Seafood Stuffed Salmon with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes & Sautéed Asparagus

Introduction

If you’ve ever wanted to serve a restaurant-quality seafood dinner at home, look no further than Seafood Stuffed Salmon with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes & Sautéed Asparagus. This elegant yet approachable dish combines tender salmon fillets stuffed with a creamy, flavorful seafood medley of shrimp and crab, accompanied by buttery Parmesan mashed potatoes and crisp-tender garlic asparagus.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion, a dinner party, or simply treating yourself to a decadent weeknight meal, this dish has all the elements of a gourmet experience without the stress. Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors: flaky salmon, creamy cheesy seafood filling, rich and smooth potatoes, and fresh, garlicky asparagus.

The best part? This recipe is surprisingly straightforward, using simple ingredients you can find at your local grocery store. With a little preparation and love, you’ll have a meal that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end seafood restaurant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Gourmet at home: Achieve a restaurant-quality meal with simple steps.
• Flavor-packed: Shrimp, crab, and seasonings create a rich, savory stuffing.
• Balanced meal: Protein, creamy carbs, and fresh veggies in one plate.
• Kid-friendly option: Mild and creamy enough for picky eaters, with optional spice for adults.
• Customizable: Add Panko for crunch, or a drizzle of Cajun sauce for heat.
• Impress your guests: Beautiful presentation and luxurious flavors make it perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Salmon & Seafood Stuffing

• 2 large salmon fillets (skin-on or off) – tender and flaky.
• ½ lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped – succulent seafood flavor.
• ½ cup lump crab meat – adds richness and a delicate seafood taste.
• 2 tbsp butter – sautéing base for shrimp and garlic.
• 1 tsp garlic, minced – aromatic and savory.
• ½ tsp Cajun seasoning – optional spice and depth of flavor.
• ¼ tsp paprika – subtle smokiness.
• ½ tsp onion powder – enhances umami.
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened – creamy base for stuffing.
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded – nutty, salty, and flavorful.
• 1 tbsp parsley, chopped – fresh herb flavor.
• ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs (optional) – adds texture.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice – brightens flavors.

For the Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed – fluffy base.
• ¼ cup butter – rich and creamy.
• ½ cup heavy cream – silky texture.
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded – adds depth and umami.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – balance flavors.

For the Sautéed Asparagus

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed – tender-crisp vegetable.
• 1 tbsp olive oil – cooking base.
• 1 tbsp butter – adds richness.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – aromatic flavor.
• ½ tsp salt & black pepper – seasoning.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Sharp knife for cutting salmon pockets
• Medium skillet for shrimp
• Large pot for boiling potatoes
• Potato masher or ricer
• Sauté pan for asparagus
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood Stuffing

1. In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
2. Add 1 tsp minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes, until pink and opaque.
4. Stir in ½ cup lump crab meat, ½ tsp Cajun seasoning, ¼ tsp paprika, and ½ tsp onion powder. Remove from heat.
5. In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup cream cheese, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp chopped parsley, ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs (optional), and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Fold in the shrimp-crab mixture. Set aside.

Step 2: Stuff & Bake the Salmon

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into the thickest part of each salmon fillet.
3. Stuff each pocket with the prepared seafood mixture.
4. Place the fillets on a lined baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until salmon is flaky and the stuffing is heated through.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
2. Drain and mash with ¼ cup butter, ½ cup heavy cream, and ½ cup Parmesan cheese.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Step 4: Sauté the Asparagus

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add 1 bunch asparagus, 2 cloves minced garlic, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper.
3. Sauté for 5 minutes until tender-crisp, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Plate & Serve

1. Spoon the Parmesan mashed potatoes onto plates as a base.
2. Place a stuffed salmon fillet on top of the mashed potatoes.
3. Add sautéed asparagus alongside.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Tips & Variations

Flavor Enhancements

• Add cayenne pepper or extra Cajun seasoning to the seafood for a spicier kick.
• Top salmon with a lemon-butter sauce or a drizzle of garlic cream for extra richness.
• Sprinkle extra Parmesan over potatoes before serving for a sharper flavor.

Dietary Adjustments

• Low-carb: Serve with cauliflower mash instead of potatoes.
• Gluten-free: Omit Panko breadcrumbs or use gluten-free Panko.
• Dairy-free: Replace butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare the seafood stuffing a few hours in advance and store in the refrigerator.
• Boil and mash potatoes ahead of time; reheat gently before serving.
• Trim and prep asparagus in advance to save time.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Taste: Rich and buttery with layers of seafood flavor, garlic, and a hint of spice.

Texture: Flaky salmon, creamy cheesy seafood stuffing, smooth mashed potatoes, crisp-tender asparagus.

Side Ideas:

• Serve with a light salad for freshness.
• Add garlic bread to soak up extra sauce.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving, Approx.)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	650 kcal
Protein	45 g
Carbs	40 g
Total Fat	35 g
Saturated Fat	15 g
Fiber	5 g
Sugar	3 g
Sodium	600 mg

Dietary Notes: High-protein, gluten-free (omit Panko), rich in healthy fats, Mediterranean-inspired.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Cook seafood stuffing and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking.
• Mashed potatoes can be made 1 day ahead; reheat gently and add extra butter or cream to maintain creaminess.
• Asparagus can be prepped and trimmed; cook right before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use other fish instead of salmon?
Yes, cod, halibut, or sea bass fillets work well but may require shorter baking times.

2. Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely! Add more Cajun seasoning, cayenne, or hot paprika to the stuffing.

3. Can I freeze the seafood stuffing?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze it uncooked and bake salmon fresh for optimal flavor and texture.

4. How do I prevent overcooked salmon?
Check for flakiness with a fork at 15 minutes. Salmon continues to cook slightly after removing from the oven.

5. Can I use frozen shrimp or crab?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the stuffing.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Prepare seafood stuffing	10 min
Bake salmon	15–18 min
Boil and mash potatoes	15 min
Sauté asparagus	5 min
Plate & serve	5 min
Total	45–50 min

Serving Suggestions

• Plate salmon on a bed of mashed potatoes for visual appeal.
• Arrange asparagus on the side for color contrast.
• Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges for freshness and brightness.

Ingredient Spotlight

Salmon

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is a tender, flavorful protein that pairs beautifully with creamy seafood stuffing. Choose fillets with even thickness for even cooking.

Shrimp & Crab

These provide sweet, succulent seafood flavor that complements the richness of the salmon and cream cheese mixture. Use fresh or thawed frozen seafood for best results.

Parmesan Cheese

Adds nutty depth to both the stuffing and mashed potatoes, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Sear shrimp lightly to avoid overcooking before folding into stuffing.
• Use a sharp knife to create a pocket in the salmon to prevent tearing.
• Let baked salmon rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
• Toss mashed potatoes with butter while hot for extra creamy texture.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze seafood stuffing separately (uncooked) for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat salmon gently in a 325°F oven to avoid drying.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	650 kcal
Protein	45 g
Carbs	40 g
Total Fat	35 g
Saturated Fat	15 g
Fiber	5 g
Sugar	3 g
Sodium	600 mg

Expanded Conclusion

Seafood Stuffed Salmon with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes & Sautéed Asparagus is the ultimate combination of elegance and comfort. It brings together flaky salmon, creamy seafood stuffing, rich Parmesan mashed potatoes, and fresh asparagus for a complete, well-balanced meal.

Perfect for a special dinner, a family treat, or even entertaining guests, this dish shows off your culinary skills without overwhelming your time in the kitchen. The creamy, buttery flavors paired with tender, savory seafood make every bite memorable.

Once you try this recipe, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite for gatherings, holidays, or simply when you want to enjoy a luxurious, homemade seafood dinner.

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