If you’re craving a seafood dish that feels both indulgent and fresh, you are going to fall head over heels for this Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of two ocean favorites—rich, buttery salmon and succulent shrimp—packed together with creamy spinach and seasoned to perfection. This dish delivers a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that makes every bite a delightful surprise, whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself to a special meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and appealing colors. Each component plays an important role, adding layers of texture and seasoning that make this Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe truly unforgettable.
- 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil/avocado oil): Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic and shrimp perfectly.
- 1 ½ tablespoons minced garlic: Provides an aromatic base that elevates the seafood flavors.
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed, chopped into ½-inch pieces: The star of the stuffing, offering sweet and tender bites.
- 5-6 ounces cream cheese, softened: Brings creamy texture and helps bind the filling together.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped: Adds a touch of freshness and vibrant green color.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlicky flavor without overpowering the dish.
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley: Offers subtle herbal notes that brighten the filling.
- ¼ teaspoon salt, plus more to season salmon: Balances and enhances overall flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to season salmon: Brings mild heat and depth.
- â…› teaspoon celery salt: A unique seasoning that adds a touch of complexity.
- â…› teaspoon paprika: Adds mild smokiness and a wonderful hint of color.
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets: The perfect size for individual servings and ideal for stuffing.
- â…“ cup panko breadcrumbs: Creates a crunchy, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the tender fish.
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish to the plate.
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional): Provides a zesty brightness that complements the seafood flavors.
How to Make Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter or warm your preferred oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until it smells heavenly, just about 30 seconds to a minute. Add the chopped shrimp and cook until they turn opaque and pink—this only takes a couple of minutes. Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and get ready to mix in the other delicious filling ingredients.
Step 2: Mix the Stuffing Ingredients
While the skillet is still warm, stir in the softened cream cheese along with the chopped spinach. Next, sprinkle in garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, celery salt, and paprika. Stir everything until the mixture is creamy, well combined, and studded with tender shrimp and vibrant spinach. This mix will make your salmon pockets absolutely irresistible.
Step 3: Prepare and Stuff the Salmon
Lay out a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to keep cleanup simple. Pat your salmon fillets dry, then carefully butterfly each fillet to create a pocket for the filling. Season the salmon pockets with a little salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Spoon generous amounts of the shrimp stuffing into each salmon pocket. If needed, secure each fillet with toothpicks so that your filling stays put during baking.
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping and Bake
Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top of each stuffed salmon fillet; this will give your dish a fantastic golden crunch. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to help the breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the panko is perfectly golden brown.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, garnish with freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve alongside lemon wedges for those who love an extra citrusy kick. The combination of baked salmon snugly filled with creamy shrimp stuffing, complemented by the crunchy panko topping, is truly something to celebrate at the dinner table.
How to Serve Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a bit of green parsley and a wedge of lemon not only makes the dish look vibrant and inviting but also brightens every bite with fresh herbal and citrus notes. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving can elevate the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This shrimp stuffed salmon pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides that complement its rich flavors without overpowering them. Consider serving it alongside roasted asparagus, garlic sautéed green beans, or a simple quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs. For a more comforting option, creamy mashed potatoes or a buttery risotto make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, try plating each stuffed salmon fillet atop a smear of lemon-infused aioli or a vibrant beetroot purée for a pop of color. Another idea is to serve it with a crisp microgreens salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for a gourmet touch. Individual serving plates with thoughtful garnish placement make the presentation feel restaurant-quality.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last nicely for up to 2 days, keeping those flavors fresh and the texture as good as possible.
Freezing
While fresh taste is always best, you can freeze cooked stuffed salmon for up to 1 month. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place in freezer-safe containers. To maintain the best quality, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to avoid drying out the salmon. Alternatively, warming in a microwave on medium power in short bursts works if you watch carefully. Adding a small splash of water or covering loosely with foil helps retain moisture during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp as long as you thaw and drain them well before chopping and cooking. This ensures the filling isn’t watery and cooks evenly.
What if I can’t butterfly the salmon fillets?
If butterfly cutting is tricky, you can make a small slit along the side of the fillet to form a pocket or loosely lay the shrimp mixture on top and then roll the salmon around it, securing with toothpicks.
Is it okay to substitute cream cheese with something else?
Absolutely! Soft goat cheese or mascarpone can be wonderful alternatives that still keep the filling creamy and luscious.
How spicy is this Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe?
This recipe has no strong heat but features a gently seasoned profile with garlic and paprika adding warmth rather than spice, making it accessible to most palates.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake later?
You can assemble the stuffed salmon and keep it covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. This can be a great time saver for busy day entertaining.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe is a fantastic way to bring a touch of elegance and bold flavors to your dinner table without fuss. The combination of juicy salmon and savory shrimp stuffing creates a memorable dish you’ll want to make over and over. I can’t wait for you to try it out and enjoy every delicious bite with your loved ones!
Print
Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Shrimp Stuffed Salmon recipe combines tender salmon fillets with a savory shrimp and cream cheese filling, seasoned with garlic and herbs, then baked to perfection with a crispy panko topping. Perfect for an elegant yet simple dinner that brings seafood lovers together.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Filling
- 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil/avocado oil)
- 1 ½ tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed, chopped into ½-inch pieces
- 5–6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- â…› teaspoon celery salt
- â…› teaspoon paprika
For the Salmon
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
- Salt and black pepper, to season salmon
- â…“ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray (optional, for crisping)
For Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Shrimp Filling: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter or heat oil. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chopped shrimp and cook until they turn opaque, roughly 3-4 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Mix Filling Ingredients: Stir in the softened cream cheese, chopped fresh spinach, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, celery salt, and paprika into the cooked shrimp in the skillet. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined into a creamy mixture.
- Prepare Salmon Fillets: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat each salmon fillet dry using paper towels. Butterfly each fillet by cutting horizontally to create a pocket for stuffing, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season both sides and the inside of each fillet with salt and black pepper.
- Stuff and Assemble: Spoon the shrimp and cream cheese filling evenly into the pocket of each salmon fillet. Use toothpicks if necessary to secure the edges and keep the stuffing inside. Sprinkle the tops of the stuffed salmon with panko breadcrumbs, then lightly spray with cooking spray to help the crumbs crisp up during baking.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and the panko breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately for a delicious seafood entrée.
Notes
- Butter can be substituted with olive oil or avocado oil for a different flavor profile or dietary preference.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to blend smoothly with the shrimp filling.
- Butterflying the salmon carefully helps create a secure pocket for the stuffing without tearing the fillet.
- Toothpicks help keep the filling inside during baking but remember to remove them before serving.
- Cooking spray on panko breadcrumbs ensures a crispier topping; you can also drizzle with a little butter if preferred.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, before baking.
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
