Luxurious Seafood Stuffed Salmon

This decadent stuffed salmon transforms an ordinary dinner into a special occasion meal with its luxurious filling of crab and shrimp. I created this recipe for my husband's birthday dinner last year and it's become our go-to impressive dinner when we want to celebrate without leaving home.

This recipe became an instant family favorite when I first made it for my seafood-loving mother-in-law. She was convinced I had ordered it from our favorite upscale restaurant until she watched me plate it right in front of her.

Ingredients

• Wild caught salmon filets provide the perfect backdrop with their rich flavor and firm texture. Look for bright pink flesh and avoid any with a fishy smell.
• Jumbo lump crab meat delivers sweet flavor and impressive chunks throughout the filling. Splurge for fresh crab if possible but refrigerated pasteurized works well too.
• Peeled and deveined shrimp add another dimension of seafood flavor. Choose medium sized shrimp for the best texture in the filling.
• Softened cream cheese creates the creamy base that binds everything together. Allow it to come to room temperature for easiest mixing.
• Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese add complementary flavors and binding power. Freshly grated versions melt more smoothly than pre-packaged.
• Fresh herbs and aromatics including parsley green onions and garlic provide brightness and depth. Always mince garlic fresh for maximum flavor.
• Old Bay seasoning brings classic seafood flavoring. This iconic blend contains paprika celery salt and other spices that enhance seafood perfectly.
• Ground cardamom adds unexpected warmth and complexity that elevates this dish beyond the ordinary.
• Multiple seasoning blends create a perfectly balanced flavor profile that brings out the best in the seafood.

How To Make Crab Shrimp Stuffed Salmon

Prepare ingredients

Gather and prep all ingredients before starting to ensure smooth execution. Preheat your oven to 175°C which allows adequate time for the salmon to cook through while maintaining its moisture. Chop all herbs and aromatics finely for even distribution of flavor throughout the filling.

Season and prepare shrimp

Season raw shrimp with salt and pepper before cooking to build flavor from the ground up. This step ensures the shrimp contributes its own delicious flavor to the filling rather than just texture.

Sauté aromatics and shrimp

Creating a flavor base with butter garlic and paprika infuses the shrimp with amazing taste. Cook the shrimp just until they begin to turn pink about 3 minutes as they will continue cooking in the oven. Overcooking at this stage will result in tough rubbery shrimp in the final dish.

Create the luxurious filling

The cream cheese mixture serves as the canvas for our seafood masterpiece. Fold in seafood and remaining ingredients with a light touch to maintain the integrity of the delicate crab pieces. A gentle hand preserves those beautiful chunks of crab that make each bite special.

Assemble the stuffed salmon

Properly seasoning the salmon filets before adding filling ensures flavor in every layer of the dish. Place the filling along one filet in an even layer then top with the second filet creating a sandwich effect that keeps the filling from spilling out during baking.

Bake to perfection

Baking at the correct temperature ensures the salmon cooks through while remaining moist. The additional butter on top bastes the salmon as it melts creating a more luxurious finished dish.

Create the golden finish

The final broiling step creates an irresistible golden crust on top and heats the reserved seafood mixture to perfection. Watch carefully during broiling as it can quickly go from perfectly golden to burnt.

The Old Bay seasoning in this recipe holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of summers spent on the Chesapeake Bay catching crabs with my grandfather. He taught me that this iconic spice blend is essential for bringing out the sweetness in seafood and he would have absolutely loved this elevated take on his favorite ingredients.

Make Ahead Options

This elegant seafood entrée can be assembled up to 24 hours before baking making it perfect for entertaining. Prepare everything through the assembly step then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off then proceed with the baking instructions. The texture and flavor are nearly identical to the freshly made version making this a stress-free option for dinner parties.

Perfect Pairings

This luxurious stuffed salmon deserves equally thoughtful side dishes. A light lemon butter asparagus provides a fresh counterpoint to the rich seafood filling while wild rice pilaf offers a nutty complement that absorbs any extra juices. For wine lovers a crisp unoaked Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness perfectly without overpowering the delicate seafood flavors. Finish the meal with a light citrus sorbet to cleanse the palate after such a decadent main course.

Troubleshooting Tips

Even experienced home cooks can encounter challenges with this recipe. If your filling seems too loose add an extra tablespoon of Parmesan cheese which acts as a binder without changing the flavor profile. For salmon filets that are uneven in thickness fold the thinner tail section under to create an even thickness ensuring uniform cooking throughout. If you notice the top browning too quickly during baking loosely tent with foil to prevent burning while allowing the center to continue cooking to the proper temperature.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare the seafood stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the seafood stuffing up to 24 hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature for about 20 minutes before assembling with the salmon for best results.

→ What can I substitute for Old Bay seasoning?

If Old Bay isn't available, mix together paprika, ground bay leaves, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Alternatively, Cajun seasoning makes a good substitute though it may be spicier than Old Bay.

→ How do I know when the salmon is properly cooked?

The salmon is properly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork but remains moist in the center. The internal temperature should reach 63°C (145°F). The top should be golden brown after the brief broiling period.

→ Can I use frozen seafood for this dish?

Yes, but ensure all seafood is fully thawed and patted dry before using. Excess moisture from frozen seafood can make the filling watery. For best results, fresh seafood will provide superior texture and flavor.

→ What wines pair well with this seafood dish?

A crisp white wine like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio complements this dish beautifully. The bright acidity cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and seafood filling while enhancing the salmon's flavor.

→ Can I make this dish without shellfish?

Absolutely. You can create a delicious variation using just salmon and other ingredients like spinach, artichokes, or mushrooms with the cream cheese base. Add extra herbs and seasonings to maintain flavor complexity.