Tanya Rivers
This elegant crab and shrimp stuffed salmon is the ultimate show-stopping dish for any special dinner. Perfectly baked salmon is generously filled with a rich, creamy mixture of crab, shrimp, and herbs, making every bite luxurious and full of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a holiday, or treating yourself to a fancy weekend meal, this recipe will impress every seafood lover at the table.
The combination of tender salmon, sweet crab, and juicy shrimp, all smothered in a luscious garlic butter sauce, is simply irresistible. This dish brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen while being surprisingly easy to make. It’s the kind of recipe that will make your guests think you spent hours in the kitchen, but it comes together in less than an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Elegant Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
- Restaurant-Quality Taste at Home – Skip the expensive seafood restaurant and enjoy this gourmet dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
- Perfect for Special Occasions – Ideal for holidays, anniversaries, or any celebration where you want to impress.
- Rich and Flavorful – The creamy crab and shrimp stuffing pairs beautifully with the buttery, flaky salmon.
- Surprisingly Simple to Make – Despite its fancy look, the recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Versatile Presentation – Serve it whole for a dramatic table centerpiece or slice into portions for individual servings.
What Type of Salmon Works Best for Stuffing?
For this recipe, thick-cut salmon fillets or a whole side of salmon work best. You’ll need enough thickness to create a pocket for the stuffing without tearing the fish. Wild-caught salmon is ideal for its firmer texture and deeper flavor, but farm-raised salmon works just as well if that’s what you have available. Choose fillets with the skin on to help hold the shape while baking, but remove any pin bones before stuffing.
Ingredients for the Elegant Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
Each ingredient in this dish plays an important role in creating layers of flavor and richness. The salmon provides a tender and buttery base, while the crab and shrimp add a sweet and briny taste. Cream cheese and mayonnaise make the stuffing creamy, and garlic, herbs, and spices tie everything together beautifully.
How To Make the Elegant Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Carefully cut a slit lengthwise into each salmon fillet, creating a pocket for the stuffing. Be sure not to cut all the way through. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and season both inside and out with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika.
Step 2: Make the Crab and Shrimp Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine cooked chopped shrimp, lump crab meat, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 3: Stuff the Salmon
Spoon the creamy seafood mixture generously into each salmon pocket, pressing lightly so it stays in place.
Step 4: Bake the Salmon
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed salmon fillets on a greased baking sheet or in a baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the stuffing is hot and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve with Garlic Butter Sauce
Optional but highly recommended: melt butter in a small saucepan, add minced garlic and fresh herbs, and drizzle it over the salmon just before serving for an extra luxurious finish.
Serving and Storing the Elegant Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
This rich and elegant seafood dish serves 4 to 6 people, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings. Serve it hot, straight from the oven, with a drizzle of garlic butter for that extra touch of decadence.
Storing Leftovers:
Allow the salmon to cool completely before refrigerating. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) to keep the salmon moist. Avoid microwaving as it may dry out the fish.
What to Serve With Elegant Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon?
1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
The creamy texture pairs beautifully with the rich seafood filling.
2. Roasted Asparagus
A simple, fresh side that balances the richness of the dish.
3. Lemon Butter Green Beans
Bright and citrusy green beans add a refreshing contrast.
4. Wild Rice Pilaf
The nutty flavor of wild rice complements the buttery salmon perfectly.
5. Caesar Salad
A crisp salad with a tangy dressing cuts through the richness.
6. Crusty Artisan Bread
Perfect for soaking up any leftover garlic butter sauce.
7. White Wine Pairing
Serve with a chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for an elegant dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but thaw it completely and pat it dry before cutting and stuffing. Fresh salmon is preferred for the best texture and flavor.
2. Can I substitute the crab or shrimp?
Absolutely! You can use all crab, all shrimp, or even substitute with cooked lobster meat for an extra-luxurious twist.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed salmon up to a day ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, then bake it just before serving.
4. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can replace cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a lighter filling, but the texture will be slightly different.
5. How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork, and the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra garlic? Did you experiment with lobster instead of crab?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter!
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Elegant Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon for Special Occasions
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 fillets salmon (thick cut, skin on preferred)
- 1 cup cooked shrimp (chopped)
- 1 cup lump crab meat
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp butter (for garlic butter sauce, optional)
Instructions
- Cut a slit into each salmon fillet, season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Mix shrimp, crab, cream cheese, mayo, garlic, parsley, and lemon juice until creamy.
- Stuff salmon pockets with seafood filling.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until flaky.
- Optional: Drizzle with garlic butter before serving.