If you are looking for a show-stopping seafood main course that combines tender fish with a luscious, creamy filling, this Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe is absolutely the one to try. Imagine juicy salmon fillets baked to perfection, topped with a savory blend of lump crab meat, finely chopped shrimp, and a rich mixture of cream cheese and Parmesan, all brightened with fresh herbs and zesty lemon. It’s a luxurious dish that feels gourmet yet comes together easily enough for any home cook to impress friends or family. Once you make this Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe, it might just become your go-to special-occasion dinner that everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe is all about how thoughtfully chosen ingredients come together to create incredible flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role—from the rich cream cheese that adds creaminess, to the fresh herbs providing vibrant color and aroma, and of course, the fresh seafood that delivers that brilliant taste of the sea.
- Salmon fillets, skinless (4 fillets, about 6 ounces each): Choose fresh, firm salmon for the best texture and flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps keep the salmon moist and adds a subtle fruitiness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
- Lump crab meat (4 ounces): Use fresh or high-quality crab meat for a sweet, delicate bite.
- Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (4 ounces, finely chopped): Adds a tender, slightly sweet contrast in the stuffing.
- Cream cheese, softened (3 ounces): Provides rich creaminess that binds the stuffing together.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Enhances moisture and smooth texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a savory, nutty depth to balance the seafood.
- Garlic clove, minced (1): Delivers a subtle kick and aromatic warmth.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the filling with a citrusy zing.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Concentrates the lemon flavor without overpowering.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (1 tablespoon): Gives a fresh herbal note and lovely green flecks.
- Fresh chives, chopped (1 tablespoon): Adds mild onion-like flavor and an extra dimension of freshness.
- Paprika (for garnish): Sprinkled on top for a gentle smoky color and slight warmth.
How to Make Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Salmon
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F while lightly greasing a baking dish to ensure the salmon won’t stick. Season each skinless salmon fillet generously with salt and black pepper, which will enhance the natural flavor of the fish. Place the fillets evenly spaced in your prepared dish, ready to be topped with that scrumptious seafood stuffing.
Step 2: Mix the Crab and Shrimp Stuffing
In a medium bowl, combine the lump crab meat and finely chopped shrimp with softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and grated Parmesan. Add minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and chives. Gently fold all the ingredients together until you have a creamy and well-blended mixture. This stuffing is the heart of the recipe—rich, flavorful, and bursting with the freshness of seafood and herbs.
Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed Salmon
Spoon the seafood mixture generously over the top of each salmon fillet. Press it down gently to make sure it adheres well without falling off during baking. This creates a beautiful, even layer that will brown slightly and form a delicious crust in the oven. For a finishing touch, sprinkle a light dusting of paprika on top to add color and a hint of smoky flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the stuffed salmon uncovered in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for the salmon to be cooked through yet still moist, easily flaking with a fork. The crab and shrimp topping should be lightly golden and slightly firm to the touch. This step transforms the raw ingredients into a stunning, mouthwatering meal that’s both elegant and comforting.
How to Serve Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few lemon wedges brightens up the presentation and adds a burst of freshness as a final touch. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a light lemon-butter sauce can also complement the richness and tie all the flavors together beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, colorful sides that don’t compete with the main star but add texture and balance. Think fluffy rice pilaf, buttery roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans, or a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cleanse the palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to really impress, serve this seafood masterpiece on a bed of sautéed spinach or wild rice mixed with fresh herbs. For a festive occasion, arrange the stuffed salmon on a large platter garnished with lemon slices and fresh herbs for a vibrant, inviting centerpiece that calls out “eat me now!”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them tightly covered in the refrigerator to keep your stuffed salmon fresh for up to 2 days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to prevent any condensation that could make the topping soggy.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the unbaked stuffed salmon wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual for a delicious make-ahead meal option.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the salmon gently in a low oven (about 275°F) to maintain moisture without drying the fish or shrinking the stuffing. Cover loosely with foil and bake until heated through, about 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture unfavorably.
FAQs
Can I use frozen crab meat for the Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen crab meat, but be sure to thaw it properly and drain any excess liquid to keep the stuffing from becoming watery. Fresh or pasteurized crab meat typically yields the best flavor and texture.
What type of salmon works best for this recipe?
Skinless fillets of Atlantic or sockeye salmon are ideal since they offer firm flesh that holds up well to baking and stuffing. Wild-caught salmon tends to have a richer flavor, but farmed salmon works perfectly fine too.
Can I prepare the stuffing in advance?
Absolutely! Preparing the crab and shrimp mixture a few hours ahead can be convenient. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to assemble and bake your Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe for a stress-free cooking experience.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
This stuffed salmon recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided your mayonnaise and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. It’s an elegant and safe choice for gluten-sensitive eaters.
What are some good wine pairings for Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe?
Crisp, refreshing white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or a dry Riesling work beautifully with this dish, as their acidity complements the richness of the seafood and cheese filling perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe means treating yourself to a delightful blend of textures and flavors that feels truly special yet is wonderfully straightforward to prepare. Whether for a cozy dinner or a festive occasion, it offers an impressive plate that’s bursting with fresh seafood goodness. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own and watch it become your new favorite crowd-pleaser in the kitchen!
Print
Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon recipe offers a delicious seafood main course featuring tender salmon fillets topped with a creamy mixture of lump crab meat, chopped shrimp, cheese, herbs, and lemon zest. Baked to perfection, this dish delivers a flavorful and elegant meal ideal for special occasions or a refined weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Salmon Fillets
- 4 salmon fillets, skinless, about 6 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Stuffing
- 4 ounces lump crab meat, picked over
- 4 ounces raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- Paprika for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare salmon: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper, then place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Mix the stuffing: In a mixing bowl, combine the lump crab meat, finely chopped shrimp, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and chopped chives. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended.
- Stuff the salmon: Spoon the seafood stuffing evenly over each salmon fillet, gently pressing the mixture to adhere well on top of the fillets.
- Garnish: Lightly sprinkle paprika over the stuffed salmon for an added burst of color and mild flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through, flakes easily with a fork, and the topping is lightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately, pairing well with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Notes
- Use fresh or high-quality pasteurized crab meat for the best flavor and texture.
- This dish pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Ensure the shrimp is finely chopped to blend seamlessly in the stuffing mixture.
- Do not overbake to maintain moist, tender salmon and creamy stuffing.
