Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe

Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe 🦀🦐🐟

This Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is a luxurious and flavorful dish that combines tender salmon fillets with a creamy, seafood-packed stuffing. Perfect for special occasions or an elevated weeknight dinner, this recipe is as impressive to serve as it is delicious to eat. The rich flavors of crab, shrimp, and herbs complement the buttery texture of salmon, creating a dish that’s sure to wow your guests—or just treat yourself to something extraordinary.

Let’s dive into how to make this elegant yet easy-to-prepare stuffed salmon step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Elegant & Impressive : Perfect for holidays, date nights, or special dinners—it looks and tastes restaurant-quality.
2. Packed with Flavor : The creamy crab and shrimp filling adds a burst of seafood goodness to every bite.
3. Easy to Prepare : Despite its gourmet appearance, this dish is simple to assemble and bake.
4. Customizable : Add your favorite herbs, spices, or even a splash of white wine to the filling for extra flair.
5. Healthy & Satisfying : Rich in protein, omega-3s, and fresh ingredients, it’s both indulgent and nutritious.

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

• 4 thick salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless )
• 1 cup lump crab meat , drained and picked over
• ¾ cup cooked shrimp , chopped
• 4 oz cream cheese , softened
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 clove garlic , minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped dill (optional, but highly recommended )
• ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional, for seafood flavor )
• Salt and pepper , to taste
• Lemon slices , for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Seafood Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lump crab meat, chopped shrimp, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, dill, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well combined. Be careful not to break up the crab meat too much.

Step 3: Prepare the Salmon Fillets

1. Cut a slit or pocket into each salmon fillet, being careful not to cut all the way through.
2. Season the salmon lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 4: Stuff the Salmon

1. Divide the seafood mixture evenly among the salmon fillets, gently stuffing each one with the filling.
2. If needed, secure the opening of the salmon with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during baking.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. Place the stuffed salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish. Top each fillet with a slice of lemon for added flavor and presentation.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes , or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C) .
3. (Optional) For a golden, bubbly topping, broil the salmon for the last 1–2 minutes , keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Ingredients : Fresh crab meat, shrimp, and herbs elevate the dish significantly compared to frozen or dried alternatives.
2. Prevent Overcooking : Salmon cooks quickly—remove it from the oven when it reaches 125°F (52°C), as it will continue to cook slightly while resting.
3. Add a Splash of Wine : Stir 1–2 tablespoons of dry white wine into the seafood filling for an extra layer of flavor.
4. Switch Up Proteins : Substitute scallops or lobster for the shrimp for a decadent twist.
5. Make Ahead : Prepare the seafood filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake just before serving.

Perfect Pairings

This Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon pairs beautifully with:

• Roasted Vegetables : Serve with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for a healthy side.
• Rice or Quinoa : Pair with a bed of fluffy rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the flavors.
• Garlic Bread : Warm, buttery garlic bread complements the richness of the dish.
• Wine Pairing : A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs perfectly with the seafood flavors.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories : ~400 kcal
• Protein : ~35g
• Carbohydrates : ~8g
• Fat : ~25g
• Fiber : ~1g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is a show-stopping dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. With its creamy, flavorful seafood filling and perfectly cooked salmon, it’s a meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner, celebrating a holiday, or simply craving something extraordinary, this recipe is sure to impress.