Description
Succulent salmon becomes a luxurious seafood canvas with delicate crab and shrimp nestled inside its tender flesh. Gourmet flavors mingle perfectly, creating an elegant coastal-inspired dish that promises to elevate dinner from ordinary to extraordinary for anyone craving marine-inspired culinary magic.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 salmon fillets (7 ounces/198 grams each), skin removed
- 12–16 medium shrimp, peeled and cleaned
- 8 ounces (226 grams) lump crab or claw crab
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 pack (5 ounces/142 grams) Boursin Shallot & Chive, at room temperature
- ¼ cup (28 grams) parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Seasonings and Vegetables:
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, plus more for seasoning shrimp
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, plus more for seasoning shrimp
- 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil, divided
- 4 ounces (113 grams) frozen spinach, thawed
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno, deseeded and diced
- Salt and ground pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Lemon wedges, to garnish
- ¼ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick cooking.
- Gently coat salmon fillets with olive oil, ensuring even coverage. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning for a robust flavor profile.
- Create a deep pocket in each salmon fillet by carefully cutting a slit approximately two-thirds through the thickness, being cautious not to slice completely through.
- Thoroughly drain excess moisture from the spinach using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to prevent a watery filling.
- In a mixing bowl, combine drained spinach, creamy Boursin cheese, finely chopped jalapeno, delicate crab meat, grated parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, toss raw shrimp with the remaining olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Carefully stuff each salmon fillet with the prepared crab and spinach mixture, ensuring an even distribution.
- Arrange the seasoned shrimp on top of the stuffed salmon fillets, creating an attractive presentation.
- Transfer the prepared salmon to the parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle with Cajun butter for additional flavor and moisture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, or until the salmon turns opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
- Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges to enhance the seafood’s natural flavors and provide a bright, citrusy contrast.
Notes
- Elevate your seafood game with this luxurious salmon dish that combines the richness of crab, the sweetness of shrimp, and bold Cajun flavors.
- Carefully slice salmon fillets without cutting through completely to create a perfect pocket for the creamy, cheesy stuffing.
- Pat spinach and shrimp dry to prevent excess moisture that could make the filling soggy and compromise the texture.
- Layer flavors by seasoning each component separately – salmon, stuffing, and shrimp – for a more complex and robust taste profile.
- Use fresh, high-quality seafood for the best results, ensuring the crab meat and shrimp are sweet and tender.
- Cajun butter adds a final touch of richness and spice, transforming this salmon from simple to spectacular.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 495 kcal
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1.2 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg