There’s something truly spectacular about the melding of flavors in this Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon: A Decadent Dinner Recipe. Imagine tender, flaky salmon hugging a luscious filling of sweet crab and shrimp, blended with creamy, tangy elements and a touch of seasoning that makes every bite sing. This dish effortlessly elevates a seafood dinner into a special occasion worthy meal, yet it’s surprisingly approachable for home cooks looking to impress without a fuss. If you love seafood and crave a dinner that’s both indulgent and elegant, this recipe is your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are straightforward but absolutely essential — each one plays a key role in building the perfect balance of creamy texture, fresh seafood flavor, and a hint of zest. With simple staples on hand, you’ll be well-equipped to create a dish that feels both luxurious and satisfying.
- Salmon fillets (4 x 6 oz, skin removed): Choose fresh, firm fillets to hold the stuffing well and deliver that rich, buttery taste salmon is known for.
- Cooked lump crab meat (1/2 cup): The star of the seafood filling, offering a sweet and delicate flavor that pairs beautifully with shrimp.
- Small cooked shrimp, chopped (1/2 cup): Adds a lovely texture contrast and enhances the seafood medley inside the salmon.
- Cream cheese (3 tablespoons, softened): Brings a creamy richness that helps bind the stuffing ingredients together smoothly.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Introduces a subtle tang and moisture, perfect for achieving that luscious filling consistency.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): A little kick of sharpness that brightens the flavors without overpowering them.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a savory depth and slight nuttiness, enhancing that decadent feel.
- Chopped green onions (2 tablespoons): Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of vibrant color.
- Old Bay seasoning (1 teaspoon): A classic seafood spice mix that lends warmth and a touch of complexity.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A gentle hit of garlic flavor that complements without overwhelming the dish.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Provides brightness and balances the richness, brightening every bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together perfectly.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon) for searing: Helps achieve a beautiful golden crust when cooking the salmon.
How to Make Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon: A Decadent Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing
Start by combining all the stuffing ingredients in a mixing bowl — lump crab meat, chopped shrimp, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, green onions, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until you have a creamy, evenly blended mixture. This step is where the magic begins, as the filling sets the stage for the flavor explosion inside the salmon.
Step 2: Create the Salmon Pockets
Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels to help them sear nicely. Next, with a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal slit into the center of each fillet, creating a pocket large enough to hold the stuffing but without cutting all the way through. This pocket technique keeps the filling nestled perfectly inside the salmon, sealing in moisture and flavor as it cooks.
Step 3: Stuff the Salmon
Spoon the prepared crab and shrimp mixture into each pocket evenly. Don’t overfill — just press the filling gently to secure it inside. This step is incredibly satisfying because you can already tell the final dish is going to be something special before it even hits the pan.
Step 4: Sear the Stuffed Salmon
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed fillets carefully in the skillet and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous light golden crust. This quick searing adds texture and locks in the juices, giving the salmon a beautiful finish before baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet directly into a preheated 400°F oven. Bake the salmon for 10 to 12 minutes until it’s cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The baking step completes the cooking gently, allowing the flavors to meld and the seafood stuffing to warm evenly inside.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for about 2 minutes. This little pause lets the juices redistribute so every bite is juicy and tender, making sure no precious moisture escapes when you cut into your Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon: A Decadent Dinner Recipe.
How to Serve Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon: A Decadent Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh squeeze of lemon wedges just before serving to brighten the dish and bring a lovely citrus aroma. Sprinkle a few extra chopped green onions or finely chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the rich flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccolini — their natural crispness balances the richness of the stuffed salmon. Another fantastic partner is a serving of creamy mashed potatoes or a light, fluffy rice pilaf that can soak up any extra pan juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the stuffed salmon fillets on individual plates or a rustic wooden board, drizzling a simple lemon-butter sauce around them. You can also create a bed of wild rice or salad greens and place the fillets on top for a colorful, inviting arrangement that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator immediately. The Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon: A Decadent Dinner Recipe keeps well for up to two days, making it a perfect candidate for next-day lunches or a quick reheated dinner.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the prepared stuffing separately for up to one month. However, freezing cooked stuffed salmon is not recommended as it can alter the texture of both the fish and the delicate seafood filling.
Reheating
Warm leftover stuffed salmon gently in a low oven (about 275°F) for 10-15 minutes to preserve moisture and avoid drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, since it tends to unevenly heat and toughen the fish. A gentle reheat keeps that decadent feel intact, as you enjoyed it the first time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood for the stuffing?
Yes, you can use frozen crab meat and shrimp, but make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture from affecting the stuffing texture.
Is it necessary to remove the salmon skin?
Removing the skin makes it easier to create and fill the pockets, but you can leave it on if you prefer. Just adjust your cooking technique slightly to ensure it crisps well and the stuffing stays inside.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the cream cheese and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and mayo to keep the integrity of the dish while catering to dairy-free needs.
What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
You can substitute with a mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for a similar flavor profile that complements seafood beautifully.
How can I tell when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an opaque appearance throughout. Avoid overcooking to keep it moist and tender inside.
Final Thoughts
This Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon: A Decadent Dinner Recipe is the kind of dish that makes any meal instantly feel special. From the first bite to the last, you’re treated to a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether it’s a celebration or simply a night you want to impress your family or friends, give this recipe a try—it promises to delight and become a treasured favorite in your kitchen.
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Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon: A Decadent Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Experience a luxurious seafood dinner with this Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon recipe. Tender salmon fillets are filled with a creamy mixture of lump crab meat, shrimp, cream cheese, and savory seasonings, then seared to perfection and baked for a succulent, flavorful main course that’s perfect for a special occasion or a refined weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Salmon and Stuffing
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- 1/2 cup cooked lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1/2 cup small cooked shrimp, chopped
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed salmon.
- Make the Stuffing: In a mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, chopped shrimp, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, green onions, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is creamy.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal slit through the center of each fillet to create a pocket for the stuffing without cutting all the way through.
- Stuff the Fillets: Evenly spoon the seafood mixture into the salmon pockets. Press gently to ensure the stuffing stays securely inside the fillets.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed fillets in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the salmon is lightly golden and the fillets hold their shape.
- Bake to Finish: Transfer the searing skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the stuffed salmon for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the salmon rest for 2 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to settle and juices to redistribute.
Notes
- You can prepare the stuffing ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use for convenience.
- For a lower-fat alternative, substitute Greek yogurt for both the mayonnaise and cream cheese without compromising creaminess.
- Serve this dish with lemon wedges, roasted vegetables, or a side of rice to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
