Name: Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American Seafood
Ingredients: 1 large salmon fillet (butterflied); 6–8 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup lump crab meat; 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon olive oil

I love this decadent, buttery salmon fillet stuffed with a creamy crab and herb filling. It’s topped with succulent roasted shrimp and finished with a zesty lemon herb butter, making for a truly luxurious seafood dinner that never fails to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 large salmon fillet (butterflied)

6–8 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup lump crab meat

3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

1 teaspoon lemon zest

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a medium bowl, gently combine crab meat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, parsley, dill, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and well mixed.

Lay the butterflied salmon fillet flat and spread the crab mixture evenly over one side. Carefully fold the salmon back to enclose the filling.

Place the stuffed salmon on a lined baking dish.

Toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then arrange on top of the salmon.

In a small bowl, mix melted butter with lemon juice and brush generously over the salmon and shrimp.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and shrimp are opaque and slightly golden.

Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, then serve garnished with extra fresh herbs and lemon wedges if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook, for a total of roughly 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a great option when I want a quick but impressive seafood meal.

Variations

I sometimes swap out the jumbo shrimp for scallops if I’m in the mood for something different. Adding a pinch of Old Bay seasoning or smoked paprika to the crab mixture can add a subtle kick. For a dairy-free version, I substitute the cream cheese with mashed avocado or a dairy-free spread. I also like to experiment by adding finely chopped bell peppers or spinach to the crab filling for extra texture and color.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I gently warm the stuffed salmon and shrimp in a low oven at 275°F (135°C) for about 10-15 minutes to avoid drying out the fish. Microwaving works in a pinch but tends to make the seafood rubbery, so I prefer oven reheating when possible.

FAQs

Can I use frozen crab meat and shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, I often use frozen seafood, but I make sure to thaw it completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture that could affect the texture.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?

Dried herbs work in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount of dried parsley and dill since they’re more concentrated in flavor.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

I like to prepare the crab filling and stuff the salmon a few hours ahead, then cover and refrigerate it until I’m ready to bake.

What type of salmon works best?

I prefer wild-caught Atlantic or Pacific salmon fillets that are large and thick enough to butterfly and hold the filling nicely.

Can I grill this instead of baking?

Grilling is possible but tricky because of the stuffing. If I grill, I usually use a grill basket or foil to keep everything intact and cook over indirect heat.

Conclusion

This Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is one of my favorite go-to dishes when I want something rich, flavorful, and elegant without a ton of fuss. The creamy crab filling paired with buttery salmon and roasted shrimp feels like a special treat any night of the week. I hope you enjoy making and savoring this recipe as much as I do.

Recipe: