Shrimp Stuffed Baked Potato with Blackened Salmon & Grilled Asparagus: The Ultimate Southern-Inspired Surf & Turf Feast

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If you’re craving a bold, flavor-packed meal that balances indulgence with fresh, wholesome ingredients, look no further than this Shrimp Stuffed Baked Potato with Blackened Salmon and Grilled Asparagus. This dish combines spicy Cajun shrimp, creamy potatoes, perfectly seared salmon, and smoky charred asparagus to create a meal that’s both hearty and elevated — a true celebration of surf and turf with a Southern twist.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply want to treat yourself to something extra special, this recipe is for food lovers who aren’t afraid to bring bold flavors into the kitchen. It’s a full meal on one plate — spicy, creamy, smoky, fresh, and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavor Explosion – From Cajun-spiced shrimp and creamy potato interiors to crispy-edged salmon and bright, zesty asparagus, this meal hits every note.
  • Gourmet Presentation – Looks like it came from a five-star restaurant but is achievable in your home kitchen.
  • Versatile & Customizable – Perfect for seafood lovers, with plenty of room for variations depending on your pantry or preferences.
  • Meal-in-One – No need for additional sides — everything you need is plated together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shrimp Stuffed Baked Potato:

  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

For the Blackened Salmon:

  • 2 salmon fillets
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp blackened seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Grilled Asparagus:

  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet or wire rack
  • Cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
  • Grill or grill pan
  • Tongs
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Large skillet
  • Spatula or cooking spoon

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Bake the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub your russet potatoes clean and dry them thoroughly. Pierce each one a few times with a fork, then rub them with olive oil and a generous sprinkle of salt. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until fork-tender. Once done, set aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Shrimp Stuffing

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Lower the heat, stir in the heavy cream, and simmer for a minute or two to combine into a rich, creamy sauce. Keep warm.

3. Blacken the Salmon

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Coat salmon fillets with blackened seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Sear skin-side down for about 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and has a crispy, flavorful crust.

4. Grill the Asparagus

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Toss trimmed asparagus in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they develop char marks and become tender. Squeeze lemon juice over the top just before serving.

5. Assemble the Dish

Slice open your baked potatoes and fluff the insides with a fork. Scoop out a small bit of potato to create space for the shrimp mixture. Spoon the creamy shrimp filling generously into each potato.

6. Plate & Garnish

Place a stuffed baked potato on each plate alongside a salmon fillet and a handful of grilled asparagus. Garnish the potato with freshly chopped parsley and serve the asparagus with lemon wedges.

Tips, Tricks & Variations

Swap It Out

  • No shrimp? Try diced lobster tail or even crab meat.
  • No salmon? Use blackened chicken breasts or tofu for a pescatarian/vegetarian twist.
  • Dairy-Free? Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and dairy-free butter alternatives.

Spice Level

Adjust the Cajun seasoning based on your heat tolerance. Add a dash of cayenne for extra kick or tone it down with a splash of lemon juice and extra cream.

Time-Saving Hacks

  • Use pre-cooked shrimp to shave off prep time. Just add them in at the cream stage.
  • Microwave the potatoes for 8-10 minutes before finishing in the oven to speed up baking.

How to Store Leftovers

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in airtight containers:

  • Shrimp-Stuffed Potatoes: Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
  • Salmon: Store separately in the fridge and enjoy within 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.
  • Asparagus: Best eaten fresh but can be reheated briefly in a pan or microwave.

Avoid freezing the stuffed potatoes, as the texture of the cream sauce may change upon thawing.

Suggested Pairings

To make your meal truly restaurant-worthy, consider these pairings:

Wine Pairing:

  • A Chardonnay with buttery notes will complement the creamy shrimp and salmon.
  • Sauvignon Blanc or Rosé for a crisp, refreshing contrast.

Beverage Alternatives:

  • Sparkling water with lemon and herbs
  • Sweet iced tea with a hint of mint

Side Options:

  • Cornbread or cheddar biscuits
  • Garden salad with citrus vinaigrette
  • Roasted red pepper soup (for a surf-and-sip experience)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the components ahead of time (baked potatoes, grilled asparagus, shrimp sauce), but assemble and reheat them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

How do I make homemade blackened seasoning?
Mix equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano, and black pepper. Store in an airtight jar for weeks.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! The entire dish is naturally gluten-free, just double-check your seasonings to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients.

Can I air fry the salmon?
Absolutely. Air fry at 400°F for 7-9 minutes depending on thickness. You’ll still get that crispy edge without the stovetop mess.

Final Thoughts: A Coastal Comfort Classic

This Shrimp Stuffed Baked Potato with Blackened Salmon and Grilled Asparagus is everything you want in a hearty dinner — comforting, luxurious, and packed with bold flavor. Whether you’re serving this to impress guests or treating yourself to a gourmet dinner at home, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results every time.

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