This Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon recipe is an elegant yet easy-to-make main course that delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. With tender salmon fillets wrapped around a luscious blend of creamy crab and juicy shrimp, every bite bursts with coastal decadence. Infused with herbs, a touch of lemon, and savory Parmesan, this dish is as impressive in taste as it is in presentation.
Perfect for a special occasion or a luxurious weeknight dinner, this recipe is both low-carb and high-protein, making it ideal for keto or gluten-free lifestyles. Whether you’re cooking to impress guests or just treating yourself to something extraordinary, this stuffed salmon is a guaranteed hit that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, garlic butter asparagus, or a crisp white wine.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 salmon fillets (skin on or off, center cut)
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1/2 cup cooked crab meat (lump or claw)
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1/2 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup chopped green onions
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a mixing bowl, combine crab meat, chopped shrimp, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, green onions, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, and parsley. Mix until well incorporated.
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Cut a slit horizontally in each salmon fillet to create a pocket. Be careful not to slice all the way through.
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Season the salmon inside and out with salt and black pepper.
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Spoon the seafood filling evenly into the pockets of each fillet.
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Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the salmon fillets for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden.
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Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and a wedge of lemon before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Gourmet Seafood Experience at Home
Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of the ocean’s finest flavors wrapped in one elegant, hearty, and satisfying entrée. This recipe marries the richness of salmon with a creamy, decadent seafood stuffing made from sweet crab and tender shrimp. Designed to evoke the sophistication of a high-end restaurant meal, this dish is surprisingly approachable and suitable even for weeknight dinners or special occasions at home.
Whether you’re an experienced home chef or just learning to venture beyond basic salmon filets, this recipe offers a delicious way to elevate your skills and impress your guests. The combination of flaky fish and a luxurious filling delivers both texture and depth, making every bite a culinary delight.
Why This Recipe Works
The balance of flavors and textures is what makes Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon shine. Salmon offers a naturally rich, buttery flavor that holds up beautifully to bold seasonings and hearty fillings. By adding crab and shrimp to the mix, the dish is elevated with layers of seafood flavor that are both delicate and robust. The filling is blended with cream cheese and Parmesan to create a velvety smooth texture that holds the seafood together without overpowering it.
A hint of lemon juice brightens the entire dish, while Dijon mustard adds a touch of sharpness to cut through the richness. Old Bay seasoning, a classic blend for seafood, ties everything together with familiar and comforting notes that remind many of coastal cuisine.
This stuffed salmon is also an excellent way to introduce seafood to more hesitant eaters. The creamy filling and juicy, oven-roasted salmon create a mild but flavorful experience that’s less “fishy” than some other seafood dishes, making it more universally appealing.
Perfect for Special Occasions and Weeknight Elegance
Despite its luxurious appeal, this dish is incredibly versatile. It’s just as at home on a dinner party table as it is as a make-ahead meal for busy weeknights. The stuffing can be prepared in advance, and the salmon can be prepped and refrigerated until ready to cook, making it a practical option for those with tight schedules but a desire for gourmet food.
Serve this for a romantic date night, a holiday celebration like Christmas or Easter, or as the centerpiece of a Sunday family dinner. Its rich, restaurant-quality presentation makes it ideal for showing off your culinary flair without overwhelming you with complex techniques.
Nutritional Benefits of Salmon and Shellfish
Salmon is well-known for its numerous health benefits. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health, reduce inflammation, and contribute to brain function. Salmon is also high in protein, B vitamins, potassium, and selenium, making it a powerhouse of essential nutrients.
Shrimp and crab, the stars of the stuffing, are equally nutritious. They are both low in fat and calories yet high in protein and essential minerals like zinc, iodine, and phosphorus. Shrimp in particular is an excellent source of selenium and vitamin B12, while crab meat provides a hearty dose of copper, aiding in iron absorption and red blood cell formation.
When paired together in this dish, the nutritional value is enhanced without sacrificing flavor. The result is a wholesome, high-protein, low-carb meal that satisfies both body and palate.
Suitable for Low-Carb and Keto Lifestyles
One of the major perks of this dish is its compatibility with low-carb, keto, and gluten-free diets. Unlike breaded or battered fish recipes, this stuffed salmon is naturally grain-free. The creamy seafood filling relies on cheeses and seafood rather than breadcrumbs or starches, keeping the carbohydrate count low and the fat content high—a perfect combination for ketogenic eaters.
It’s also easy to adjust. For example, those who are dairy-free can opt for plant-based cream cheese alternatives, and if you’re avoiding shellfish, you could substitute the crab and shrimp with flaky white fish or smoked salmon for a similar effect.
Side Dish Pairing Ideas
Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Because the main dish is rich and indulgent, it pairs best with light, fresh, or mildly seasoned side dishes that balance the flavors. Here are a few serving ideas:
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Lemon Garlic Asparagus: Roasted or sautéed with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.
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Steamed Green Beans or Broccoli: Add a dash of salt and pepper to keep it simple.
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Cauliflower Mash: A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes with a buttery, smooth finish.
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Zucchini Noodles or Roasted Veggie Medley: Keep it fresh and seasonal with spiralized or grilled vegetables.
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Herb Rice or Quinoa (if not low-carb): These grains absorb the buttery juices from the salmon beautifully.
A crisp glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay enhances the citrusy and creamy notes of the dish, while a sparkling wine adds an extra festive touch for special events.
Tips for Success
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Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to pack in as much stuffing as possible, overfilling may cause the salmon to burst open during baking. A heaping spoonful per fillet is typically perfect.
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Use Fresh Seafood When Possible: Fresh crab and shrimp will give the best flavor and texture, but frozen options can work well if thawed and drained properly.
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Use Skinless Salmon for Easier Stuffing: While skin-on salmon can be used, removing the skin makes it easier to cut the pocket and bake evenly.
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Sear for Color: A quick sear before baking gives the salmon a lovely golden crust and locks in the juices.
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Let It Rest: Allowing the salmon to rest for a few minutes before serving helps the juices redistribute and keeps the filling intact when slicing.
Customization Ideas
While the original recipe is already rich and delicious, it’s also very adaptable. Here are a few popular twists:
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Add Spinach or Kale: Mix finely chopped greens into the filling for added nutrition.
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Try Smoked Salmon Inside: Layer a slice of smoked salmon with the seafood filling for extra depth.
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Make It Spicy: Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of cayenne for a spicy seafood version.
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Top with Breadcrumbs (if not keto): A crunchy breadcrumb topping mixed with Parmesan and herbs adds a delightful texture contrast.
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Finish with a Sauce: A light lemon-dill cream sauce or garlic butter drizzle can bring even more elegance to the final plate.
Culinary Origins and Inspirations
Stuffed fish dishes have been a part of various global cuisines for centuries. From the French poisson farci to Mediterranean-style stuffed branzino, the concept of filling fish with savory ingredients has long been a symbol of celebration and creativity. This particular variation is reminiscent of American coastal cuisine, especially in regions where crab and shrimp are readily available.
Inspired by the flavors of Chesapeake Bay and Southern coastal kitchens, this dish is a delicious nod to the seafood bounty found in U.S. coastal waters. It blends traditional flavors with modern ease, making gourmet dining at home more accessible than ever.
Conclusion
Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is a showstopping dish that brings luxury to your kitchen without overwhelming your schedule. With its rich blend of tender seafood, creamy filling, and perfectly cooked salmon, it’s a recipe that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Not only does it deliver on flavor and presentation, but it also offers flexibility for various dietary needs, making it a reliable go-to for everything from casual dinners to elegant entertaining.
Its nutritional value, visual appeal, and ease of preparation make it a standout in any home cook’s repertoire. Whether you’re trying to impress a guest, feed a family, or simply treat yourself to something special, this recipe checks all the boxes. Don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your most requested meals—you might even start keeping crab and shrimp on hand just for this dish.