Description
This Elegant Cajun Seafood Stuffed Salmon recipe combines fresh salmon fillets with a flavorful seafood stuffing made from crab meat or shrimp, cream cheese, and Cajun spices. Searing the stuffed fillets before finishing them in the oven creates a perfectly golden crust while locking in rich flavors, making this dish an impressive yet easy-to-make entree perfect for special occasions or a gourmet weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood Stuffing
- ½ pound lump crab meat or shrimp (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
- 1 green onion (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, about 6 oz each)
- Additional Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper for seasoning salmon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Stuffing: In a medium bowl, combine the lump crab meat or chopped shrimp with softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese, chopped green onion, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well blended to create a flavorful seafood stuffing.
- Prep the Salmon: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a deep pocket into the side of each salmon fillet without cutting all the way through. Lightly season each fillet with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Stuff the Fillets: Generously fill the pockets of each salmon fillet with the prepared seafood stuffing. Press gently to slightly seal the pockets, ensuring the stuffing stays inside during cooking.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed salmon fillets in the skillet and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a light golden crust. This step locks in juices and adds texture.
- Bake the Salmon: Transfer the skillet with the seared salmon to the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the stuffing is hot. The salmon should flake easily with a fork when done.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and garnish with fresh lemon wedges and parsley. Serve the stuffed salmon alongside rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor and texture, use a mix of lump crab meat and chopped shrimp in the stuffing.
- If you prefer, skip the searing step and bake the stuffed salmon fillets directly in the oven. In this case, extend the baking time by 2 to 3 minutes to ensure proper cooking.
- You can substitute mozzarella with Parmesan cheese depending on your preference.
- Make sure not to cut all the way through the salmon when creating the pocket to prevent the stuffing from leaking out.
