Blackened Salmon, Sauteed Shrimp and Mac & Cheese

Presented by Chef Kendric

Ingredients

For the Blackened Salmon:

4 salmon fillets

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp paprika

1 tbsp onion powder

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp dried thyme

1 tbsp dried oregano

1 tsp cayenne pepper

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sautéed Shrimp:

12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tbsp olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

Juice of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Parmesan Asparagus:

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed

2 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the 5-Cheese Mac and Cheese:

8 oz elbow macaroni

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup shredded Gouda cheese

1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup bread crumbs

2 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

Blackened Salmon:

1. Prepare the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

2. Season the Salmon: Coat the salmon fillets with olive oil and rub the spice mix evenly over each fillet.

3. Cook the Salmon: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon for about 4-5 minutes per side, until blackened and cooked through.

Sautéed Shrimp:

1. Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, mix shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Parmesan Asparagus:

1. Prepare the Asparagus: Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

2. Roast the Asparagus: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place asparagus on a baking sheet and roast for about 10-12 minutes, until tender.

3. Add Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the asparagus and return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, until cheese is melted.

5-Cheese Mac and Cheese:

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens. Add all the cheeses and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Combine and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and transfer to a baking dish. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the macaroni. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

Plating:

1. Place a piece of blackened salmon and a few sautéed shrimp on each plate.

2. Add a serving of Parmesan asparagus.

3. Spoon a portion of the 5-cheese mac and cheese into a ramekin or small dish.

4. Serve immediately and enjoy!