Blackened Salmon With Crispy Calabrian Shrimp Recipe

If you’re looking to add a flavorful and sophisticated dish to your culinary repertoire, look no further than Blackened Salmon with Crispy Calabrian Shrimp. This recipe is a delightful combination of smoky, spicy salmon paired with succulent shrimp that have a crispy, zesty coating. Inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean, this dish brings a touch of gourmet dining to your home kitchen. Whether you’re a seafood aficionado or just looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details and make this delectable meal together.

Ingredients

For the Blackened Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon

For the Crispy Calabrian Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil for frying

For the Lemon Herb Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Blackened Salmon

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub each fillet with olive oil, then generously coat with the spice mix on both sides.
4. Sear the Salmon: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of olive oil and sear the salmon fillets for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the crust is blackened.
5. Finish in the Oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Preparing the Crispy Calabrian Shrimp

1. Set Up the Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls – one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Calabrian chili paste, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Bread the Shrimp: Dredge each shrimp in flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Fry the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Preparing the Lemon Herb Sauce

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, fresh dill, fresh parsley, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

Bringing It All Together

1. Plate the Dish: On each plate, place a portion of blackened salmon and a serving of crispy Calabrian shrimp.
2. Add the Sauce: Drizzle the lemon herb sauce over the shrimp and serve additional sauce on the side.
3. Garnish: Garnish with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Tips and Variations

• Adjusting the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the salmon spice mix and Calabrian chili paste in the shrimp coating.
• Alternative Proteins: This recipe works wonderfully with other proteins like cod or chicken. For a similar dish, try parmesan-crusted cod with Calabrian honey.
• Healthier Option: For a healthier twist, bake the shrimp instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the breaded shrimp on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg

Conclusion

Blackened Salmon with Crispy Calabrian Shrimp is a delightful dish that brings together bold flavors and a satisfying crunch. It’s perfect for a special dinner or when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. We hope you enjoy making and eating this recipe as much as we do. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below, and if you loved this recipe, check out our other seafood recipes on easycrispyrecipes.com.