt , and pepper , stirring until melted and smooth.
- Toss the steamed broccoli in the cheesy sauce until fully coated.
Step 4: Cook the Cajun Corn
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat .
- Add the corn and sauté for 5–7 minutes , stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning , garlic powder , chili powder , and salt , then continue to cook for another 2–3 minutes , ensuring the corn is tender and evenly spiced.
Step 5: Prepare the Yellow Rice
- Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat . Add the rice and toast for 2 minutes , stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the chicken broth , add the turmeric , and season with salt .
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes , or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
- Begin by plating the yellow rice as the base.
- Top the rice with a honey bourbon glazed salmon fillet .
- Arrange the sautéed shrimp , cheesy broccoli , and Cajun corn around the salmon.
- Drizzle any leftover glaze from the baking sheet over the salmon for added sweetness and shine.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Glazing Technique: Baste the salmon halfway through baking to ensure the glaze caramelizes beautifully without burning.
- Shrimp Timing: Shrimp cook quickly! Overcooking can make them rubbery, so remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink.
- Cheese Sauce Consistency: For a thicker cheesy broccoli sauce, use less heavy cream or let it simmer slightly longer.
- Corn Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and chili powder based on your spice preference.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 2–4 (depending on portion sizes)
- Calories per Serving: ~600 kcal (approximate)
Perfect Pairings:
- Garlic Bread: A warm loaf of crusty garlic bread pairs beautifully with the richness of the salmon and shrimp.
- Side Salad: Balance the meal with a light mixed greens salad dressed in citrus vinaigrette.
- Lemon Wedges: Provide lemon wedges on the side for a zesty touch.
Why It’s Perfect Anytime:
This Honey Bourbon Glazed Salmon with Sautéed Shrimp, Cheesy Broccoli, and Cajun Corn combines diverse yet complementary flavors into one cohesive meal. The sweetness of the bourbon glaze contrasts beautifully with the spiciness of the Cajun corn, while the creamy cheesy broccoli adds elegance and comfort. Paired with aromatic yellow rice, this dish feels gourmet yet remains surprisingly simple to prepare.
So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy this delightful fusion of flavors. Your family and friends won’t be able to resist this unforgettable culinary experience! 🍴✨
