Crab And Shrimp Stuffed Salmon The Seafood Dinner Guide

Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon

Crab and shrimp stuffed salmon is the perfect combination of luxurious seafood flavors and home-cooked comfort. This dish transforms ordinary salmon fillets into an elegant, restaurant-style seafood dinner that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. The creamy seafood stuffing, filled with lump crab meat, chopped shrimp, and aromatic herbs, adds a rich and savory twist to the natural flavors of baked salmon.

This stuffed salmon recipe is designed to impress—whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or elevating your weeknight menu. The balanced blend of textures and flavors creates a dish that’s not only visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying to eat. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can replicate the kind of seafood entrée that’s typically reserved for upscale dining.

Thanks to ingredients like Old Bay seasoning (Old Bay seasoning – Wikipedia) and cream cheese (Cream cheese – Wikipedia), the stuffing achieves that iconic coastal flavor. The blend of seafood brings together the sweetness of shrimp (Shrimp – Wikipedia) and the delicate richness of crab meat (Crab meat – Wikipedia), turning each bite into a flavor-packed experience.

Not only is this dish a great addition to your seafood recipes rotation (Seafood recipes – Pinterest), but it also serves as a practical way to explore healthy, protein-rich dinners using omega-3-rich fish like salmon (Salmon – Wikipedia). Whether you’re new to cooking seafood or looking for a new go-to dish, crab and shrimp stuffed salmon offers the best of both worlds: flavor and simplicity.

Why This Recipe Works

This crab and shrimp stuffed salmon recipe works so well because it balances flavor, texture, and nutrition in one easy-to-make dish. It’s more than just a seafood dinner—it’s a flavorful experience that highlights the best qualities of each ingredient. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

• Flavor Fusion: The savory blend of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard creates a creamy base that complements the sweetness of shrimp and the delicate, buttery taste of lump crab meat. The addition of Old Bay seasoning gives the filling a classic coastal flavor that pairs perfectly with salmon.

• Rich Texture Contrast: The flaky, tender baked salmon contrasts with the smooth, creamy seafood filling. That balance of soft and firm textures makes every bite satisfying without being heavy.

• High-Quality Ingredients: Using fresh or well-drained cooked shrimp and real lump crab meat ensures that the dish maintains its structure and depth of flavor. Even when made with frozen seafood, the recipe shines if ingredients are thawed and prepared properly.

• Visually Appealing: The dish makes a stunning presentation when sliced, with the creamy stuffing peeking out of a beautifully roasted salmon pocket. It’s ideal for guests or special dinners without requiring restaurant-level skills.

• Health-Conscious Yet Indulgent: While rich and flavorful, this meal is full of lean protein, healthy fats, and omega-3s. For those tracking their macros or aiming to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor, it’s a smart choice.

You can even discover creative stuffed salmon ideas (Stuffed salmon ideas – Pinterest) that incorporate regional twists or dietary preferences. Whether served with a side of roasted vegetables or over a bed of herb-infused rice, this dish adapts easily.

For a deeper dive into similar dishes, explore our guide to shrimp dinner recipes and learn how different seafoods can be integrated into everyday meals. Or if you’re focused on planning ahead, our seafood meal prep tips (Seafood meal prep – Pinterest) can help you turn this into a weekly staple.

Ingredients Breakdown

Creating crab and shrimp stuffed salmon starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a role in building the flavor, texture, and overall success of the dish. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need:

For the Seafood Stuffing

• ½ cup cooked shrimp, chopped
  Use small or medium shrimp, cooked and finely chopped to distribute evenly through the filling. Fresh is best, but thawed frozen shrimp works well if properly drained. Learn more about shrimp varieties and preparation from Shrimp – Wikipedia.

• ½ cup lump crab meat
  Look for refrigerated lump crab for the most authentic taste and texture. Avoid imitation crab, which lacks the rich, buttery flavor. Crab meat – Wikipedia provides a great overview of the different types of crab available.

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  This adds creaminess and structure. It binds the filling, making it easy to stuff. Full-fat cream cheese offers the best flavor. Check out its uses and variations on Cream cheese – Wikipedia.

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  Adds tang and extra creaminess. Use high-quality mayo or consider avocado mayo for a richer flavor.

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  Provides sharpness and depth. Dijon enhances the savory elements of the seafood.

• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  A classic seafood spice mix with paprika, celery salt, and other spices. It’s the signature seasoning in many seafood recipes (Old Bay seasoning – Wikipedia).

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  Brings freshness and color. You can substitute with dill or chives for a different herbal profile.

• 1 green onion, finely chopped
  Adds mild onion flavor and a crisp texture to balance the creaminess.

• 1 garlic clove, minced
  Intensifies the savory flavors. Be sure to use fresh garlic for the best result.

• Salt and pepper to taste
  Essential for seasoning. Add sparingly after mixing, then adjust based on taste.

For the Salmon

• 2 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
  Choose center-cut fillets about 1 to 1½ inches thick. Skin-on fillets hold shape better during baking. Learn about salmon cuts and nutrition from Salmon – Wikipedia.

• 1 tbsp olive oil
  Used to coat the fillets before baking to keep the surface moist and aid in browning.

• Salt and pepper to taste
  Season both inside and outside the salmon for full flavor.

• Lemon wedges for serving
  Add a fresh citrus note to balance the richness of the filling.

For more ingredient inspiration and visuals, browse this curated board of seafood recipes on Pinterest. You’ll find helpful tips and substitutions that suit various dietary needs.

Step-by-Step Instructions (with Tips)

Mastering crab and shrimp stuffed salmon is easy when you follow each step carefully. This section outlines the process clearly, with added cooking tips to ensure success from start to finish. Use these techniques to achieve a perfectly cooked, restaurant-quality seafood dinner at home.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

• Lightly grease the surface with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Seafood Stuffing

• In a medium bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, lump crab meat, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard.

• Add Old Bay seasoning, chopped parsley, green onion, and minced garlic.

• Stir gently to mix, being careful not to break down the crab too much.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Tip: For best texture, don’t overmix the stuffing. This preserves the chunkiness of the seafood and prevents it from becoming mushy.

Step 3: Prepare the Salmon Fillets

• Pat each salmon fillet dry with paper towels.

• Use a sharp knife to cut a slit lengthwise down the center of each fillet, about ¾ of the way through, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through.

Pro Tip: Make the slit deep and wide enough to hold a generous amount of filling without splitting the fillet completely.

Step 4: Stuff the Salmon

• Spoon the prepared stuffing evenly into the pockets of the salmon fillets.

• Press it in gently so it stays in place without overflowing.

If you’re interested in more creative stuffing styles, check out Stuffed salmon ideas on Pinterest for inspiration.

Step 5: Bake the Salmon

• Place the stuffed fillets on the prepared baking sheet.

• Drizzle with olive oil, then season the tops with salt and pepper.

• Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Internal Temp Tip: The internal temperature of cooked salmon should reach 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

• Remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes.

• Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh, bright finish.

• Pair with your favorite sides like garlic green beans, wild rice, or roasted potatoes.

This dish also fits perfectly into your seafood meal prep routine (Seafood meal prep – Pinterest). Make extra stuffing to freeze and use for quick weeknight meals or elegant lunches.