This crab stuffed salmon is a real treat! The salmon is tender and flaky, while the crab filling adds a burst of flavor that makes every bite irresistible.
Honestly, I can’t resist the mix of buttery salmon and sweet crab. It’s like a party in my mouth! 🎉 I like to serve it with some veggies for a yummy dinner that feels fancy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets work best for this recipe. If you can’t find fresh, frozen fillets defrosted are a good alternative. For a change, you could use tilapia or cod, but the taste will be different.
Crab Meat: Lump crab meat adds a nice texture and sweetness. If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use a can of crab meat or even substitute it with shrimp or a mix of seafood for a different flavor.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives the filling a creamy consistency. You might swap this with mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a lighter option that still tastes great!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a delicious flavor, but feel free to use other hard cheeses, like pecorino or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
Old Bay Seasoning: This classic seafood seasoning is fantastic, but if you can’t find it, any seafood blend or even a mix of cayenne, celery salt, and paprika can work too.
How Do I Make Sure the Salmon is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking salmon can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can nail it! The goal is to achieve tender, flaky salmon without overcooking.
- Start with quality fillets; fresh salmon cooks more evenly.
- When searing, ensure your skillet is hot; this helps create a nice crust.
- Cook just until the salmon flakes easily with a fork—about 8-12 minutes in the oven usually does the trick!
- Let it rest briefly after baking before serving; this keeps it juicy.
With these tips, your crab stuffed salmon will truly be melt-in-your-mouth delicious! Enjoy making and sharing this dish!
Melt-in-your-mouth Crab Stuffed Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin removed
- 1 cup lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp finely chopped green onions or chives
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning or seafood seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for searing)
- Lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 15-20 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes for a delightful dinner option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you are.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the lump crab meat, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, green onions, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined and set aside.
3. Prepare the Salmon Fillets:
Take your salmon fillets and lay them on a cutting board. Carefully slice a pocket into the thick side of each fillet. Make sure not to cut all the way through so that you have a nice pocket to fill.
4. Stuff the Salmon:
Spoon the crab mixture evenly into each salmon pocket. Press gently to secure the stuffing inside, making sure it doesn’t overflow too much.
5. Sear the Salmon:
Heat olive oil or melted butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the stuffed salmon fillets in the skillet, stuffing side up. Sear for about 2-3 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown.
6. Flip and Finish Searing:
Gently flip the salmon fillets and sear the other side for an additional 2 minutes to get a nice crust on both sides.
7. Bake the Salmon:
Now, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the salmon for about 8-12 minutes, or until cooked through and flakiness is achieved when tested with a fork.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, take it out from the oven, garnish with extra chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Squeeze some lemon juice on top for an extra zing!
9. Enjoy!
Your melt-in-your-mouth crab stuffed salmon is ready to be enjoyed! Pair it with your favorite sides, like roasted potatoes or steamed greens, for a complete meal!
This method guarantees a deliciously moist salmon with a rich and creamy crab filling that’s sure to impress anyone at the dinner table!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets! Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for a quicker thaw. Pat them dry before stuffing to avoid excess moisture.
How Can I Substitute the Crab Meat?
If you’re looking for a substitution, you can use shrimp, lobster, or even canned tuna for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to chop them finely to mimic the texture of crab meat.
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crab filling a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using it to ensure it’s well mixed again.
What Sides Pair Well with Crab Stuffed Salmon?
This dish goes wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with roasted potatoes, sautéed asparagus, or a fresh green salad. A light lemon butter sauce drizzled over veggies also complements the salmon nicely.
