Description
This Elegant Cajun Seafood Stuffed Salmon is a flavorful and sophisticated main course featuring tender salmon fillets stuffed with a rich blend of crab meat, shrimp, and creamy seasonings. Infused with Cajun spices and baked to perfection, it offers a delightful combination of seafood goodness with a zesty kick, making it perfect for special dinners or gourmet weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon Fillets
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on, about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (plus more for topping)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Seafood Stuffing
- 1/2 pound lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- 1/2 pound cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Salmon: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a slit in the center of each salmon fillet to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Season the Salmon Fillets: Drizzle olive oil over the fillets, then season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Make the Seafood Stuffing: In a medium bowl, combine lump crab meat, chopped shrimp, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended and creamy.
- Stuff the Salmon: Gently stuff each salmon pocket with the seafood mixture, pressing it in carefully without overfilling to maintain the fillet’s structure.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the stuffed salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle additional Cajun seasoning on top for extra spice. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Optional Broil for Golden Top: For a golden and slightly crisp top, broil the fillets for the last 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Serve the stuffed salmon fillets warm, accompanied by lemon wedges for a fresh citrus finish.
Notes
- You can substitute all crab or all shrimp in the stuffing for a simpler seafood flavor.
- Adding chopped spinach or green onions to the stuffing gives extra flavor and vibrant color.
- For a spicier kick, include a pinch of cayenne pepper in the seafood mixture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
