If you’re craving a show-stopping seafood dish that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make, Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is the answer. This rich, creamy, and flavorful dish is stuffed with a savory blend of crab, shrimp, cream cheese, and herbs—all wrapped inside a tender salmon fillet and topped with buttery garlic shrimp. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something decadent, this seafood masterpiece is guaranteed to impress.
Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon has become a go-to recipe for seafood lovers everywhere—not only because of its incredible flavor, but because it combines two crowd favorites (crab and shrimp) into one easy-to-make baked entrée. It’s elegant enough for date night and simple enough for weeknight dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe
- Packed with Flavor: Creamy stuffing, juicy shrimp, and seasoned salmon—each bite is bursting with richness.
- Easy to Prepare: Despite its gourmet look, this recipe comes together in under 45 minutes.
- Low-Carb & Protein-Rich: Great for those on keto or low-carb diets looking for something indulgent yet healthy.
- Perfect for Entertaining: This is the ultimate “wow” dish to serve guests or make for a special dinner.
- Customizable: Add a spicy kick, swap out herbs, or adjust the stuffing to fit your preferences.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
Here are the key ingredients that make this dish shine:
- Salmon Fillet: The rich and flaky base that holds the creamy seafood stuffing.
- Shrimp: Adds a meaty texture and sweet seafood flavor to both the filling and the topping.
- Lump Crab Meat: Offers a delicate, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the salmon.
- Cream Cheese: Makes the filling creamy and binds the ingredients together.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick to the stuffing.
- Old Bay Seasoning: A classic seafood spice blend that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish and balances the richness with a touch of acidity.
- Fresh Garlic & Parsley: Bring aromatic depth and freshness to every layer of the recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup. - Make the Seafood Stuffing
In a mixing bowl, combine chopped cooked shrimp, crab meat, cream cheese, mayo, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and Old Bay seasoning. Stir until smooth and creamy. - Prepare the Salmon Fillet
Butterfly the salmon by slicing it lengthwise down the center, making sure not to cut all the way through. Open it like a book and season the inside and outside with salt, pepper, and paprika. - Stuff the Salmon
Spoon the crab & shrimp mixture into the center of the salmon. Fold the salmon back over and secure with toothpicks if needed. - Bake the Stuffed Salmon
Place the stuffed salmon on the baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork. - Make the Garlic Butter Shrimp Topping
While the salmon bakes, sauté whole shrimp in butter and garlic until pink and cooked through—about 2–3 minutes per side. - Assemble & Serve
Remove the salmon from the oven, top with garlic butter shrimp, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Expert Tip: Don’t overbake the salmon—check at 20 minutes to ensure it stays moist and tender.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Add Heat: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for a spicier stuffing.
- Go Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and omit Parmesan to make it lactose-free.
- Try a Sauce: Drizzle with lemon butter sauce or creamy dill sauce for extra flavor.
- Use Leftovers Creatively: Any extra stuffing can be baked separately or used in crab-stuffed mushrooms.
How to Store & Reheat
To Store:
Wrap leftovers in foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–12 minutes or until warm. Avoid microwaving as it may dry out the salmon.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon, you’ll definitely want to try more flavorful seafood creations. These recipes are packed with bold ingredients and unique twists:
- Crab Brûlée Recipe – An Innovative Take on Classic Dessert: A savory twist on a dessert classic, blending creamy crab filling with a caramelized topping.
- Crab Rangoon Bombs: These crispy, creamy bites are perfect as appetizers or snacks for crab lovers.
- Baked Salmon Recipe: A simple and flavorful salmon dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or healthy meal prepping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use imitation crab meat?
Yes, imitation crab can be used in place of lump crab meat for a more budget-friendly option, though real crab offers better flavor.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the stuffed salmon a few hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
What sides go well with Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon?
Great side dishes include roasted asparagus, lemon rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp garden salad.
Can I grill this instead of baking?
Baking is best for even cooking, but if grilling, wrap the stuffed salmon in foil to prevent it from falling apart.
Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is the ultimate seafood dinner that blends gourmet flavor with everyday simplicity. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it on a weeknight, this recipe delivers rich, creamy, and satisfying results every time.
Try it out, leave a comment with your thoughts, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your fellow seafood lovers!
Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup cooked shrimp chopped
- 1/2 cup lump crab meat
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Salmon:
- 1 large salmon fillet 1.5–2 lbs, butterflied
- Olive oil for brushing
- Salt pepper & paprika (optional, for seasoning)
For the Topping:
- 6 –8 whole shrimp peeled & deveined
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Mix the stuffing: In a bowl, combine chopped shrimp, crab meat, cream cheese, mayo, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, Old Bay, salt, and pepper.
- Butterfly the salmon: Slice lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Open it like a book. Season inside and out.
- Stuff the salmon: Spoon the filling evenly in the center. Fold over and secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until salmon flakes easily.
- Sauté topping shrimp: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic and shrimp until pink (2–3 minutes per side).
- Assemble & serve: Top baked salmon with sautéed shrimp, parsley, and lemon wedges.