Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon

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Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is an indulgent and flavorful dish where fresh salmon fillets are filled with a savory mixture of crab meat, shrimp, cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The seafood stuffing brings a delightful richness that complements the tender, flaky salmon. The dish is often baked until golden and bubbly, creating a beautiful combination of flavors that are both decadent and satisfying.

The first time I made this, I was looking to elevate a traditional salmon dinner with a touch of luxury, and it turned out to be a hit! The crab and shrimp stuffing adds a perfect combination of sweetness and savoriness, while the salmon stays moist and flavorful. What I love most about this dish is how it looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to prepare. Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is perfect for a special dinner, holiday gatherings, or any occasion when you want to impress with a restaurant-worthy meal! Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes for a truly indulgent feast.

Perfect for:

• Special occasions
• Holiday dinners
• Date night
• Seafood lovers
• Dinner parties

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon will become your favorite seafood dish:

• Seafood Lover’s Dream: The combination of crab and shrimp delivers a rich, succulent stuffing that pairs perfectly with the mild salmon.
• Elegant Presentation: The stuffed salmon looks impressive and elegant, perfect for wow-ing guests at any gathering.
• Perfectly Flaky Salmon: The salmon fillets cook to perfection, remaining tender and moist while complementing the savory stuffing.
• Flavorful Stuffing: The creamy crab and shrimp stuffing is full of flavor, with hints of garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs.
• Quick and Easy: Despite its gourmet appearance, this recipe is quick to prepare, making it a great choice for busy nights.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the stuffed salmon ahead of time and simply bake it when ready to serve.
• Versatile Side Pairings: This dish pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to mashed potatoes.
• Perfect for Any Celebration: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or anniversary, this dish adds a touch of luxury to any meal.
• Low Carb and High Protein: A healthy, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Seafood lovers and skeptics alike will enjoy this dish—it’s flavorful without being overly fishy.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 8g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets, skinless and boneless
• 1 cup cooked crab meat, drained
• ½ cup cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping (Optional):

• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon fresh breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Ingredient Highlights

• Crab Meat: Provides a sweet, delicate flavor that complements the shrimp and salmon perfectly.
• Shrimp: Adds texture and a slight sweetness to the stuffing.
• Cream Cheese: Gives the stuffing a creamy, rich texture that binds the ingredients together.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy, sharp flavor that enhances the stuffing’s richness.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with a burst of acidity, balancing the creamy stuffing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Stuffing:

1. Cook Shrimp and Crab: If not already cooked, cook the shrimp in a skillet with a little butter until pink, then chop into small pieces. Drain any liquid from the crab meat.
2. Mix Stuffing Ingredients: In a bowl, combine crab meat, chopped shrimp, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, parsley, lemon juice, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well combined and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare the Salmon:

3. Prepare the Salmon Fillets: Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each salmon fillet by cutting horizontally from one side without going all the way through.
4. Stuff the Salmon: Fill each salmon pocket with the crab and shrimp mixture, packing it in gently.
5. Optional Topping: Mix melted butter with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle over the stuffed salmon fillets for a golden, crispy topping.

Cook the Salmon:

6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Bake the Salmon: Place the stuffed salmon fillets in a greased baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and the stuffing is hot.
8. Optional Broil: For a golden top, broil the salmon for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Serve:

9. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or a lemon wedge and serve immediately.

How to Serve

Here are 9 serving suggestions for Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon:

• With a Side of Asparagus: Serve alongside roasted asparagus for a healthy, light meal.
• Over Mashed Potatoes: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
• With a Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the salmon.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts add a savory, sweet contrast.
• On a Bed of Rice: Serve the stuffed salmon over a bed of wild rice or rice pilaf for a filling meal.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of warm, buttery garlic bread for a complete dinner.
• As Part of a Seafood Feast: Add this dish to a platter of shrimp, crab, and oysters for a seafood celebration.
• With Sautéed Spinach: Pair with a sautéed spinach or other greens for added nutrition.
• With Lemon Butter Sauce: Drizzle with a lemon butter sauce for an extra layer of richness.

Additional Tips

• Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon cooks quickly, so check for doneness to avoid dry fish. The fillet should flake easily with a fork when done.
• Use Fresh, Not Frozen, Seafood: Fresh crab and shrimp yield the best flavor and texture for the stuffing.
• Stuff the Fillets Carefully: Be gentle when stuffing the salmon to avoid tearing the delicate fillets.
• Prep Ahead: You can stuff the salmon in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.

Recipe Variations

• Lobster and Crab Stuffed Salmon: Substitute shrimp with lobster for an even more luxurious stuffing.
• Vegetarian Stuffed Salmon: Use a mixture of mushrooms, spinach, and cream cheese for a veggie version of this dish.
• Spicy Stuffed Salmon: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the stuffing for a spicy kick.
• Cheese Lovers’ Stuffing: Add some shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the stuffing for an extra cheesy flavor.
• Grilled Stuffed Salmon: For a smoky flavor, grill the stuffed salmon fillets instead of baking them.
• Zesty Lemon Garlic Stuffing: Add extra lemon zest and garlic to the stuffing for a zesty, bold flavor.

Special Equipment

• Baking Dish: A shallow baking dish for cooking the stuffed salmon.
• Sharp Knife: For carefully cutting the salmon fillets to create the pockets.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining the stuffing ingredients.
• Basting Brush: For brushing melted butter onto the salmon before baking.
• Food Processor: If you want to chop the shrimp or other ingredients finely.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
   Yes, but make sure to thaw the salmon completely before stuffing and cooking.
2. Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?
   Yes, the stuffing can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
3. What’s the best way to know when the salmon is cooked?
   Use a fork to gently flake the salmon. It should easily separate, and the flesh should be opaque.
4. Can I substitute the crab meat?
   Yes, you can use imitation crab or other seafood such as scallops if preferred.
5. Can I freeze the stuffed salmon?
   Yes, you can freeze the stuffed salmon for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
6. How do I store leftover stuffed salmon?
   Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
7. Can I make this dish without the stuffing?
   Yes, you can bake the salmon without stuffing, simply seasoning with your favorite herbs and spices.
8. How can I make the stuffing lighter?
   Use Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese in place of regular cream cheese for a lighter option.
9. Can I add vegetables to the stuffing?
   Yes, finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or onions would be a great addition to the stuffing.
10. Can I make this recipe with other fish?
    Yes, this stuffing can also be used with other firm fish such as cod or halibut.

Conclusion

Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is a decadent and luxurious dish that brings together tender salmon fillets with a rich, seafood-packed stuffing. The stuffing is a flavorful blend of sweet crab meat, succulent shrimp, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, herbs, and seasonings, creating a creamy, savory filling that perfectly complements the buttery richness of the salmon. Each fillet is stuffed generously, then baked until golden and flaky.

This dish is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with a restaurant-quality meal. Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying dinner. The combination of textures and flavors—flaky salmon, creamy stuffing, and succulent seafood—makes this dish an unforgettable treat.

I can’t wait to see how your Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!