Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

Salmon fillets become a show-stopping main when generously filled with a creamy blend of crab meat, shrimp, cheese, herbs, and zesty lemon. After stuffing, the fillets are oven-baked until the fish is perfectly flaky, and the seafood filling is warmed through. This dish delivers a restaurant-worthy seafood experience at home, ideal for elegant dinners or special occasions. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and serve alongside roasted vegetables, rice, or salad to complement the rich, savory flavors. Easy tips help tailor the dish to your taste and available ingredients.

Casey
Updated on Sat, 05 Jul 2025 16:23:06 GMT
A plate of food with shrimp and sauce. Pin it
A plate of food with shrimp and sauce. | cookingwithcasey.com

Crab and shrimp stuffed salmon makes any weeknight feel like a special occasion It is creamy loaded with tender seafood and bakes up juicy and elegant every time Whether you are impressing guests or just craving an unforgettable dinner at home this dish transforms simple ingredients into restaurant style comfort

I remember serving this for my anniversary when my husband and I could not make it out to a restaurant Now even my picky kids gobble it up with no leftovers in sight

Ingredients

  • Salmon fillets: Look for vibrant colored firm fillets with no fishy smell as freshness is key to mild flavor
  • Lump crab meat: Adds sweet seafood richness Make sure it is shell free and go for refrigerated over canned if possible
  • Cooked shrimp: Offers extra texture and ocean flavor Choose peeled deveined shrimp for ease
  • Cream cheese: Softened for a creamy stuffing Use full fat for best flavor
  • Mayonnaise: Binds everything while adding subtle tang Use a high quality mayo
  • Parmesan cheese: Provides nutty sharpness Choose fresh grated for superior melt and taste
  • Green onions: Lends mild bite and freshness Pick bright unblemished stalks
  • Fresh parsley: Brings an herbaceous pop Use flat leaf for milder flavor
  • Lemon juice: Brightens every bite Use fresh squeezed for best results
  • Old Bay seasoning: Classic seafood spice mix delivers warmth and subtle heat
  • Salt and pepper: Boosts savory flavor Use kosher salt or sea salt if possible
  • Butter: Brushed over fish for richness Choose unsalted to control seasoning
  • Lemon wedges: For a citrusy finish and plating Pick juicy lemons with shiny skin

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit Set your rack to the middle oven position and line your baking sheet with parchment or lightly oil it to keep fish from sticking
Prepare the Filling:
Combine cream cheese mayonnaise Parmesan green onions parsley lemon juice Old Bay and a pinch of salt and pepper in a large bowl Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to blend until completely smooth and creamy Then gently fold in the crab and shrimp using a light hand to avoid breaking up the seafood
Prepare the Salmon:
Take a sharp flexible knife and create a deep pocket in the thickest part of each fillet cutting parallel to the cutting board Be careful to leave the ends intact so the stuffing stays inside Pat the salmon dry and season both sides and inside the pocket with salt and pepper
Stuff the Salmon:
Use a spoon to fill each pocket generously with the seafood mixture pressing gently to pack it in Do not overstuff or the filling may leak as it bakes
Bake the Salmon:
Set the stuffed fillets on your prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with melted butter for extra moisture and golden color Slide tray into the oven and bake for eighteen to twenty two minutes until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes when pressed with a fork and the filling is hot and bubbling
Serve:
Transfer the salmon to plates and finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of chopped parsley Pair with roasted vegetables rice or crisp salad for a complete meal
A plate of food with a piece of fish and a salad. Pin it
A plate of food with a piece of fish and a salad. | cookingwithcasey.com

My favorite part is scooping up every last bit of the creamy seafood inside The stuffed filling reminds me of the crab cakes my grandma used to make for holiday meals Only now it is even more special surrounded by tender salmon

Storage Tips

Store leftover stuffed salmon in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two days Reheat gently in the oven covered with foil to prevent drying out Microwaving can change the texture so go low and slow if you use it Leftovers taste great crumbled into a salad the next day

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use canned crab in place of lump if necessary Choose good quality and always check for shells Imitation crab works fine in a pinch If you do not have shrimp add extra crab or even small diced cooked scallops Neufchâtel cheese or a light cream cheese can stand in for regular cream cheese without much loss of creaminess

Serving Suggestions

This dish shines beside buttery mashed potatoes a fluffy rice pilaf or even garlicky sautéed greens A fresh side salad with lots of citrus or an herbed couscous works well to cut through the richness I like to finish with extra lemon wedges and a dusting of fresh cracked pepper for a picture perfect plate

Cultural and Historical Context

Stuffed salmon appears on many holiday tables from New England to the Gulf Coast and is often featured at high end seafood restaurants The creamy crab and shrimp filling is inspired by classic coastal flavors using Old Bay seasoning which is a staple in American seafood dishes Seafood stuffed fish is a timeless way to turn affordable fillets into a luxurious meal

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of crab meat works best?

Lump crab meat is ideal for its sweet flavor and firm texture. Imitation crab can be substituted if necessary.

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thawed frozen shrimp works well. Make sure to cook and chop it before mixing into the filling.

→ How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Roasted vegetables, wild rice, or a crisp green salad make excellent accompaniments to balance the richness.

→ Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the seafood stuffing up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated until ready to assemble and bake.

Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon

Salmon fillets filled with rich crab and shrimp, baked for a flavorful seafood centerpiece.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
22 Minutes
Total Time
42 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Modern American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 stuffed salmon fillets)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 4 salmon fillets, skin removed, approximately 170 g each
02 170 g lump crab meat, checked for shells
03 115 g cooked shrimp, chopped
04 115 g cream cheese, softened
05 60 ml mayonnaise
06 30 g grated Parmesan cheese
07 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
08 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
09 1 tablespoon lemon juice
10 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
11 Salt and black pepper, to taste
12 2 tablespoons butter, melted
13 Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Step 01

Set the oven to 190°C. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing.

Step 02

Combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, green onions, parsley, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Blend until smooth. Fold in crab meat and chopped shrimp gently to maintain texture.

Step 03

Slice a pocket in the centre of each salmon fillet using a sharp knife, ensuring not to cut through completely. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.

Step 04

Spoon the seafood mixture into the pocket of each fillet. Press lightly to secure the stuffing.

Step 05

Arrange stuffed salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily and the filling is hot throughout.

Step 06

Garnish with lemon wedges and additional parsley. Serve immediately with preferred accompaniments such as roasted vegetables, rice, or salad.

Notes

  1. Imitation crab can be substituted if fresh crab is unavailable.
  2. To enhance flavour, sprinkle paprika or extra Old Bay seasoning before baking.
  3. Pairs excellently with chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Tools You'll Need

  • Sharp kitchen knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Measuring spoons
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains fish, shellfish (crab, shrimp), dairy, and eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 4 g
  • Protein: 44 g