Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon

This stuffed salmon looks like something out of a fine dining menu, but it’s simple enough to pull off any night of the week. Tender salmon fillets get sliced open and filled with a creamy crab and shrimp stuffing, then baked until the fish flakes easily and the filling is warm and rich. It’s an elegant dinner that comes together in just over 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-quality presentation. Stuffed salmon looks impressive but is easy to prepare at home.
• Two seafoods, one bite. Crab and shrimp combine in the stuffing for a rich, satisfying filling.
• Ready in about 30 minutes. A special-feeling dinner without a long time commitment.
• Naturally low-carb. Great for those watching carbs while still wanting something indulgent.

Ingredients

For the Stuffing

• 6 oz lump crab meat, checked for shells
• 4 oz cooked shrimp, chopped
• 3 tbsp cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 to 2 tbsp parsley or dill, chopped
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets, about 6 oz each, skin on
• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon

1. Prepare the seafood stuffing. In a bowl, mix the crab meat, shrimp, cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, parsley or dill, paprika, salt, and black pepper until just combined.

2. Prepare the salmon. Pat the salmon fillets dry. Cut a slit in the thickest part of each fillet to form a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.

3. Stuff the salmon. Fill each salmon pocket with the creamy crab and shrimp mixture, pressing lightly so the stuffing stays in place.

4. Season and bake. Brush the stuffed salmon with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and a little paprika.

5. Bake until tender. Bake at 400°F for 14 to 18 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily and the seafood stuffing is hot.

6. Garnish and serve. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Pair with roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Salmon

• Cut the pocket carefully. Slicing into the thickest part without cutting all the way through keeps the stuffing contained during baking.
• Don’t overfill the pockets. A generous but controlled amount of stuffing keeps it from spilling out too much while baking.
• Check for doneness at 14 minutes. Salmon thickness varies, so start checking early to avoid overcooking.
• Let the salmon rest for a minute or two after baking so the stuffing sets slightly before serving.

What to Serve with Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon

Roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad all pair beautifully with this dish. Since the stuffing is rich, keeping the sides simple lets the salmon shine.

Frequently Asked Questions