Description
Elegant Cajun Seafood Stuffed Salmon is a flavorful and sophisticated main course featuring thick-cut salmon fillets filled with a creamy mixture of lump crab meat, shrimp, and bold Cajun spices. Baked to perfection and finished with a golden top, this dish is perfect for a special dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Stuffing
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each, skinless, thick-cut)
- 1/2 pound lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- 1/4 pound small cooked shrimp (chopped)
- 1/3 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (plus more for topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the seafood stuffing: In a mixing bowl, combine the lump crab meat, chopped cooked shrimp, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, and parsley. Stir gently until ingredients are well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Create the salmon pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a deep pocket into the center of each salmon fillet without cutting all the way through. This pocket will hold the stuffing.
- Stuff the salmon: Generously fill each salmon pocket with the prepared seafood mixture. Lightly season the tops of the stuffed fillets with extra Cajun seasoning and drizzle olive oil over them to enhance flavor and browning.
- Bake the salmon: Place the stuffed fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and easily flakes with a fork.
- Optional broil for golden top: For a beautifully browned finish, broil the salmon for 1 to 2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of citrus.
Notes
- This dish pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
- For extra richness, drizzle with a lemon-butter or cream sauce before serving.
