Rich, creamy, and bursting with seafood flavor
This elegant main dish features a butterflied salmon fillet generously stuffed with a savory blend of crab, shrimp, cream cheese, and herbs. Baked to perfection, it’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
🧾 Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
- 1 large salmon fillet, butterflied (about 1.5–2 lbs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
For the Stuffing:
- ½ lb cooked shrimp, chopped
- ½ lb lump crab meat (check for shells)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or your favorite seafood seasoning)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Optional: 1–2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs for texture
🔪 Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prep the Salmon:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Butterfly the salmon by slicing it horizontally through the middle without cutting all the way through, then open it like a book. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Make the Stuffing:
In a bowl, mix chopped shrimp, crab meat, cream cheese, mayo, Parmesan, lemon juice, seasoning, parsley, garlic, and breadcrumbs (if using). Stir until combined into a thick, creamy mixture.
3. Stuff the Salmon:
Spread the seafood mixture evenly inside the butterflied salmon. Fold the top half of the salmon back over to “close” it.
4. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the stuffing is hot and lightly golden. You can broil for the last 2–3 minutes for extra color on top.
5. Serve:
Slice into portions and serve hot with a side of lemon wedges, roasted veggies, rice, or a fresh salad.
🍽️ Tips & Variations:
- Add chopped spinach or green onions for extra flavor and color.
- Substitute cream cheese with ricotta for a lighter filling.
- Use individual salmon portions instead of a whole fillet for a dinner-party presentation.