Crab And Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe

Irresistible Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe Anyone Can Make

Salmon reimagines into a luxurious seafood delight when generously stuffed with succulent crab and shrimp.

Ocean-inspired ingredients merge to create a culinary masterpiece that elevates home cooking beyond ordinary expectations.

Tender fish fillets become vessels for rich, delicate seafood blending maritime flavors into each sumptuous bite.

Delicate marine proteins intertwine, promising an elegant dining experience that feels both sophisticated and comfortably familiar.

Creamy textures and briny undertones dance through this recipe, challenging traditional seafood preparation techniques.

Elegant yet approachable, this dish represents a perfect balance between gourmet sensibilities and hearty home cooking.

Professional chefs and passionate home cooks alike will appreciate the nuanced layers of flavor in this remarkable preparation.

How to Make Crab-Stuffed Salmon

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Season Salmon Fillets

Coat salmon fillets with:
  • Oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Smoked paprika
  • Cajun seasoning

Cut a slit through the middle of each fillet, about two-thirds deep.

Step 3: Create Seafood Stuffing

Squeeze excess liquid from spinach. In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Spinach
  • Boursin cheese
  • Jalapeno
  • Crab meat
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Garlic

Season the mixture with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Prepare Seasoned Shrimp

In a separate bowl, toss shrimp with:
  • Remaining oil
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Step 5: Assemble Stuffed Salmon

Fill salmon slits with crab mixture. Top with seasoned shrimp. Place on prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with Cajun butter.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Bake for 15-17 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily. Serve with fresh lemon wedges.

Tips for Juicy Stuffed Salmon

  • Choose Fresh Seafood: Select high-quality, fresh crab meat and shrimp to elevate the flavor and texture of your stuffed salmon.
  • Create Even Slit: Cut the salmon fillet carefully, ensuring the pocket is deep enough to hold the stuffing without splitting the fish completely.
  • Drain Spinach Thoroughly: Remove as much moisture as possible from spinach to prevent a watery filling and maintain the right consistency.
  • Avoid Overcooking: Watch the salmon closely and remove from oven when it just turns opaque to prevent drying out the delicate fish.
  • Customize Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño and Cajun seasoning to match your preferred heat intensity for a personalized taste experience.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Storing Leftovers: Carefully transfer salmon to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 1-2 days for best quality and safety.
  • Reheating: Gently warm salmon in the oven at 275°F for 10-12 minutes to prevent drying out. Cover with foil to retain moisture and preserve delicate seafood texture. Avoid microwaving, which can make salmon tough and rubbery. Verify internal temperature reaches 145°F before serving to ensure food safety.
  • Best Practices: Remove any cold side dishes before reheating. Add a small splash of water or butter to help maintain tenderness. Check salmon periodically during reheating to prevent overcooking.

What to Pair with Seafood-Stuffed Salmon

  • Zesty Citrus Wine Companion: Pair this rich salmon with a crisp, acidic white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the creamy Boursin and balance the seafood's richness.
  • Fresh Herbal Side Kick: Serve alongside a light quinoa salad with fresh dill, parsley, and lemon zest to complement the Cajun and seafood flavors while adding a refreshing texture contrast.
  • Bright Veggie Harmony: Roast asparagus or green beans with a touch of garlic and lemon to provide a simple, green vegetable side that enhances the salmon's complex seasoning without overwhelming the dish.
  • Cooling Creamy Contrast: Add a quick cucumber and dill yogurt sauce on the side to provide a cool, tangy element that balances the spicy Cajun seasonings and rich seafood stuffing.

Variations for Stuffed Seafood Lovers

  • Coastal Mediterranean Salmon: Replace Boursin with feta cheese, add chopped kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes to the stuffing. Swap Cajun seasoning for oregano and use olive oil instead.
  • Spicy Asian Fusion Salmon: Incorporate ginger, soy sauce, and sriracha into the stuffing. Top with sesame seeds and green onions. Use sesame oil for seasoning shrimp and salmon.
  • Low-Carb Keto Salmon: Substitute spinach with cauliflower rice, use cream cheese instead of Boursin. Add extra herbs like dill and chives. Reduce Cajun seasoning and focus on herb-based flavors.
  • Tropical Hawaiian Salmon: Mix in diced pineapple and coconut flakes with crab meat. Season with Hawaiian-style spice blend. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with mango salsa on the side.

Why This Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Shines

  • Seafood Symphony: A mouthwatering blend of crab, shrimp, and salmon creates an epic flavor explosion that combines multiple ocean delicacies in one incredible dish.
  • Quick Gourmet Magic: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes, making fancy dining accessible for home cooks with minimal culinary skills.
  • Flavor-Packed Nutrition Powerhouse: Loaded with protein-rich seafood and vibrant seasonings like Cajun spices and smoked paprika, this dish delivers incredible taste while maintaining a healthy nutritional profile that satisfies both health-conscious and flavor-loving eaters.
  • Foolproof Cooking Technique: The simple stuffing and baking method ensures perfect results every time, with a foolproof approach that keeps salmon moist and creates a stunning presentation that looks professionally prepared.

Ingredients for Stuffed Salmon

Main Protein:
  • Salmon Fillets: Fresh, high-quality salmon with good marbling for moisture and rich flavor.
  • Crab Meat: Sweet, delicate seafood that adds luxurious texture to the stuffing.
  • Shrimp: Tender seafood that complements salmon and provides additional protein.
Stuffing and Cheese:
  • Spinach: Fresh or frozen spinach adds nutritional value and green color to the filling.
  • Boursin Cheese: Creamy, herbed cheese that provides rich, smooth texture to the stuffing.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that adds depth and saltiness to the mixture.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall flavor profile of the stuffing.
  • Jalapeno: Fresh pepper that introduces mild heat and zesty kick to the filling.
Seasoning and Finishing:
  • Olive Oil: Helps with even seasoning and prevents salmon from drying out.
  • Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings for enhancing natural flavors of seafood.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth and warm color to the dish.
  • Cajun Seasoning: Spice blend that provides bold, complex flavor to salmon and shrimp.
  • Cajun Butter: Rich, spiced butter for additional flavor and moisture.
  • Lemon: Fresh citrus to brighten and balance the rich seafood flavors.
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Crab And Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe

Crab And Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe


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4.7 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent salmon becomes a luxurious seafood canvas with delicate crab and shrimp nestled inside its tender flesh. Gourmet flavors mingle perfectly, creating an elegant coastal-inspired dish that promises to elevate dinner from ordinary to extraordinary for anyone craving marine-inspired culinary magic.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 salmon fillets (7 ounces/198 grams each), skin removed
  • 1216 medium shrimp, peeled and cleaned
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) lump crab or claw crab

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 1 pack (5 ounces/142 grams) Boursin Shallot & Chive, at room temperature
  • ¼ cup (28 grams) parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Seasonings and Vegetables:

  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, plus more for seasoning shrimp
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, plus more for seasoning shrimp
  • 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil, divided
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) frozen spinach, thawed
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeno, deseeded and diced
  • Salt and ground pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Lemon wedges, to garnish
  • ¼ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick cooking.
  2. Gently coat salmon fillets with olive oil, ensuring even coverage. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning for a robust flavor profile.
  3. Create a deep pocket in each salmon fillet by carefully cutting a slit approximately two-thirds through the thickness, being cautious not to slice completely through.
  4. Thoroughly drain excess moisture from the spinach using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to prevent a watery filling.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine drained spinach, creamy Boursin cheese, finely chopped jalapeno, delicate crab meat, grated parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  6. In a separate bowl, toss raw shrimp with the remaining olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  7. Carefully stuff each salmon fillet with the prepared crab and spinach mixture, ensuring an even distribution.
  8. Arrange the seasoned shrimp on top of the stuffed salmon fillets, creating an attractive presentation.
  9. Transfer the prepared salmon to the parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle with Cajun butter for additional flavor and moisture.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, or until the salmon turns opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
  11. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges to enhance the seafood’s natural flavors and provide a bright, citrusy contrast.

Notes

  • Elevate your seafood game with this luxurious salmon dish that combines the richness of crab, the sweetness of shrimp, and bold Cajun flavors.
  • Carefully slice salmon fillets without cutting through completely to create a perfect pocket for the creamy, cheesy stuffing.
  • Pat spinach and shrimp dry to prevent excess moisture that could make the filling soggy and compromise the texture.
  • Layer flavors by seasoning each component separately – salmon, stuffing, and shrimp – for a more complex and robust taste profile.
  • Use fresh, high-quality seafood for the best results, ensuring the crab meat and shrimp are sweet and tender.
  • Cajun butter adds a final touch of richness and spice, transforming this salmon from simple to spectacular.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 17 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 495 kcal
  • Sugar: 1.5 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1.2 g
  • Protein: 42 g
  • Cholesterol: 210 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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