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Overhead view of four baked crab stuffed salmon fillets on an oval cream plate with lemon slices

Salmon Stuffed With Crab

40aprons.com/crab-stuffed-salmon/
This recipe for stuffed salmon with crab meat looks like something straight off a fine-dining menu. Tender, flaky salmon fillets are loaded with a creamy, seasoned lump crab filling and finished with a silky, bright lemon butter drizzle.   
Prep 20 minutes
Cook 18 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total 43 minutes

Equipment

  • rimmed baking sheet half sheet, 18x13 inches
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • medium mixing bowl
  • rubber or silicone spatula
  • Small saucepan
  • Instant-read meat thermometer
  • toothpicks
  • Tongs or fish spatula

Ingredients

Salmon

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each, boneless and skinless)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)
  • Olive oil (for drizzling)
  • 2 teaspoons butter (½ teaspoon per fillet)

Crab Filling

  • 8 ounces lump crab meat
  • 3 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers (or panko)
  • 1 small shallot (very finely minced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Lemon Butter Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small shallot (minced)
  • ¼ cup dry white wine
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Prep the Salmon and Crab Filling

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Pat 4 salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. Cut a deep horizontal slit into center of each fillet to form a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through. Sprinkle a pinch of salt inside each pocket. Season outside of each fillet with salt and black pepper.
  • In medium mixing bowl, combine 3 ounces softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 egg, ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers, 1 very finely minced small shallot, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley. Stir until well combined.
  • Add 8 ounces lump crab meat to bowl. Using rubber spatula, fold gently until just combined, keeping crab lumps as intact as possible.

Stuff and Bake the Salmon

  • Divide crab filling evenly among 4 fillets, generously stuffing each pocket and mounding slightly on top. Secure each fillet with 1 to 2 toothpicks to hold filling in place.
    Crab stuffed salmon fillets lined up on a cutting board.
  • Place stuffed fillets on prepared baking sheet. Drizzle each lightly with olive oil and place ½ teaspoon butter on top of each fillet.
  • Bake 14 to 18 minutes until salmon reaches an internal temperature of 120 to 125°F on an instant-read thermometer. Remove from oven, remove all toothpicks, and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

  • While salmon bakes, melt 4 tablespoons butter in small saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 minced small shallot and cook, stirring, 1 to 2 minutes until softened.
  • Add ¼ cup dry white wine and simmer about 2 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in 2 tablespoons lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon chopped parsley.
  • Spoon lemon butter sauce generously over rested salmon fillets and serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the Ritz crackers for gluten-free crackers or certified gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 20 to 25 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth to the pan to keep everything moist.
Make-Ahead: Crab filling can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then stuff the salmon fillets right before baking.
Salmon Temperature: 120 to 125°F is recommended for a tender, medium result. For those who prefer fully cooked fish per USDA guidelines, bring to 145°F.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 2511calProtein: 190gFat: 153gSaturated Fat: 63gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 872mgSodium: 4304mgPotassium: 4241mgTotal Carbs: 17gFiber: 3gSugar: 6gNet Carbs: 14gVitamin A: 4941IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 382mgIron: 10mg
Recipe By: Cheryl Malik
https://40aprons.com/crab-stuffed-salmon/