Treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home with this Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe. Tender salmon fillets are filled with a rich and creamy mixture of sweet crab, juicy shrimp, herbs, and cheese, then baked until perfectly flaky. Every bite is packed with luxurious seafood flavor, making this dish ideal for holidays, date nights, or whenever you want to serve something truly memorable.
Whenever we have something special to celebrate, this stuffed salmon is always the first recipe my family requests. My husband loves the rich seafood filling, and the kids can’t get enough of the creamy, cheesy center tucked inside the flaky salmon. The first time I made it, everyone thought it came from a fancy seafood restaurant. Now it’s become one of our favorite meals for birthdays, holidays, and cozy Sunday dinners together.
Why This Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe
- Flaky salmon filled with a rich and creamy seafood stuffing.
- Sweet crab and tender shrimp create an irresistible combination.
- Bakes in under 40 minutes with minimal preparation.
- Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or romantic dinners.
- Packed with protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
- Looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to prepare.
- Pairs beautifully with vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Makes about 6 servings
For the Salmon
- 6 salmon fillets (about 2¼ lb / 1.02 kg / 1020 g), skin removed if preferred
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
For the Crab & Shrimp Filling
- 8 oz (225 g / 0.50 lb) lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 8 oz (225 g / 0.50 lb) cooked shrimp, finely chopped
- 4 oz (115 g / 0.25 lb) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (25 g / 0.06 lb) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (30 g / 0.07 lb) panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons (8 g / 0.02 lb) chopped fresh parsley
- 2 green onions (40 g / 0.09 lb), finely sliced
- 2 garlic cloves (6 g / 0.01 lb), minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
- Extra grated Parmesan
Directions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Season the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the thickest side of each fillet without slicing all the way through. Brush the fillets with olive oil and season both the outside and inside with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
3. Make the Seafood Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, green onions, garlic, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice. Gently fold in the crab meat and chopped shrimp, mixing just until everything is evenly combined.
4. Stuff the Salmon
Divide the seafood mixture evenly among the salmon fillets, gently filling each pocket without overpacking. Arrange the stuffed fillets in the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If you’d like a lightly golden top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes while watching carefully.
6. Serve
Transfer the stuffed salmon to serving plates and garnish with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Choose thick fillets: Center-cut salmon fillets are easier to slice and hold more stuffing.
- Don’t overmix: Fold the crab meat in gently to keep the delicate lumps intact.
- Customize the filling: Add chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or shredded mozzarella for extra flavor.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a 325°F (163°C) oven until heated through to keep the salmon moist.
- Serving ideas: Pair with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, wild rice, or a crisp garden salad.
- Nutrition: This seafood-packed entrée is high in protein, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and loaded with vitamins and minerals, making it a satisfying meal for both everyday dinners and special occasions.