This Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is a show-stopping dish featuring tender, flaky salmon fillets filled with a rich and creamy seafood stuffing. Bursting with the flavors of lump crab, shrimp, garlic, and herbs, this dish is perfect for special occasions, date nights, or whenever you want a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Flavorful – The combination of crab, shrimp, and seasoned cream cheese makes for a decadent filling.
- Moist & Flaky Salmon – Baking locks in the juices for perfectly tender fish.
- Perfect for Special Occasions – A stunning dish for holidays, dinner parties, or romantic meals.
- Customizable – Add cheese, spice, or different seafood to suit your taste.
- Easy to Prepare – Simple ingredients come together in under 40 minutes!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Salmon:
- Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Salt & black pepper
- Paprika (for color and flavor)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
For the Crab & Shrimp Stuffing:
- Lump crab meat
- Shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Mayonnaise
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Garlic (minced)
- Green onions (chopped)
- Old Bay seasoning
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Panko breadcrumbs (for texture, optional)
Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
- Preheat Oven – Set to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut Pockets in the Salmon – Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into the thickest part of each salmon fillet, making sure not to cut all the way through.
- Season the Salmon – Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Step 2: Make the Seafood Stuffing
- Combine Ingredients – In a bowl, mix crab, chopped shrimp, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan, garlic, green onions, Old Bay seasoning, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and parsley.
- Adjust Seasoning – Taste and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Thicken if Necessary – If the mixture is too soft, stir in some panko breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Stuff & Bake the Salmon
- Fill the Salmon Pockets – Spoon the seafood stuffing evenly into each fillet.
- Arrange on a Baking Dish – Place the stuffed salmon fillets in a lightly greased baking dish or sheet pan.
- Bake – Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and cooked through.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs – Sprinkle with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
- Pair with Side Dishes – Serve with roasted asparagus, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Cajun Version – Add extra Cajun seasoning and a dash of hot sauce.
- Cheesy Upgrade – Mix in shredded mozzarella or cheddar.
- Herb Butter Baked Salmon – Top with a dollop of garlic herb butter before baking.
- Lighter Option – Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the seafood filling may lose texture.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes! Use high-quality lump crab meat for the best flavor.
What’s the best type of salmon for stuffing?
Thick-cut, center-cut fillets work best for holding the filling.
Can I make this in the air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.
Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make the stuffing up to 1 day in advance and store it in the fridge.
Do I have to use cream cheese?
No, you can substitute it with ricotta or a mix of Greek yogurt and Parmesan.
How do I keep the filling from spilling out?
Secure the opening with toothpicks or shape the fillets to hold the stuffing better.
Can I grill the stuffed salmon?
Yes! Wrap in foil and grill over medium heat for 12-15 minutes.
What can I serve with this dish?
Rice pilaf, roasted Brussels sprouts, garlic bread, or lemon butter pasta pair beautifully.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C), and the flesh should flake easily.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw, pat dry, and chop before mixing into the stuffing.
Conclusion
This Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is a decadent, seafood-lover’s dream! With its creamy, flavorful filling and tender, flaky salmon, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Whether for a holiday meal or a fancy weeknight dinner, give it a try and enjoy a restaurant-worthy dish at home!
PrintCrab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
This Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is a restaurant-quality dish featuring flaky salmon fillets filled with a rich, creamy seafood stuffing made with lump crab, shrimp, and savory seasonings. It’s perfect for special occasions, date nights, or an elegant family dinner!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood, American
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crab & Shrimp Stuffing:
- ½ cup lump crab meat, drained
- ½ cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra texture)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or chives
- Extra lemon wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket in the thickest part of each salmon fillet, making sure not to cut all the way through.
- Drizzle fillets with olive oil, lemon juice, and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Make the Crab & Shrimp Stuffing
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, lemon zest, parsley, green onions, and hot sauce.
- Gently fold in crab meat, shrimp, and panko breadcrumbs until well combined.
Step 3: Stuff & Bake the Salmon
- Spoon the crab and shrimp mixture evenly into each salmon fillet.
- Place the stuffed fillets in the baking dish and bake for 15-18 minutes, until the salmon is opaque and flaky.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon wedges.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal!
Notes
- No crab? Substitute with extra shrimp or cooked scallops.
- Want it spicier? Add extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the stuffing.
- Make it crispy: Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for a golden top.