From the moment I discovered the perfect combination of succulent salmon, sweet crab, and tender shrimp, I knew I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a favorite in my kitchen. I still remember the first time I tried this stuffed salmon dish for friends and family—the look of delight on their faces as they tasted each bite was priceless. The rich flavors of the seafood, paired with a delicate seasoning that enhances without overpowering, create a dish that feels both luxurious and comforting. Over time, I have perfected this recipe to be simple enough for weeknight dinners while impressive enough for special occasions.
You will love this recipe because it combines the freshness of seafood with the heartiness of salmon in a way that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to prepare. Each bite offers a balance of flavors—the buttery texture of the fish, the sweet notes from the crab and shrimp, and a hint of seasoning that ties it all together beautifully. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also looks stunning on the plate, making it a perfect choice when entertaining guests or celebrating milestones.
This recipe is versatile. You can adjust the stuffing ingredients to your preference, add fresh herbs, or pair it with a variety of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, herbed rice, or a fresh salad. It works well for a romantic dinner for two or a family gathering, and you can even prepare it in advance, then bake just before serving.
It is also affordable. While seafood often seems like a luxury, this recipe balances high-quality ingredients in a way that maximizes flavor without unnecessary expense. By using accessible ingredients and preparing the stuffing yourself, you can achieve a gourmet-quality dish without breaking the budget.
Ingredients:
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4 salmon fillets, skin on
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1 cup crab meat, cooked and shredded
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1 cup shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
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2 tablespoons mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil
How to Prepare This Recipe
Preparing this crab and shrimp stuffed salmon is easier than it looks, and following each step carefully ensures a perfectly cooked, flavorful dish every time. The key is balancing the seafood stuffing so that it complements the salmon without overwhelming it, while keeping the fillets moist and tender.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Preheat your oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, prepare your salmon fillets by patting them dry with a paper towel. This ensures they sear evenly and prevents excess moisture from affecting the stuffing.
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Prepare the seafood stuffing: In a medium bowl, combine the crab meat and chopped shrimp. Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are incorporated, making sure not to overmix, which can break down the seafood texture.
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Slice the salmon fillets: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket horizontally into each salmon fillet. Be cautious not to cut all the way through; the goal is to create space for the stuffing while keeping the fillet intact.
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Stuff the fillets: Spoon the prepared crab and shrimp mixture evenly into each salmon pocket. Press lightly to ensure the stuffing stays inside, but avoid compacting it too tightly.
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Season the exterior: Drizzle olive oil over the top of the stuffed fillets, then sprinkle a pinch of salt, pepper, and additional paprika if desired. This creates a flavorful crust and enhances the salmon’s natural taste.
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Bake the stuffed salmon: Place the fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet or lightly greased ovenproof dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. The fish should flake easily with a fork, and the stuffing should be warm and slightly golden on top.
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Optional finishing touch: For added flavor, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end to create a lightly crisp top. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Quick and Easy Tips:
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Use fresh or frozen seafood, but thaw completely before preparing the stuffing.
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Prepare the stuffing ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to fill the salmon.
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For faster cooking, use smaller fillets, which will reduce baking time.
Customizable Options:
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Add diced bell peppers or green onions to the stuffing for extra crunch and color.
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Swap parsley for dill or chives to change the flavor profile.
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Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a light cream sauce for extra zest.
This dish is popular with many people because it offers a gourmet experience without complex techniques. Whether served at a family dinner, a dinner party, or a casual weekend meal, the combination of moist salmon and flavorful crab and shrimp stuffing makes it a standout choice.
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Seafood Lover’s Delight | Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe
This crab and shrimp stuffed salmon recipe combines the rich flavor of salmon with the sweetness of crab and shrimp, creating a luxurious yet approachable dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it is both versatile and visually impressive.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets, skin on
- 1 cup crab meat, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry to remove excess moisture.
- In a medium bowl, combine crab meat, chopped shrimp, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, parsley, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
- Slice a horizontal pocket into each salmon fillet without cutting all the way through.
- Spoon the seafood mixture into each pocket, pressing lightly to secure.
- Drizzle olive oil over the fillets and season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and additional paprika if desired.
- Place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the salmon flakes easily and the stuffing is warmed through.
- Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes to achieve a lightly golden top, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve immediately with your choice of sides and garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon.
Notes
Ensure seafood is fresh or fully thawed for best texture.
Avoid overmixing the stuffing to maintain chunkiness.
Smaller fillets cook faster and are easier to serve individually.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen seafood for the stuffing?
A: Yes, you can use frozen crab and shrimp, but make sure they are fully thawed and drained of excess liquid before mixing into the stuffing to avoid soggy salmon.
Q: How do I prevent the salmon from overcooking?
A: Bake at 375°F (190°C) and check the salmon after 20 minutes. The fish should flake easily with a fork but remain moist inside. Using a kitchen thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?
A: Absolutely. You can prepare the stuffing and fill the salmon pockets up to a day ahead. Keep refrigerated and bake just before serving.
Q: What side dishes pair well with this stuffed salmon?
A: Roasted vegetables, herbed rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or a light mixed green salad complement the flavors perfectly.
Q: Can I customize the stuffing for dietary preferences?
A: Yes. You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version or add fresh herbs and vegetables for extra flavor and texture.