Mediterranean Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
Mediterranean Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is a luxurious, restaurant-quality dish that combines the rich, buttery flavor of salmon with a zesty, savory seafood stuffing inspired by Mediterranean flavors. Filled with tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, feta, garlic, herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon, this dish offers a delightful contrast of textures—crispy seared edges, succulent fish, and creamy, herb-laced seafood filling.
Ideal for dinner parties, romantic meals, or holiday dinners, this stuffed salmon is surprisingly easy to prepare, yet it looks and tastes like a gourmet masterpiece. Serve it with lemon-herb couscous, roasted vegetables, or a fresh arugula salad for a stunning meal.
Time Required
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless, center-cut
Salt & black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Crab & Shrimp Stuffing:
½ cup lump crab meat (drained and picked over for shells)
½ cup small shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
2 tablespoons red bell pepper, finely diced
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
1 tablespoon fresh dill or basil (optional)
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
1 tablespoon mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prep the Salmon
Pat salmon fillets dry. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep slit (lengthwise) into the thickest part of each fillet to create a “pocket,” but don’t cut through.
Season both sides and inside the pocket with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Stuffing
In a medium bowl, mix crab meat, chopped shrimp, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, bell pepper, herbs, garlic, cream cheese, mayo/yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Stir until fully combined and creamy.
3. Stuff the Salmon
Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of the stuffing into the pocket of each fillet. Press down lightly to secure.
Optional: secure the fillet with a toothpick if the pocket is too full.
4. Cook the Salmon
Option A – Pan Sear + Bake:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the salmon, skin-side down (or presentation side), for 2–3 minutes until golden.
Flip and sear 2 more minutes, then transfer skillet to oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through (internal temp 145°F / 63°C).
Option B – All Baked:
Place salmon in a greased baking dish.
Drizzle with olive oil and bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, until fully cooked.
5. Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes.
Serve with lemon wedges, extra herbs, and a side of choice.
Tips for Success
Use Fresh Seafood: Quality crab and shrimp elevate the stuffing—avoid imitation if possible.
Don’t Overstuff: Use just enough stuffing to fill without spilling during cooking.
Don’t Overcook: Salmon should be moist and tender; use a thermometer for accuracy.
Balance Flavors: Taste your stuffing before adding it to ensure salt, acid, and creaminess are balanced.
Easy Prep Tip: Prepare stuffing in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Variations
Make it Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a spoon of harissa to the stuffing.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and omit feta, or replace with a vegan alternative.
Add Greens: Mix in some chopped spinach or kale for added nutrients and color.
Grilled Version: Wrap each stuffed fillet in foil and grill over medium heat for 12–15 minutes.
Individual Packets: Cook each fillet in parchment for a mess-free, moist result.
Q&A
Q: Can I use canned crab or pre-cooked shrimp?
A: Yes, but be sure to drain well and chop finely for best texture.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: You can prep and stuff the salmon up to 6 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Q: What sides go well with this?
A: Try couscous, lemon rice, roasted vegetables, or a cucumber-chickpea salad.
Q: Can I make this with a whole side of salmon?
A: Yes! Butterfly the fillet, layer the stuffing, fold over, and bake for 20–25 minutes.
Q: Is this freezer-friendly?
A: It’s best fresh, but you can freeze uncooked stuffed fillets for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before cooking.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)
Calories: 420
Protein: 38g
Fat: 26g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 580mg
Note: Nutritional values vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is a perfect blend of elegance, richness, and fresh coastal flavors. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or just want to impress your family on a weeknight, this dish delivers. With tender salmon, creamy seafood stuffing, and zesty Mediterranean accents, it’s a feel-good, fork-tender crowd-pleaser.