Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe

Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is a decadent, seafood-packed dish that’s perfect for a special dinner or whenever I want to impress without too much fuss. Moist, flaky salmon fillets are generously filled with a rich and savory mixture of crab, shrimp, and creamy cheese, then baked until golden and irresistible. It’s a restaurant-style meal I love making right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it brings together three of my favorite seafoods in one stunning presentation. The filling is creamy and luxurious, but still light enough to let the salmon shine. It’s easy to prepare, cooks quickly, and feels like a treat without requiring fancy techniques or ingredients. Whether I’m making it for a date night or a holiday dinner, this recipe never fails to impress.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Salmon fillets (thick-cut, skin-on or skinless)

• Cooked shrimp, finely chopped

• Lump crab meat (drained and picked over)

• Cream cheese, softened

• Mayonnaise

• Shredded parmesan cheese

• Garlic, minced

• Lemon juice

• Old Bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt and black pepper

• Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. I prepare the filling by mixing together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, crab meat, chopped shrimp, parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, seasoning, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley until smooth and well combined.

3. I make a deep slit along the center of each salmon fillet to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.

4. I spoon a generous amount of the seafood mixture into each pocket, pressing it in gently to keep it secure.

5. I place the stuffed salmon in the baking dish, brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter, and season lightly with salt and pepper.

6. I bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the filling is heated through and slightly golden on top.

7. I let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving with lemon wedges or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making it a 35-minute meal that feels truly special.

Variations

Sometimes I add chopped green onions or diced bell pepper to the filling for extra texture and color. If I want it spicier, I use Cajun seasoning and a dash of hot sauce. For a gluten-free version, I make sure all my ingredients (especially the crab and seasoning) are certified gluten-free. I’ve also swapped the parmesan with sharp cheddar or gruyère for a different cheese profile.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I cover the salmon loosely with foil and warm it in a 300°F oven for 10–12 minutes. I avoid microwaving to keep the seafood filling from getting rubbery or watery.

FAQs

Can I use imitation crab or shrimp?

Yes. I’ve used imitation crab in a pinch, and it still turns out delicious. Just chop it finely and mix as directed.

Do I need to cook the shrimp before adding it to the filling?

Yes. I either use pre-cooked shrimp or quickly sauté raw shrimp and let it cool before chopping and adding to the mixture.

Can I grill the stuffed salmon instead of baking?

It’s possible, but I prefer baking for even cooking and to keep the filling intact. Grilling may cause the filling to leak unless well-secured.

What sides go well with this dish?

I usually serve it with garlic mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.

Can I make the stuffing ahead of time?

Yes. I make the filling a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. When I’m ready to cook, I stuff the salmon and bake as directed.

Conclusion

Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together with ease. The combination of rich, flaky salmon and creamy, flavorful seafood stuffing is a showstopper every time I serve it. Whether I’m making it for guests or just treating myself to a gourmet-style dinner at home, it always delivers bold flavor and comfort in every bite.