Description
This Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon recipe features tender salmon fillets filled with a savory seafood mixture of crab meat and shrimp blended with cream cheese, mayonnaise, and fresh herbs. The fillets are seared to a golden brown on the stovetop and finished off by baking in the oven, resulting in a flavorful, elegant dish perfect for a special dinner or weekend meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon Fillets
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seafood Stuffing
- 1/2 cup cooked crab meat, chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the salmon after searing.
- Prepare Salmon Pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each salmon fillet, taking care not to slice all the way through, creating space for the stuffing.
- Make Stuffing Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine chopped crab meat, chopped shrimp, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Stuff the Salmon: Generously fill each salmon fillet pocket with the seafood stuffing mixture. Use toothpicks to secure the opening if necessary to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed salmon fillets in the skillet and sear them for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Bake the Salmon: Transfer the same skillet to the preheated oven and bake the stuffed salmon for 12-15 minutes. The salmon is done when it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the salmon rest for a few minutes. Serve warm alongside your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make sure not to cut through the salmon completely when creating the pocket to prevent the stuffing from spilling out.
- Using an oven-safe skillet makes it easy to sear and then transfer the salmon directly into the oven without changing pans.
- To avoid overcooking, start checking the salmon at 12 minutes in the oven; cooking times may vary depending on thickness.
- You can garnish with additional fresh parsley or lemon wedges for extra flavor and presentation.
- This recipe is perfect for a gluten-free diet as it contains no wheat or gluten ingredients.
