Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
✨ Description
This Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is pure seafood indulgence — a tender, buttery salmon fillet filled with a luscious, creamy blend of shrimp, crab, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Baked until golden and juicy, it’s a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Perfect for date night, holidays, or any time you want to impress!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 1 large salmon fillet, butterflied (about 1½–2 lbs)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for color)
- Lemon slices, for garnish
For the Seafood Stuffing:
- ½ lb cooked shrimp, chopped
- ½ lb lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning blend)
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Salmon
- Pat salmon dry with paper towels.
- Using a sharp knife, butterfly the salmon by slicing horizontally through the center, stopping just before cutting all the way through.
- Open it like a book and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Make the Seafood Filling
- In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, Old Bay, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Gently fold in the chopped shrimp and crab meat until well combined.
- Stuff the Salmon
- Spread the seafood mixture evenly inside the salmon fillet.
- Close the top flap of the salmon gently over the filling.
- Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter.
- Bake
- Bake uncovered for 22–25 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the stuffing is hot and creamy.
- For a golden top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end.
- Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
- Serve warm with sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or rice pilaf.
🍽️ Servings
- Serves 4 generous portions
📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Approximate values — will vary by ingredients)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 45 g
- Fat: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 1 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
💡 Recipe Notes
- For extra richness, add a spoonful of sour cream to the filling.
- Don’t overbake — salmon is perfect when it just begins to flake.
- If using frozen seafood, make sure to thaw and drain well to avoid excess moisture.
- You can also make individual stuffed salmon portions by slicing the fillet into smaller sections before stuffing.
👩🍳 Tips
- Use fresh salmon if possible — it holds its shape and moisture better.
- Add a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crispy crust.
- Serve with a light lemon butter sauce or hollandaise for extra decadence.
- Great for meal prep — store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat gently in the oven.
- Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
🌿 Health Benefits
- High in omega-3 fatty acids — promotes heart and brain health.
- Protein-packed from salmon, shrimp, and crab — supports muscle repair and satiety.
- Low-carb & keto-friendly — great for low-carb diets.
- Contains vitamin B12, selenium, and antioxidants from seafood.
- A satisfying meal without heavy starches or processed ingredients.
❓ Q&A Section
Q1: Can I use imitation crab?
Yes, imitation crab can be used for budget-friendly cooking — though real crab gives a sweeter, richer flavor.
Q2: Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the stuffed salmon up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Q3: What side dishes go best with this?
Great with roasted vegetables, lemon orzo, Caesar salad, or garlic butter green beans.
Q4: Can I grill it instead of baking?
Yes, grill over medium heat on foil for 15–18 minutes with the lid closed — it gives a smoky flavor.
Q5: How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork, and the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
🧡 Final Touch
This Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon brings a fine-dining experience straight to your kitchen. Creamy, flavorful, and bursting with seafood goodness — it’s a showstopper that looks as good as it tastes!