Description
This Elegant Cajun Seafood Stuffed Salmon recipe features tender salmon fillets stuffed with a flavorful mixture of shrimp, lump crab meat, cream cheese, and Cajun spices. Baked to perfection, this dish marries the richness of seafood with the zesty kick of Cajun seasoning, making it a perfect main course for a sophisticated dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood and Main Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin removed
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1/2 cup lump crab meat
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Dairy and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon Pockets: Preheat your oven to 375°F. With a sharp knife, carefully slice a horizontal pocket into the thickest part of each salmon fillet without cutting all the way through, creating space for the stuffing.
- Sauté Vegetables and Shrimp: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced celery, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the chopped shrimp along with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix the Seafood Stuffing: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed shrimp and vegetables with lump crab meat, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Stuff the Salmon Fillets: Gently fill each salmon pocket with the seafood mixture, pressing the stuffing firmly inside to hold it in place.
- Bake the Stuffed Salmon: Place the stuffed salmon fillets on a greased baking sheet. Sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning over the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the stuffing is heated through.
- Serve: Transfer the hot stuffed salmon to plates and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an added fresh citrus zing.
Notes
- For extra richness, drizzle the finished salmon with a homemade lemon butter sauce.
- Serve the stuffed salmon over a bed of rice or sautéed spinach for a complete meal.
- Ensure the shrimp are cooked just until pink to avoid rubbery texture.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste depending on your preferred spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed salmon fillet
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
