Description: A seafood lover’s dream dinner! This juicy salmon fillet is generously loaded with buttery crab, succulent shrimp, and aromatic herbs—roasted to golden perfection and bursting with flavor! This dish is undeniably elegant and delicious, perfect for celebratory holidays, special occasions, or any day you want to impress someone (including yourself!). This recipe transforms the humble salmon fillet into a culinary masterpiece, a testament to the harmonious marriage of seafood flavors and textures. Imagine sinking your fork into flaky, tender salmon, giving way to a creamy, rich stuffing studded with sweet crab and bouncy shrimp. The bright notes of lemon and fresh parsley cut through the richness, creating a perfectly balanced and unforgettable dining experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 large salmon fillet (approximately 1.5-2 lbs), skin on or off, butterflied
- The salmon fillet serves as the base of our dish, providing a rich and healthy source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Butterflying the fillet creates a pocket to hold the delicious crab and shrimp stuffing, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- Cooked shrimp adds a delightful sweetness and tender texture to the stuffing. Pre-cooked shrimp saves time and effort, allowing you to focus on assembling the dish. Be sure to chop the shrimp into pieces that are small enough to distribute evenly throughout the stuffing.
- 1/2 lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- Lump crab meat is the star of the stuffing, contributing a luxurious, sweet, and delicate flavor. It’s important to pick through the crab meat carefully to remove any stray shell fragments, ensuring a pleasant eating experience.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- Softened cream cheese acts as the binder for the stuffing, providing a creamy, rich base that holds all the ingredients together. It also adds a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the crab and shrimp.
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- Mayonnaise adds moisture and richness to the stuffing, enhancing its overall flavor and texture. Use a good-quality mayonnaise for the best results.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Minced garlic provides a pungent, aromatic note that enhances the savory flavors of the stuffing. Freshly minced garlic is recommended for the most intense flavor.
- 1 tsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright, acidic note that cuts through the richness of the seafood and cream cheese. It also helps to balance the flavors of the dish.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Chopped fresh parsley adds a vibrant green color and fresh, herbaceous flavor to the stuffing. Other herbs, such as dill or chives, can also be used.
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
- Paprika, for sprinkling on top (optional, but recommended)
- Paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor and a beautiful reddish hue to the salmon. Smoked paprika can also be used for an even more intense smoky flavor.
Preparation:
The preparation is key to the amazing outcome. Here are detailed steps to ensure your success with this remarkable recipe.
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Fillet
- If your salmon fillet has skin, you can choose to leave it on or remove it. Some people prefer the flavor and texture of the skin when it’s roasted, while others find it too strong. To remove the skin, place the fillet skin-side down on a cutting board. Hold the tail end of the skin firmly with one hand and use a sharp knife to gently separate the flesh from the skin, working your way up to the head end.
- Next, butterfly the salmon fillet. To do this, lay the fillet flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice horizontally through the thickest part of the fillet, starting from one side and cutting almost all the way through, but leaving about an inch of flesh intact at the other side so it can open like a book. Be careful not to cut all the way through the fillet. This creates a pocket for the stuffing.
Step 2: Prepare the Crab and Shrimp Stuffing
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, lump crab meat, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley.
- Season the mixture generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Gently mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the crab meat to break apart.
- Taste the stuffing and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add a little more lemon juice for extra brightness, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Step 3: Stuff the Salmon Fillet
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lay the butterflied salmon fillet open on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Spoon the crab and shrimp stuffing evenly over the open fillet, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.
- Gently fold the other half of the salmon fillet over the stuffing, creating a stuffed salmon “sandwich.”
- If desired, sprinkle the top of the stuffed salmon with paprika for added color and flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Stuffed Salmon
- Place the baking sheet with the stuffed salmon in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C).
- The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillet and the accuracy of your oven, so it is important to check the salmon regularly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the salmon is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
- Serve the Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon hot and enjoy every bite!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It is impressive enough for a dinner party, yet easy enough for a weeknight meal. The combination of flaky salmon, sweet crab, and succulent shrimp creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The creamy stuffing adds a luxurious touch, while the bright lemon and fresh herbs provide a refreshing balance. This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the stuffing with your favorite herbs and spices, or add other seafood, such as scallops or lobster. It is also a healthy and nutritious option, packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals. But, above all, you will love this recipe because it is simply delicious.
Serving Suggestions:
This Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of side dishes to complement its flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots are all excellent choices. Drizzle them with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Rice Pilaf: A light and fluffy rice pilaf is a perfect accompaniment to the rich and flavorful salmon. You can add herbs, vegetables, or nuts to the rice pilaf for extra flavor and texture.
- Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a light vinaigrette is a healthy and refreshing side dish.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with salmon.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great way to balance the richness of the salmon.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it can become dry and tough.
- If you don’t have lump crab meat, you can use claw meat instead, but be sure to pick through it carefully for shells.
- You can prepare the stuffing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- If you want to add a little heat to the stuffing, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- For a more elegant presentation, you can serve the stuffed salmon on a bed of greens or with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
Total Time: 38-42 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
- Calories: Approximately 600-800 per serving
- Protein: 50-60 grams per serving
- Sodium: 400-600 mg per serving
Conclusion:
The Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is a show-stopping dish that is sure to impress. With its flaky salmon, creamy stuffing, and bright flavors, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a delicious and healthy meal, this recipe is a perfect choice. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece! Bon appétit!
Questions and Answers about This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but be sure to thaw it completely before using it. Place the frozen salmon in the refrigerator overnight or thaw it in a bowl of cold water for about an hour. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels before using it.
Q2: Can I substitute the crab meat with something else?
A: If you don’t have crab meat or prefer not to use it, you can substitute it with other seafood, such as scallops, lobster, or even imitation crab meat. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
Q3: Can I add other vegetables to the stuffing?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables to the stuffing, such as chopped bell peppers, celery, or onions. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the stuffing to soften them and enhance their flavor.
Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the stuffing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it is best to bake the stuffed salmon just before serving, as the salmon can become dry if it is baked too far in advance.
Q5: What is the best way to reheat leftover stuffed salmon?
A: To reheat leftover stuffed salmon, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the salmon in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.
