This Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe transforms ordinary salmon fillets into an elegant, restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your dinner guests. The combination of tender salmon, succulent crab meat, and perfectly seasoned shrimp creates a luxurious meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe delivers on multiple fronts, making it a standout dish for any seafood lover. The creamy, flavorful stuffing pairs beautifully with the rich, buttery salmon, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. You’ll appreciate how the recipe elevates simple ingredients into something truly special, while still being manageable for home cooks of all skill levels.
The dish is incredibly versatile and can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining. The combination of three premium seafood ingredients creates a protein-rich meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Plus, the presentation is stunning – your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen when this elegant dish took less than 45 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 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)
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon slices for topping
How to Make Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Salmon Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Create the Stuffing Mixture In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Gently fold in the crab meat, chopped shrimp, lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, dill (if using), and Old Bay seasoning (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste, being careful not to overmix and break up the crab meat.
Step 3: Prepare the Salmon Pockets Using a sharp knife, make a horizontal cut about three-quarters of the way through each salmon fillet to create a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through – you want to create a cavity that will hold the stuffing while keeping the fillet intact.
Step 4: Stuff the Salmon Divide the crab and shrimp mixture evenly among the four salmon fillets, gently stuffing each pocket. Don’t overstuff, as the mixture may spill out during cooking. If desired, secure the opening with toothpicks.
Step 5: Bake the Salmon Place the stuffed salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Top each fillet with a lemon slice. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Step 6: Rest and Serve Remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks if used and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Helpful Tips
Choose thick salmon fillets (at least 1½ inches thick) to ensure you can create adequate pockets for the stuffing without compromising the structure of the fish. Thinner fillets may fall apart during preparation or cooking.
When picking over the crab meat, be thorough in removing any shell pieces, as these can be unpleasant to bite into. Gently feel through the crab meat with your fingers to catch any missed fragments.
Don’t overmix the stuffing mixture, as this can make the crab meat mushy and less appealing. Fold ingredients together gently to maintain the texture of the seafood.
If your cream cheese isn’t fully softened, you can microwave it for 15-20 seconds to make it easier to blend with the other ingredients.
Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Intermediate
Nutritional Benefits: This recipe is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon, while the crab and shrimp provide additional lean protein. The dish is relatively low in carbohydrates and provides essential nutrients like vitamin D, selenium, and B vitamins.
Notes
For the best results, use fresh, high-quality seafood. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they’re completely thawed and patted dry before chopping. Fresh crab meat will provide superior flavor and texture compared to canned options.
The stuffing can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. This actually helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Just bring it to room temperature before stuffing the salmon.
If you prefer a slightly different flavor profile, you can substitute the dill with chopped chives or green onions. The Old Bay seasoning adds a classic seafood house flavor, but it can be omitted if you prefer a cleaner taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe? Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it very dry before preparing. Frozen salmon may release more moisture during cooking, which can make the stuffing soggy.
What if I can’t find lump crab meat? You can use backfin crab meat or even imitation crab meat in a pinch, though the flavor and texture will be different. If using imitation crab, reduce the amount slightly as it tends to be saltier.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? You can stuff the salmon up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
What sides pair well with this dish? This Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. The rich flavors complement lighter sides that won’t compete with the seafood.
How do I know when the salmon is done? The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The flesh should be opaque and separate easily into flakes.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover stuffed salmon in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container. The quality is best when consumed within 24 hours.
Reheating: To reheat, place the salmon in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as this can make the salmon tough and dry.
Freezing: While you can freeze the cooked salmon for up to 1 month, the texture of the seafood stuffing may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, consume fresh.
Conclusion
This Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe proves that elegant, restaurant-quality meals can be achieved in your own kitchen with relatively simple techniques and premium ingredients. The combination of tender salmon with the creamy, flavorful seafood stuffing creates a dish that’s both impressive and satisfying.
Whether you’re preparing this for a special occasion, holiday dinner, or simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this recipe delivers on both flavor and presentation. The key is using quality ingredients and not overcomplicating the preparation – sometimes the best dishes are the ones that let the natural flavors of excellent ingredients shine through.
With proper preparation and attention to cooking times, you’ll have a memorable meal that showcases the best of what seafood has to offer. This Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection, perfect for creating special moments around the dinner table.