Elegant Cajun Seafood Stuffed Salmon Recipe

Sizzling Cajun Seafood Stuffed Salmon Recipe: Ocean Magic

Crafting an elegant cajun seafood stuffed salmon brings culinary magic to your dinner table.

Layers of rich, spicy flavors meld perfectly inside tender salmon fillets.

Coastal traditions inspire this delightful recipe with bold seasonings and fresh ingredients.

Seafood lovers will appreciate the complex taste profile blending delicate fish and zesty cajun spices.

Each bite promises a vibrant explosion of southern-inspired cuisine.

Succulent shrimp and crab nestled within flaky salmon create an unforgettable dining experience.

Make this dish and watch everyone marvel at your incredible cooking skills.

Storage Guidelines for Elegant Cajun Seafood Stuffed Salmon

  • Store leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent odors from spreading and maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
  • Preheat oven to 275F. Place salmon on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145F.
  • Place salmon on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking. Stop when warmed through.

FAQs on Elegant Cajun Seafood Stuffed Salmon

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The Cajun seasoning and jalapeño add a mild to moderate heat level, which can be adjusted by reducing or increasing these ingredients according to your spice preference.

  • Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, cream cheese or goat cheese can substitute Boursin cheese while maintaining a similar creamy texture in the stuffing.

  • What if I can't find crab meat?

You can replace crab meat with cooked and flaked white fish like cod or halibut, or use imitation crab meat as an alternative.

  • Do I need special equipment to make this recipe?

No special equipment is required – just a baking sheet, parchment paper, mixing bowls, and a sharp knife to create the salmon fillet pocket.

What Makes Elegant Cajun Seafood Stuffed Salmon So Special

  • Unleash Gourmet Flavors: Transform your dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience with this luxurious seafood-packed salmon that combines multiple proteins and bold Cajun spices.
  • Customize with Ease: Adjust the spice level by modifying Cajun seasoning or swap ingredients like crab meat with another seafood to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein from salmon, shrimp, and crab meat, this dish delivers a balanced meal rich in omega-3 fatty acids and essential nutrients for health-conscious food lovers.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with a simple baking sheet method, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort.

Ingredients Used in Elegant Cajun Seafood Stuffed Salmon

Main Protein:
  • Salmon Fillets: Fresh fish with a rich, buttery flavor that serves as the base for this elegant seafood dish.
  • Crab Meat: Delicate, sweet seafood that adds richness and texture to the salmon stuffing.
  • Shrimp: Tender seafood that provides an additional layer of protein and Cajun-style seasoning.
Cheese and Creamy Ingredients:
  • Boursin Cheese: Soft, herbed cheese that creates a creamy and flavorful stuffing.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that adds depth and saltiness to the mixture.
Vegetable and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Spinach: Nutrient-rich green that adds moisture and color to the stuffing.
  • Jalapeno: Spicy pepper that brings a kick of heat to the seafood mixture.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that balance and highlight the dish's flavors.
  • Smoked Paprika, Cajun Seasoning: Spice blends that provide a bold, smoky, and spicy taste.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps with seasoning and prevents sticking.
  • Cajun Butter: Adds richness and traditional Cajun flavor.
  • Lemon Wedges: Bright, acidic garnish that cuts through the richness.

How to Cook Elegant Cajun Seafood Stuffed Salmon

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

Set the oven to 350F (175C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect salmon cooking.

Step 2: Season Salmon Fillets

Rub salmon fillets with oil and generously coat with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Smoked paprika
  • Cajun seasoning

Create a deep slit through the middle of each fillet, cutting about two-thirds into the fish.

Step 3: Prepare Seafood Stuffing

Drain excess liquid from spinach. In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Spinach
  • Boursin cheese
  • Chopped jalapeno
  • Crab meat
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Minced garlic

Season the mixture with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 4: Spice the Shrimp

In a separate bowl, toss shrimp with:
  • Remaining oil
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Step 5: Stuff and Top the Salmon

Carefully fill the salmon slit with the prepared crab mixture. Arrange seasoned shrimp on top of the stuffed fillets. Place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with Cajun butter.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-17 minutes until the salmon turns opaque and easily flakes with a fork.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the stuffed salmon to serving plates. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.

Expert Advice for Elegant Cajun Seafood Stuffed Salmon

  • Check salmon thickness for even cooking, aiming for 1-inch uniform cuts to prevent dry edges.
  • Drain spinach thoroughly using a clean kitchen towel to prevent watery stuffing and maintain rich texture.
  • Select fresh, high-quality crab meat for maximum flavor and authentic seafood taste in the stuffing.
  • Remove shrimp tails before adding to prevent tough, chewy pieces during baking and ensure smooth eating experience.
  • Use instant-read thermometer to verify salmon reaches internal temperature of 145F for perfect doneness without overcooking.

Variations to Enhance Elegant Cajun Seafood Stuffed Salmon

  • Herb Garden Salmon: Replace Cajun seasoning with fresh dill, thyme, and rosemary for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Citrus Kick Salmon: Add orange zest and lime juice to the seafood stuffing, complementing the crab and shrimp with bright, tangy notes.
  • Cheesy Poblano Salmon: Swap Boursin for cream cheese and incorporate roasted poblano peppers into the stuffing for a smoky, rich version.
  • Low-Carb Salmon Skillet: Skip the oven baking and prepare the entire dish in a cast-iron skillet for a quicker, one-pan meal with same intense flavors.

Best Complements for Elegant Cajun Seafood Stuffed Salmon

  • Crisp White Wine Delight: Reach for a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, spicy flavors and enhance the seafood's delicate taste.
  • Zesty Citrus Rice Side: Prepare lemon-herb rice pilaf with fresh parsley and a touch of butter to balance the Cajun spices and provide a light, refreshing accompaniment.
  • Cool Cucumber Salad Contrast: Whip up a tangy cucumber salad with dill, red onion, and a light vinaigrette to offer a crisp, cooling counterpoint to the salmon's bold, spicy profile.
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Elegant Cajun Seafood Stuffed Salmon Recipe

Elegant Cajun Seafood Stuffed Salmon Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent salmon meets Louisiana magic in this Cajun Seafood Stuffed Salmon, blending rich coastal flavors with spicy southern charm. Creamy seafood filling and bold Cajun seasoning promise a restaurant-worthy dish you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Seafood and Main Ingredients:

  • 4 salmon fillets (7 ounces/198 grams each), skin removed
  • 8 ounces/226 grams lump crab or claw crab
  • 1216 medium shrimp, peeled and cleaned

Filling and Cheese Ingredients:

  • 1 pack (5 ounces/142 grams) Boursin Shallot & Chive, at room temperature
  • 4 ounces/113 grams frozen spinach, thawed
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 jalapeno, deseeded and diced
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced

Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, plus more for seasoning shrimp
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, plus more for seasoning shrimp
  • Salt and ground pepper, to taste
  • Lemon wedges, to garnish

Cajun Butter Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cooking surface.
  2. Massage salmon fillets with oil and create a deep pocket along the center, ensuring seasoning covers both exterior surfaces with Cajun spices, salt, and pepper.
  3. Thoroughly drain spinach to remove excess moisture, then combine with creamy Boursin, minced jalapeno, delicate crab meat, grated parmesan, and crushed garlic in a mixing bowl, seasoning with additional salt and pepper.
  4. Separately marinate shrimp in remaining oil, complementary Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
  5. Carefully fill salmon’s central pocket with prepared crab mixture, arranging seasoned shrimp strategically across the top surface.
  6. Drizzle prepared Cajun butter over stuffed salmon to intensify coastal flavors before transferring to preheated oven.
  7. Roast for 15-17 minutes, monitoring until salmon transforms to opaque and easily flakes when tested with a fork.
  8. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges to brighten the dish and serve immediately for maximum taste and texture experience.

Notes

  • Customize the spice level by adjusting Cajun seasoning to suit personal heat preferences.
  • Use fresh crab meat for the most authentic and rich seafood flavor, but high-quality canned crab works perfectly too.
  • If avoiding dairy, substitute Boursin cheese with dairy-free cream cheese or Greek yogurt alternative.
  • Ensure salmon is evenly cut and stuffed to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent dry edges.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 17 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 474 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 540 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 42 g
  • Cholesterol: 160 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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