Creamy Cajun Stuffed Salmon

Ingredients

1 cup of frozen spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry
4oz of cream cheese (softened)
1/2-cup of shredded sharp cheddar
1/4-tsp of garlic powder
1 tbsp of salt-free cajun seasoning
2oz of jumbo lump crab
4x 8-oz salmon fillets (about 1 1/2" thick)
1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp of fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp of unsalted butter
Lemon wedges for serving

Prepping salmon

Directions

Combine

In a medium bowl, combine spinach, cream cheese, cheddar, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, and 1/4-teaspoon salt. Fold in crab meat.

Slice and Dice

Using a paring knife, slice a slit in each salmon fillet to create a pocket; season salmon all over with remaining 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and 3/4-teaspoon salt. Stuff pockets with spinach mixture.

Heat It Up

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add salmon flat side up and cook, flipping halfway through, until salmon easily flakes with a fork and is just cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes per side. Add lemon juice and butter to skillet and tilt skillet to combine.

Finish and Serve

Using a thin spatula, transfer salmon to plates. Serve warm with lemon wedges alongside.

My Thoughts:

If one's goal is to try and lose weight, I can see where this dish may turn some people off (the cream cheese, the butter, and salmon, while high in protein, is rather dense in calories). But for the athletes out there who stay super active or are trying to gain size, this meal is laden with protein, fats, and calories to give your body the fuel it needs to perform.