Description
Crab-Stuffed Salmon with Creamy Shrimp Alfredo
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
2 large salmon fillets (butterflied)
1 cup lump crab meat
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Shrimp and Broccoli:
10 shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 bunch of broccolini or broccoli
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Crab Filling:
In a bowl, mix crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and Old Bay seasoning. Stuff the salmon fillets with this mixture.
Cook the Salmon:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the stuffed salmon for 4–5 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until smooth.
Cook the Shrimp and Broccoli:
Heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté shrimp until pink, 2–3 minutes per side. Steam or sauté broccolini until tender.
Serve:
Plate the salmon over fettuccine pasta tossed in Alfredo sauce. Top with shrimp and serve with broccoli on the side.
Indulge in this restaurant-style dish packed with flavors!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for a seamless cooking experience. First, prepare all ingredients before starting to cook. Butterfly the salmon fillets carefully, ensuring not to cut all the way through. For the crab stuffing, gently fold the ingredients to keep the crab meat lumpy. When cooking the salmon, ensure your skillet is properly preheated to get a golden sear without burning. For the Alfredo, keep the heat on medium-low after adding the cream to prevent scorching, and add the cheese off the heat to avoid clumping. Cook the shrimp just until opaque to keep them tender.
Serving Suggestions
Plate this elegant dish for maximum visual appeal. Serve the stuffed salmon atop a bed of fettuccine generously coated with the creamy Alfredo sauce. Arrange the sautéed shrimp around the salmon and place the vibrant broccolini on the side. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, a sprinkle of paprika, or extra Parmesan cheese. For a complete meal, pair with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
How-to Summary
This restaurant-quality meal is built in key stages: 1) Create a simple crab filling with mayo, mustard, and seasoning. 2) Stuff and pan-sear butterflied salmon fillets until flaky. 3) Prepare a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce with cream and Parmesan. 4) Quickly sauté shrimp and broccolini. 5) Assemble by serving salmon over pasta tossed in sauce, topped with shrimp and accompanied by broccoli.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned crab meat? Yes, well-drained canned lump crab works, but fresh or refrigerated lump crab will provide superior flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in the Alfredo? For a lighter version, half-and-half can be used, but the sauce will be less rich and thick. Avoid milk as it may curdle.
How do I know when the salmon is done? The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I prepare any components ahead? You can make the crab stuffing and Alfredo sauce (gently reheat) a few hours ahead. Cook the salmon, shrimp, and broccoli just before serving.
What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning? A mix of paprika, celery salt, and a pinch of cayenne makes a good substitute.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the crab filling, which breaks down the delicate meat.
- Using high heat for the Alfredo sauce, causing the cream to separate or the garlic to burn.
- Overcooking the shrimp, making them rubbery.
- Not properly butterflying the salmon, leading to filling spillage during cooking.
- Adding Parmesan cheese to the sauce while it’s boiling, which can cause clumping.
Conclusion
This Crab-Stuffed Salmon with Creamy Shrimp Alfredo is a spectacular dish perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a luxurious homemade dinner. By following the detailed steps, avoiding common pitfalls, and utilizing the serving suggestions, you can reliably create a balanced, flavor-packed meal that rivals any fine dining experience. The combination of succulent seafood, rich sauce, and fresh vegetables is truly unforgettable.