If you are looking to impress dinner guests with a memorable yet straightforward gourmet seafood delight, the Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is your ultimate go-to dish. This elegant recipe brings together the rich, buttery flavors of salmon, complemented perfectly by a savory stuffing of crab and shrimp. The combination not only delivers a feast for the palate but also offers a protein-packed, colorful, and visually stunning meal that elevates any dining experience effortlessly.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Flavorful: The blend of crab, shrimp, and salmon creates a deliciously layered taste that seafood lovers savor.
- Elegant Presentation: This stuffed salmon looks restaurant-quality, perfect for special occasions or impressing guests.
- Nutritious and Protein-Packed: Loaded with high-quality proteins and omega-3s, itโs as healthy as it is tasty.
- Easy to Prepare: Despite its fancy appearance, the recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
- Versatile Meal Option: Great for dinner parties, date nights, or a luxurious weeknight treat.
Ingredients Youโll Need
Choosing fresh, quality ingredients is key to making the Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon shine. Each ingredient plays an essential role in balancing flavor, texture, and color, resulting in a beautifully harmonious dish.
- Fresh Salmon Fillets: Opt for thick, skin-on fillets to hold the stuffing and lock in moisture.
- Canned Crab Meat: Use lump or backfin crab for a sweet, delicate flavor and tender texture.
- Cooked Shrimp: Small, peeled, and deveined shrimp add a juicy bite and perfect chunkiness.
- Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess that binds the stuffing and enriches the flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Dill, parsley, and chives brighten the dish with fresh, aromatic notes.
- Lemon Zest and Juice: Provides a refreshing citrus sparkle to balance the richness.
- Garlic and Shallots: These aromatics enhance the savory depth of flavor without overpowering.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crispy crumbs give the stuffing subtle texture contrast.
- Butter and Olive Oil: Essential for sautรฉing and ensuring the salmon stays moist and flavorful.
Variations for Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor the ingredients and flavors based on what you have on hand, your dietary preferences, or just to try something new. Donโt hesitate to make it your own!
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for some heat in the stuffing.
- Cheesy Twist: Incorporate shredded Parmesan or Gruyere into the filling for extra richness.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts like almonds.
- Low-Carb Option: Omit breadcrumbs and add extra herbs and cream cheese for texture without carbs.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with basil, tarragon, or thyme to change the aromatic profile.
- Shellfish Substitute: Use scallops or lobster meat in place of shrimp and crab for a premium twist.
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How to Make Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
Step 1: Prepare the Seafood Filling
Start by finely chopping the cooked shrimp and mixing it with lump crab meat in a medium bowl. Add softened cream cheese, minced shallots, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Incorporate panko breadcrumbs to bind everything lightly. Stir until well combined but still chunky.
Step 2: Prep the Salmon
Rinse and pat dry your salmon fillets. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket lengthwise along the side or top of each fillet without cutting all the way through. This cavity will hold the delicious seafood stuffing.
Step 3: Stuff the Salmon
Generously fill each salmon pocket with the prepared crab and shrimp mixture. Use a small spoon or your fingers to pack the stuffing firmly but gently inside. Ensure the filling is evenly distributed and slightly mounded.
Step 4: Cook the Salmon
Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed salmon fillets skin-side down for 3-4 minutes to create a crispy base. Then transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) and bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the stuffing is bubbly and golden on top.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the stuffed salmon rest for a few minutes. This helps juices redistribute, ensuring every bite remains flavorful and moist.
Pro Tips for Making Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
- Choose Fresh, Quality Seafood: Fresh ingredients always enhance the final flavor and texture of your dish.
- Donโt Overstuff: Avoid overfilling the salmon to prevent spillage during cooking.
- Sear Before Baking: Searing locks in moisture and adds a beautiful golden crust to the salmon skin.
- Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: This allows you to easily transition from stovetop to oven without extra cleanup.
- Let It Rest: Allow resting time for perfectly moist salmon and a firmer stuffing texture.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Overcooking salmon leads to dryness, so keep an eye on the oven.
How to Serve Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill brightens the dish visually and with a fresh herbal note. Thin lemon slices or wedges on the side add a pop of color and a fresh zest when squeezed.
Side Dishes
Pair the rich crab & shrimp stuffed salmon with light, complementary sides like garlic roasted asparagus, a crisp mixed green salad, or buttery herb quinoa to round out the meal without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stuffed salmon on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower puree for a fine-dining vibe. Drizzle a light lemon butter sauce over the top for added elegance and moisture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover crab & shrimp stuffed salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain fresh flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully cooked dish wrapped tightly in foil or freezer-safe containers for up to one month, though fresh is always best for seafood.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a low oven (about 275ยฐF or 135ยฐC) covered with foil, or use a microwave at low power to avoid drying out the salmon and stuffing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood for the stuffing?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess water thoroughly to keep the stuffing from becoming soggy.
Is it necessary to use both crab and shrimp?
No, you can use one or the other based on preference or availability; the recipe is versatile and still delicious with either alone.
What kind of salmon is best for stuffing?
Thicker, firm fillets like Atlantic or King salmon work best because they hold stuffing well without falling apart.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely. Replace the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts as a crunchy alternative, keeping the stuffing gluten-free.
How do I prevent the salmon from drying out?
Donโt overcook; sear first to seal moisture then bake just until cooked through. Resting the fish before serving also helps retain juiciness.
Final Thoughts
This Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is a stunning expression of flavors and textures combined into one elegant seafood meal. Whether youโre celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something truly delightful, this recipe will not disappoint. Give it a try, and watch your dinner guestsโ faces light up with delight at every bite!
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Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Pescatarian, Gluten-Free option available
Description
Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is an elegant and protein-packed seafood dish featuring thick salmon fillets stuffed with a savory mixture of lump crab meat, cooked shrimp, cream cheese, fresh herbs, and subtle aromatics. This recipe delivers rich flavors, beautiful presentation, and a healthy dose of omega-3s, perfect for special occasions or an impressive dinner at home.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 thick, skin-on fresh salmon fillets
Seafood Stuffing
- 1 cup lump or backfin canned crab meat, drained
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, small, peeled, and deveined, finely chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons finely minced shallots
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Seafood Filling: Finely chop the cooked shrimp and combine in a medium bowl with lump crab meat. Add softened cream cheese, minced shallots, garlic, chopped dill, parsley, chives, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Incorporate panko breadcrumbs and gently stir until well combined but still chunky.
- Prep the Salmon: Rinse and pat dry the fresh salmon fillets. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket lengthwise along the side or top of each fillet without cutting through completely. This pocket will hold the stuffing.
- Stuff the Salmon: Fill each salmon pocket generously but carefully with the prepared crab and shrimp mixture. Pack the stuffing firmly but gently ensuring even distribution and a slightly mounded top.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin turns crispy. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and the stuffing is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the stuffed salmon rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful bites. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices if desired before serving.
Notes
- Choose fresh, high-quality seafood for the best flavor and texture.
- Avoid overstuffing to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
- Sear the salmon before baking to lock in moisture and create a golden crust.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to easily transfer from stovetop to oven.
- Let the salmon rest after cooking for optimal juiciness.
- Keep a close eye on baking time to avoid overcooking and dryness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed salmon fillet
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg