Description
This luxurious seafood dish combines the rich, buttery flavor of salmon with a decadent filling made from tender crab, succulent shrimp, and a creamy blend of cheeses and herbs. Perfect for special occasions, holiday dinners, or whenever you want to impress, this stuffed salmon delivers restaurant-quality elegance right from your kitchen. The crispy baked salmon exterior contrasts beautifully with the creamy, savory seafood filling inside.
Ingredients For Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
For the Salmon:
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4 salmon fillets (6–8 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
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2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
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Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Crab & Shrimp Filling:
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½ cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
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½ cup small cooked shrimp, chopped
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp green onions, finely chopped
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1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
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Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
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Preheat Oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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Prepare Salmon:
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Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
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Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each fillet without cutting through.
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Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
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Make the Filling:
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In a mixing bowl, combine crab meat, chopped shrimp, cream cheese, mayo, Parmesan, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, green onions, and parsley.
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Mix until creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning.
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Stuff Salmon:
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Spoon filling into the pocket of each salmon fillet. Press gently to seal.
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Bake Salmon:
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Place fillets on the baking sheet.
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Bake for 18–22 minutes, until salmon flakes easily with a fork and filling is hot and bubbly.
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Serve:
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Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs.
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Serve with roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad.
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Notes
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Use wild-caught salmon for best flavor.
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If using canned crab, drain well to avoid excess moisture.
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Can substitute Greek yogurt for mayo to lighten the filling.
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Works beautifully with smoked paprika or Old Bay seasoning for extra depth.
Tips
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Don’t overcook salmon; it should remain moist and tender.
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For a golden crust, broil the salmon for the last 2 minutes.
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Prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate—it makes the dish quicker to assemble.
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This recipe also works with trout or halibut if salmon isn’t available.
Servings
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Serves: 4 people
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: 460
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Protein: 42g
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Fat: 28g
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Carbohydrates: 5g
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Fiber: 0g
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Sugar: 1g
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Sodium: 590mg
Health Benefits
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Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, supports heart and brain health.
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Crab & Shrimp: Lean protein, high in vitamins and minerals like zinc and selenium.
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Creamy filling: Provides calcium and flavor while keeping the dish indulgent.
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A satisfying low-carb, high-protein meal that fits well into a keto-friendly diet.
Q & A
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare and stuff the salmon up to 1 day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Q: What sides go best with this dish?
A: Roasted asparagus, lemon butter rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp Caesar salad.
Q: Can I freeze stuffed salmon?
A: You can freeze unbaked stuffed salmon (wrapped well) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Q: Can I use imitation crab?
A: Yes, though fresh or lump crab gives the best flavor. Imitation crab will work in a pinch.