Elevate your seafood game with this indulgent Crab-Stuffed Salmon, a perfect dish for a special occasion or a weeknight treat. The rich combination of tender salmon and savory crab stuffing is topped with a buttery parmesan crust, adding layers of flavor and texture to each bite. This recipe is quick to prepare yet feels luxurious, making it an impressive meal without the hassle. Whether you’re cooking for guests or simply want to spoil yourself, this dish offers a gourmet experience with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
- 1 pound salmon fillet
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
For the Crab Stuffing:
- 4 oz crab meat, chopped
- ½ celery stick, finely chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoons plain breadcrumbs
- 2 ½ teaspoons grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions:
- Prepare the salmon: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by either covering it with parchment paper or applying a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking. Cut the salmon fillet into two or four portions, depending on size, and make a slit in the center of each piece to create a pocket for stuffing.
- Season the salmon: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, paprika, and pepper. Brush this mixture all over the salmon, including inside the slits.
- Prepare the crab stuffing: In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped crab meat, finely chopped celery, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, shredded cheese, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Incorporate the melted butter into the mixture, mixing thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly blended.
- Stuff the salmon: Spoon the crab mixture into the slits of each salmon portion, pressing it down gently to ensure the stuffing stays in place. If there is any leftover stuffing, you can add it on top of the fillets.
- Bake: Place the stuffed salmon on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). If desired, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to give the top a golden-brown finish.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges for added flavor.
Conclusion:
This creamy and savory Crab-Stuffed Salmon is a crowd-pleaser with its rich seafood flavors and crunchy, cheesy crust. The tender salmon fillet pairs perfectly with the crab stuffing, offering a delightful contrast in textures. With minimal prep time, this dish is not only elegant but also practical, making it a must-try for seafood lovers. Whether served with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, this meal is sure to impress!
Creamy Crab-Stuffed Salmon with a Buttery Parmesan Topping
A rich and flavorful salmon fillet stuffed with acreamy crab mixture and baked to perfection. Topped with a cheesy, butterycrust for added texture.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 1 pound salmon fillet
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 garlic clove minced
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste
For the Crab Stuffing:
- 4 oz crab meat chopped
- ½ celery stick finely chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoons plain breadcrumbs
- 2 ½ teaspoons grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by either covering it with parchment paper or applying a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking. Cut the salmon fillet into two or four portions, depending on size, and make a slit in the center of each piece to create a pocket for stuffing.
- Season the salmon: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, paprika, and pepper. Brush this mixture all over the salmon, including inside the slits.
- Prepare the crab stuffing: In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped crab meat, finely chopped celery, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, shredded cheese, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Incorporate the melted butter into the mixture, mixing thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly blended.
- Stuff the salmon: Spoon the crab mixture into the slits of each salmon portion, pressing it down gently to ensure the stuffing stays in place. If there is any leftover stuffing, you can add it on top of the fillets.
- Bake: Place the stuffed salmon on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). If desired, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to give the top a golden-brown finish.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges for added flavor.