Introduction: Why This Dish Shines
This Shrimp-Stuffed Salmon is a showstopping dish that combines:
- Succulent salmon – rich in omega-3s and perfectly flaky
- Savory shrimp stuffing – adds texture and briny sweetness
- Lemon garlic butter sauce – bright, velvety, and irresistible
Ideal for date nights, dinner parties, or when you want to treat yourself, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality elegance with home-cooked ease.
Culinary Techniques & Science
Master these key elements for perfect results:
- Butterflying salmon creates a pocket for stuffing while ensuring even cooking.
- Searing before baking locks in juices via the Maillard reaction.
- Butter emulsification (whisking cold butter into sauce) creates a silky, glossy finish.
- Baking at 375°F (190°C) gently cooks the salmon without drying it out.
Ingredient List & Substitutions
Serves 4 | Prep: 20 min | Cook: 25 min
For the Salmon & Stuffing:
- 4 (6-oz) salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Shrimp Stuffing:
- 1 cup raw shrimp, finely chopped (or crab/imitation crab)
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (or almond flour for keto)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning (or paprika + pinch of cayenne)
Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chicken or seafood stock (or white wine)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped dill (or parsley/chives)
Garnish:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh dill sprigs
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Salmon
- Butterfly the fillets: Slice horizontally through the center (stop ½ inch from the edge) to create a pocket.
- Season: Rub salmon with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2️⃣ Make the Shrimp Stuffing
- Mix chopped shrimp, panko, mayo, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, and Old Bay.
- Pro Tip: Chill stuffing 10 minutes for easier handling.
3️⃣ Stuff & Sear the Salmon
- Fill each salmon pocket with 2 tbsp stuffing. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Sear: Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Place salmon stuffing-side down, cook 2-3 minutesuntil golden. Flip carefully.
4️⃣ Bake
- Transfer skillet to a 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake 12-15 minutes until salmon reaches 145°F (63°C)internally.
5️⃣ Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet (remove salmon first), melt butter. Sauté garlic 30 seconds.
- Add stock, lemon juice, salt, and red pepper. Simmer 2 minutes.
- Finish: Whisk in cold butter (1 tbsp at a time) for gloss. Stir in dill.
6️⃣ Serve
- Drizzle salmon with sauce. Garnish with lemon and dill.
Pro Tip:
For extra flavor, let the stuffed salmon marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the fish.
Troubleshooting Advice
Creative Variations
- Creamy Spinach & Feta: Replace shrimp with sautéed spinach + crumbled feta.
- Cajun-Style: Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning to stuffing.
- Asian Twist: Use ginger, scallions, and soy sauce in the stuffing.
- Paleo: Swap breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with: Garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or wild rice pilaf.
- Wine pairing: Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
- For elegance: Serve on a bed of wilted spinach with sauce pooled around.
Conclusion: A Dish Worth Celebrating!
This Shrimp-Stuffed Salmon is a flavor-packed, impressive dish that’s easier than it looks. With its tender salmon, savory stuffing, and tangy butter sauce, it’s guaranteed to become a special-occasion favorite.
Pro Tip: Double the sauce for dipping crusty bread!