Elegant Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon

Elegant Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon

with Creamy Herb Filling and Golden Baked Finish

A luxurious seafood dish featuring tender salmon fillets stuffed with a creamy crab and shrimp filling, baked until perfectly flaky with a golden top. Perfect for special dinners or entertaining guests.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Salmon

• 4 thick salmon fillets (skin removed or skin-on if preferred)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Crab & Shrimp Filling

• ½ cup cooked shrimp, finely chopped

• ½ cup lump crab meat (picked over for shells)

• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tsp fresh dill (or ½ tsp dried)

• 1 small clove garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Golden Finish

• 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs

• 1 tbsp melted butter

• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan

🔪 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Salmon

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels.

3. Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into the side of each fillet (do not cut all the way through).

4. Season both inside and outside with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

5. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and lemon juice.

2️⃣ Make the Creamy Herb Filling

1. In a bowl, combine cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.

2. Gently fold in chopped shrimp and crab meat.

3. Add Parmesan, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, dill, garlic, salt, and pepper.

4. Mix until well combined but avoid overmixing to keep the crab texture intact.

3️⃣ Stuff the Salmon

1. Spoon the seafood filling evenly into each salmon pocket.

2. Press gently to secure the filling inside.

4️⃣ Add the Golden Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan.

2. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of each stuffed salmon fillet.

5️⃣ Bake

1. Place stuffed salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet or lightly greased baking dish.

2. Bake for 18–22 minutes, depending on thickness, until:

   • Salmon flakes easily with a fork

   • Internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C)

3. For extra browning, broil for the final 1–2 minutes.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic butter asparagus or roasted vegetables.

• Pair with lemon herb rice or creamy mashed potatoes.

• Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges for elegance.

🔥 Tips for Perfect Results

• Use thick-cut salmon fillets for easier stuffing.

• Pat seafood dry before mixing to avoid watery filling.

• Don’t overbake—salmon should remain moist and flaky.

• For extra richness, add a tablespoon of white wine to the filling.