Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant price tag? This salmon with crabmeat recipe is your answer! It's a surprisingly easy dish to make at home, packed with flavor and healthy ingredients. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers a delightful combination of flaky salmon and sweet crabmeat, elevated with a touch of lemon and herbs. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this delicious and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 4 ounces lump crabmeat, picked over for shells
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, chicken broth can be substituted)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Melt the butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Deglaze the Pan (Optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape the bottom to loosen any browned bits. Let it simmer for a minute or two until slightly reduced. If substituting chicken broth, skip this step and proceed directly to adding the crabmeat.
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Add Crabmeat and Season: Gently stir in the crabmeat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, just until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the crabmeat, as it can become tough. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Cook the Salmon: Add the seasoned salmon fillets to the skillet, placing them skin-side down (if using skin-on fillets). Cook for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets.
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Finish the Dish: Stir in the lemon juice, dill, and parsley. Gently spoon some of the sauce over the salmon fillets.
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Serve: Serve the salmon immediately, spooning the crabmeat mixture over the top. A side of rice or roasted vegetables complements this dish perfectly.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcook the salmon: Overcooked salmon will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Quality ingredients matter: Using fresh, high-quality crabmeat and salmon will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper to your liking.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing.
Variations:
- Creamy Sauce: Stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Different Herbs: Experiment with other herbs, such as chives, tarragon, or thyme.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
This salmon with crabmeat recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a truly satisfying and healthy meal. It’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough for a special occasion. Enjoy!