Flaky salmon filled with a luscious seafood stuffing—this restaurant-style entrée is surprisingly easy to make at home. Perfect for date nights, holidays, or when you want to seriously impress without the stress.
📋 Recipe Card
👨🍳 Servings: 4
⏱ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 20 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 35 minutes
🏷️ Tags: Seafood | Dinner | Low-Carb | Keto-Friendly
🍽 Dietary Info: Gluten-Free | Pescatarian (with shellfish)
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
Main Ingredients
1 large salmon fillet (butterflied to open like a book)
½ lb cooked shrimp, chopped
½ lb lump crab meat
For the Creamy Filling
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp mayonnaise
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Salt, pepper, paprika to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
Make the Seafood Filling
In a bowl, mix together shrimp, crab meat, cream cheese, mayo, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and seasonings until smooth and well combined.
Stuff the Salmon
Lay the butterflied salmon flat and spoon the filling evenly onto one half.
Fold the other half over to enclose the filling (like a stuffed pocket). Secure with toothpicks if needed.
Bake to Perfection
Place salmon on the baking sheet and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork and the filling is hot and creamy.
Serve & Enjoy
Serve immediately with lemon wedges, extra parsley, or a drizzle of garlic butter for added flair.
💡 Quick Notes
Use wild-caught salmon for best flavor and texture.
Lump crab and cooked shrimp give this filling a rich, satisfying texture.
Be generous with the seasoning—it balances the creamy richness inside.
Optional: broil the last 1–2 minutes for a lightly golden finish on top.
🐠 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This stuffed salmon is everything a seafood lover dreams of—tender fish, a rich and garlicky shellfish stuffing, and the perfect hint of lemon and herbs. It tastes gourmet, but it’s incredibly straightforward. And yes—it’s just as impressive as it sounds.
📸 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Butterfly the Salmon
Use a sharp knife to slice the salmon horizontally, stopping before cutting all the way through, then open like a book.
2. Combine the Filling
Cream cheese, mayo, shrimp, and crab = the dream team. Mix until creamy, then season to taste.
3. Stuff & Fold
Spoon the mixture into the center of the fillet, then gently fold the salmon closed. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
4. Bake Until Perfectly Flaky
The fish is done when it flakes with a fork and reaches 145°F internal temperature.
🧂 Ingredient Tips & Substitutions
Seafood:
Pre-cooked shrimp saves time. If using raw, sauté it first.
Substitute imitation crab for a budget-friendly version (though fresh crab tastes best).
Cheese:
Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and richness.
Want a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the mix.
Optional Garnishes:
Lemon zest for brightness
Extra paprika on top before baking for color
Chopped green onion or dill for a fresh finish
🔄 Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead:
The stuffing can be made up to 2 days in advance.
Stuff the salmon and refrigerate, covered, for up to 12 hours before baking.
Leftovers:
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge.
Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F or in a covered skillet over low heat.
Freezing:
Not recommended once cooked due to the creamy filling.
You can freeze raw stuffed salmon—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use skin-on salmon?
A: Yes, but skinless is easier to stuff and bake evenly.
Q: Can I grill this instead of baking?
A: Not ideal for the stuffed version—it’s better baked where the filling is fully contained and heated through.
Q: Can I double the recipe for guests?
A: Absolutely! Just use a larger salmon fillet or two smaller ones, and double the filling.
🧡 Final Thoughts
This shrimp & crab stuffed salmon is the kind of dish that makes people pause mid-bite and ask, “Did you really make this at home?” Yes, you did—and now you can again, anytime the craving strikes.
📣 Share the Flavor
Tried it? Tag your dish @YourBlogHandle on Instagram or drop a comment below with your favorite add-ins or sides. 🐟✨
Looking for a full seafood dinner? Pair with lemon risotto or roasted asparagus and you’ve got a showstopper.