If you’re looking for a rich, flavorful dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly easy to make, this Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is the perfect choice. Juicy salmon fillets are filled with a creamy, savory seafood stuffing and baked to perfection. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish ideal for date nights, holidays, or elevated weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Stuffing
- 1/2 cup cooked shrimp, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup lump crab meat
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Optional Topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Smoked paprika, to taste
- Extra parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a baking dish and set aside.
2. Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a deep slit into the thickest part of each fillet to create a pocket for stuffing.
3. Make the Seafood Stuffing
In a medium bowl, combine chopped shrimp, lump crab, softened cream cheese, mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic, Old Bay seasoning, shredded cheese, and parsley.
Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Stuff the Fillets
Spoon the seafood mixture into each salmon pocket.
If you have extra stuffing, you can mound it over the top of the fillets.
Place the stuffed salmon into the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake
Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter for added richness.
Sprinkle smoked paprika on top for flavor and color.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
6. Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Great sides include roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad.
Pro Tips
- Use skin-on salmon to lock in moisture during baking
- For extra crisp and flavor, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving for a bright, balanced finish
Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~450–500
- Protein: ~38g
- Fat: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~5g
(Values are approximate and depend on exact ingredients used)
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