Description: This Shrimp-Stuffed Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce is a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home. Tender salmon fillets are generously stuffed with a creamy, flavorful shrimp mixture and then pan-seared to perfection. The crowning glory is a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce that elevates the entire dish. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or when you simply want to impress your family or guests with a truly memorable meal. It’s surprisingly easy to make and guarantees a burst of incredible flavors in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets, thick and center-cut (about 6-8 ounces each)
- 8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (for topping)
- ½ cup shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped (for stuffing)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Optional: Fresh dill, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the finely chopped shrimp, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Season the shrimp mixture generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Make sure to taste the filling and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat if desired. Set the bowl aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Salmon Fillets
Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal slit into each salmon fillet, creating a pocket for the shrimp stuffing. Be careful not to cut all the way through the fillet; you want to create a pouch that can hold the filling. Gently open the pocket to make room for the shrimp mixture.
Step 3: Stuff the Salmon
Spoon the prepared shrimp filling into the pockets of the salmon fillets, dividing the mixture evenly between the two fillets. Pack the filling in firmly but gently, being careful not to overstuff the salmon. If you have any leftover shrimp filling, you can spread it on top of the salmon fillets or save it for another use.
Step 4: Sear the Stuffed Salmon
Heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, carefully place the stuffed salmon fillets in the skillet. Sear the salmon for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the salmon is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C). Use a spatula to carefully flip the salmon fillets to avoid losing any of the filling.
Step 5: Cook the Whole Shrimp and Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
Remove the salmon fillets from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the remaining one tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted, add the whole shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. If using white wine, add it to the skillet now and let it simmer for a minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the remaining lemon juice to the skillet and stir to combine. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Place the cooked salmon fillets on a serving plate. Top each fillet with the seared whole shrimp. Spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over the salmon and shrimp. Garnish with fresh dill, if desired. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for a burst of fresh citrus flavor.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Shrimp-Stuffed Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It combines the delicate flavor of salmon with the succulent taste of shrimp, all bathed in a rich and zesty lemon garlic butter sauce.
- Impressive Presentation: This dish looks and tastes like something you’d order at a high-end restaurant, making it perfect for special occasions.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of the creamy shrimp filling, tender salmon, and tangy lemon garlic butter sauce creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Easy to Make: Despite its elegant appearance, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding different herbs, spices, or vegetables to the shrimp filling.
- Healthy and Delicious: Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and other essential nutrients, making this dish both healthy and delicious.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.
- Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the flavors of the salmon and shrimp.
- Serve with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley, for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
Tips:
- Use high-quality, fresh salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure to soften the cream cheese before mixing it with the other ingredients to ensure a smooth and creamy filling.
- Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it can become dry and tough.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and lemon juice to your liking.
- For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the lemon garlic butter sauce.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley, but use half the amount.
- You can prepare the shrimp filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- If you don’t have a skillet, you can bake the stuffed salmon in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Cooking Rating: Easy to Medium
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 650-700 kcal
- Protein: 45-50 grams
- Fat: 40-45 grams
- Sodium: 300-400 mg
(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)
Conclusion:
This Shrimp-Stuffed Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce is a show-stopping dish that is sure to impress. With its tender salmon, creamy shrimp filling, and luscious lemon garlic butter sauce, it’s a flavor combination that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to a delicious and healthy meal, this recipe is a perfect choice. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable dining experience!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Place the frozen salmon in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water thawing method. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels before stuffing it.
Q2: I don’t like shrimp. Can I substitute it with something else?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the shrimp with crabmeat, scallops, or even cooked chicken. Just make sure to chop the substitute into small pieces before mixing it with the other ingredients for the filling.
Q3: Can I bake the salmon instead of searing it in a skillet?
A: Yes, you can bake the salmon. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed salmon fillets in a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Q4: How can I make the lemon garlic butter sauce thicker?
A: If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce while it’s simmering and stir until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Q5: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the shrimp filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also stuff the salmon fillets ahead of time, but it’s best to cook them just before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor. If you want to fully prepare this recipe ahead, I would suggest only cooking the Salmon until about 80% done and when you plan to serve just pop it back in the oven for the final cook!
