Shrimp Stuffed Salmon

The culinary delight of shrimp stuffed salmon stands out as an exquisite dining experience, perfectly embodying a harmonious fusion of flavors and textures. Imagine a succulent salmon fillet, beautifully seared to a golden brown, enveloping a rich and creamy filling made from tender shrimp, seasoned to perfection. This dish transcends mere sustenance; it presents a tantalizing symphony of taste that can elevate any meal, whether it’s a casual family dinner or an elegant gathering with friends.

Both shrimp and salmon are celebrated in gastronomic circles for their complementing qualities. Shrimp, with its sweet and briny undertones, brings a subtle yet distinct flavor profile, while salmon offers a buttery richness that enhances the overall taste of the dish. The combination creates a balance that is both satisfying and indulgent, making shrimp stuffed salmon not just a meal, but a memorable culinary experience.

Crafting the Perfect Stuffing

Creating the perfect stuffing for shrimp stuffed salmon is a delightful culinary journey that begins with the fragrant aroma of garlic gently sizzling in butter. This initial step sets the tone, filling the kitchen with a warm, inviting scent that signals the delicious meal to come. As the garlic turns golden brown, it is time to introduce vibrant, fresh spinach into the mix. The bright green leaves soften and wilt, adding color and nutrition to the stuffing.

Next, the choice of shrimp plays a pivotal role in achieving the desired texture and flavor. Select fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp, ensuring they are properly thawed before cooking. Sauté the shrimp briefly until they just turn pink, confirming that they are lightly cooked to preserve their tender texture. Be cautious not to overcook; this step is crucial, as overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, detracting from the overall experience of the shrimp stuffed salmon.

To elevate the stuffing, consider the balance of flavors. Incorporate cream cheese, which contributes a rich, creamy consistency that wonderfully complements the shrimp’s natural sweetness. Blend in some freshly squeezed lemon juice to add brightness and acidity, balancing the dish perfectly. Season frequently with salt, pepper, and perhaps a dash of Old Bay seasoning for an added layer of flavor.

Preparing the Salmon

When embarking on the journey to create a delectable shrimp stuffed salmon dish, selecting the best salmon cuts is essential. Opt for fillets that are fresh, vibrant in color, and have a slightly firm texture. Both wild-caught and sustainably farmed salmon provide excellent choices, with wild-caught varieties often offering a richer flavor profile. Look for fillets that are uniformly thick to ensure even cooking, which is crucial for achieving that tender and flaky texture that shrimp stuffed salmon is known for.

Once the ideal salmon fillets are chosen, the next step involves creating an appropriate slit for the stuffing. Lay the salmon skin-side down on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally into the thickest part of the fillet, creating a pocket. This slit should be deep enough to accommodate the shrimp filling without piercing through the bottom. A gentle hand is required to prevent tearing the flesh, thus preserving the exquisite aesthetics of the salmon while it bakes.

Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas

When it comes to serving shrimp stuffed salmon, the possibilities are vast and can be tailored to fit various occasions, from intimate family dinners to festive holiday gatherings. This dish not only showcases flavor but also serves as a centerpiece that can elevate any meal. To enhance the dining experience, consider complementing the rich flavors of the salmon with side dishes that balance its indulgence.

Light salads are an excellent way to add freshness to your plate and can include ingredients like mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette. Alternatively, roasted vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts provide an earthy touch, enhancing the overall palette without overwhelming the shrimp stuffed salmon. Another delightful addition could be a fragrant rice pilaf, perhaps infused with herbs or citrus, which can offer a perfect balance to the richness of the stuffed salmon.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 16 medium-sized raw shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails removed, chopped into 1/2″ pieces
• 4-5 oz cream cheese
• 1 large handful of fresh spinach leaves (roughly 1 cup)
• 1/4 teaspoon Primal Kitchen New Bae seasoning*
• 4 center cut salmon filets, 4-6oz per person
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• kosher salt and black pepper
• Parsley for garnish, if desired

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 C). In a large pan, melt butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic cloves, stirring often, till soft and fragrant (but not brown), about 1 minute. Stir in chopped shrimp and cook, stirring often, till just opaque – about 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat and mix in cream cheese and spinach, till everything is well-coated, then add the New Bae seasoning. Taste and adjust any seasonings.
2. Arrange salmon fillets skin side down on parchment or on a sheet pan sprayed with oil. Pat dry. Make a small 1/2″ slit down the center and pull apart to stuff the shrimp mixture in. Season filet with salt and pepper, then spoon the mixture into the slit, allowing it to spill out a bit on the top.
3. Top with panko and bake at 400F for 15-18 minutes for medium cooked fillets. Panko should be lightly brown on top. Sprinkle parsley for garnish, if desired.