Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Salmon Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Create the Stuffing Mixture In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Gently fold in the crab meat, chopped shrimp, lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, dill (if using), and Old Bay seasoning (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste, being careful not to overmix and break up the crab meat.
Step 3: Prepare the Salmon Pockets Using a sharp knife, make a horizontal cut about three-quarters of the way through each salmon fillet to create a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through – you want to create a cavity that will hold the stuffing while keeping the fillet intact.
Step 4: Stuff the Salmon Divide the crab and shrimp mixture evenly among the four salmon fillets, gently stuffing each pocket. Don’t overstuff, as the mixture may spill out during cooking. If desired, secure the opening with toothpicks.
Step 5: Bake the Salmon Place the stuffed salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Top each fillet with a lemon slice. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Step 6: Rest and Serve Remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks if used and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Helpful Tips
Choose thick salmon fillets (at least 1½ inches thick) to ensure you can create adequate pockets for the stuffing without compromising the structure of the fish. Thinner fillets may fall apart during preparation or cooking.
When picking over the crab meat, be thorough in removing any shell pieces, as these can be unpleasant to bite into. Gently feel through the crab meat with your fingers to catch any missed fragments.
Don’t overmix the stuffing mixture, as this can make the crab meat mushy and less appealing. Fold ingredients together gently to maintain the texture of the seafood.
If your cream cheese isn’t fully softened, you can microwave it for 15-20 seconds to make it easier to blend with the other ingredients.
Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Intermediate
Nutritional Benefits: This recipe is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon, while the crab and shrimp provide additional lean protein. The dish is relatively low in carbohydrates and provides essential nutrients like vitamin D, selenium, and B vitamins.
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