Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon

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

  1. Preheat Oven – Set to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 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.
  3. Season the Salmon – Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Step 2: Make the Seafood Stuffing

  1. 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.
  2. Adjust Seasoning – Taste and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
  3. Thicken if Necessary – If the mixture is too soft, stir in some panko breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Stuff & Bake the Salmon

  1. Fill the Salmon Pockets – Spoon the seafood stuffing evenly into each fillet.
  2. Arrange on a Baking Dish – Place the stuffed salmon fillets in a lightly greased baking dish or sheet pan.
  3. Bake – Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and cooked through.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs – Sprinkle with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
  2. 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!

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Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon

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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!

  • Author: Beth
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
  2. 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.
  3. Drizzle fillets with olive oil, lemon juice, and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

Step 2: Make the Crab & Shrimp Stuffing

  1. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, lemon zest, parsley, green onions, and hot sauce.
  2. Gently fold in crab meat, shrimp, and panko breadcrumbs until well combined.

Step 3: Stuff & Bake the Salmon

  1. Spoon the crab and shrimp mixture evenly into each salmon fillet.
  2. 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

  1. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon wedges.
  2. 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.

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