Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon

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

  1. Preheat Oven
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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!

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