🧑‍🍳 Creamy Stuffed Salmon with Garlic Butter Shrimp

🛒 Ingredients

For the Salmon

• 2 large salmon fillets (skin-on or off)
• Salt & black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Creamy Spinach Filling

• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
• ½ cup cream cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Shrimp Topping

• 200g (7 oz) shrimp (peeled & deveined)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Salt & pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Fresh parsley (chopped)

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional but 🔥)
• Salt & pepper
• Fresh parsley

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

1. Slice each salmon fillet horizontally to create a pocket (don’t cut all the way through).
2. Season both sides with:
   • Salt
   • Pepper
   • Paprika
   • Garlic powder

Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling

1. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic → sauté ~30 seconds.
3. Add spinach → cook until wilted.
4. Lower heat, then mix in:
   • Cream cheese
   • Parmesan
   • Heavy cream
5. Stir until smooth and creamy.
6. Season with salt & pepper.

👉 Let it cool slightly before stuffing.

Step 3: Stuff the Salmon

• Spoon the creamy spinach mixture into the salmon pocket.
• Press gently so it stays inside (don’t overfill).

Step 4: Cook the Salmon

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
2. Sear salmon:
   • 4–5 minutes on one side (golden crust)
   • Flip carefully → cook another 4–5 minutes
3. Remove and set aside.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

1. In the same pan, melt butter.
2. Add garlic → sauté quickly.
3. Add shrimp:
   • Cook 2–3 minutes per side (until pink)
4. Add:
   • Lemon juice
   • Chili flakes
   • Salt & pepper
5. Toss with parsley → set aside.

Step 6: Make the Cream Sauce

1. In the same pan:
   • Add butter → melt
   • Pour in heavy cream + chicken broth
2. Simmer gently.
3. Add Parmesan + Dijon mustard.
4. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
5. Season with salt, pepper, parsley.

Step 7: Assemble

• Place salmon on a plate.
• Pour creamy sauce over it.
• Top with garlic butter shrimp.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Garlic mashed potatoes 🥔
• Butter rice 🍚
• Steamed asparagus or broccoli 🥦

💡 Pro Tips

• Don’t overcook salmon → it dries fast (aim for flaky, juicy center).
• Use fresh Parmesan for better melt & flavor.
• Shrimp cooks FAST—don’t overdo it or it turns rubbery.