Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe
If there’s one dish that never fails to impress yet is delightfully simple to pull together, it’s Shrimp Stuffed Salmon. Succulent salmon fillets cradling a creamy, herby shrimp filling emerge from the oven gorgeously golden, ready to steal the show on your dinner table. This recipe celebrates the best of both seafood worlds: moist, flaky salmon paired with sweet, tender shrimp, all brought together with a crunchy herbaceous filling. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a holiday meal, or just crave something delicious and rewarding for yourself, this Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is a celebration of flavor and ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is how it transforms a handful of everyday ingredients into a restaurant-worthy main course. Each element brings unique flavor, color, or texture, making every bite memorable.
- Cream cheese (½ cup, room temperature): The velvety base for the stuffing, giving it richness and helping it hold together inside the salmon.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Lends a bright, fresh green note that makes the dish pop visually and on the palate.
- Fresh dill (1 teaspoon, chopped): Brings that classic seafood-friendly flavor and a burst of aromatic freshness.
- Old Bay seasoning (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle, slightly salty spice with lots of savory depth—just enough to make each bite special.
- Lemon zest (zest of half a lemon): Injects tangy citrus oil that wakes up every element in the stuffing.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) and pepper (½ teaspoon): Enhances flavor all the way through and balances the richness of the cream cheese.
- Large raw shrimp (16, chopped into ½-inch pieces): The star of the stuffing! Fresh shrimp offer bite, moisture, and sweet, savory notes that play beautifully with salmon.
- Center-cut salmon fillets (4, about 6 oz each): Choose thick, evenly sized pieces to hold plenty of filling and cook evenly.
- Salt and black pepper: For seasoning the salmon fillets before stuffing—don’t skip this crucial step for the best flavor.
How to Make Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Meanwhile, ensure your salmon fillets and shrimp are patted dry, and your cream cheese is nicely softened—starting with room temperature cream cheese makes mixing so much easier and ensures a smooth filling.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Shrimp Filling
In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, chopped parsley, dill, Old Bay, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well so you end up with a uniform mix. Finally, gently fold in the chopped shrimp pieces. The cream cheese should coat everything, making it easy to scoop and stuff.
Step 3: Prepare the Salmon Fillets
Arrange your center-cut salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper, then place them skin-side down for stuffing. This basic seasoning step is key to a well-balanced final dish.
Step 4: Stuff the Salmon
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a deep slit down the center of each fillet to form a pocket, making sure not to slice through the bottom. Spoon the shrimp filling generously into each pocket, letting it mound a little over the top—the more filling, the better! Press gently so the filling stays in place.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into your oven and bake the Shrimp Stuffed Salmon for 11 to 14 minutes. The precise time will depend on your salmon thickness and desired doneness. You’re looking for salmon that flakes easily at the edges and shrimp that’s just opaque. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
Garnishes
Finish your beautifully baked salmon with a flourish of chopped fresh herbs—parsley or dill work especially well—and a final zest of lemon right before serving. A twist of fresh cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds a satisfying savory crunch on top.
Side Dishes
This elegant entree pairs marvelously with fluffy rice pilaf, garlicky mashed potatoes, or vibrant steamed asparagus. If you want something lighter, a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette or simply roasted seasonal veggies will round out the meal without overshadowing the star attraction.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-special presentation, serve your Shrimp Stuffed Salmon over a pool of lemon-butter sauce, or drizzle with a quick herb oil for a restaurant-worthy plate. If you’re entertaining, assemble the stuffed fillets on a large platter with roasted lemon slices and plenty of bright herbs for a truly striking centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Shrimp Stuffed Salmon keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Store any extras in an airtight container for up to two days. Be sure to let the salmon cool to room temperature before sealing, to keep the texture just right and prevent excess moisture.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze fully baked salmon for up to one month. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and label with the date. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results—the creamy filling may change texture slightly but will still be tasty.
Reheating
To gently reheat, place the stuffed salmon on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 300ºF (150ºC) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the fish and make the shrimp rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp in Shrimp Stuffed Salmon?
Absolutely—just be sure to thaw and pat the shrimp very dry before chopping and mixing into the filling. Frozen shrimp are a convenient option when fresh isn’t available and still yield a juicy, flavorful stuffing.
Can I make Shrimp Stuffed Salmon ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and even stuff the salmon up to 4 hours in advance. Store the assembled fillets covered in the fridge, then bake right before serving for maximum freshness and juiciness.
What’s the best way to tell if Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is done?
The salmon should be opaque with just a hint of translucence in the very center, and the shrimp stuffing should turn opaque and feel firm to the touch. A thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read about 125-130ºF (52-54ºC) for moist, tender fish.
Can I use a different fish instead of salmon?
Yes! While salmon’s richness pairs wonderfully with the shrimp stuffing, you can use thick white fish fillets, like cod or halibut. Just adjust baking time as needed, since thinner fish may cook faster.
How can I add extra flavor to Shrimp Stuffed Salmon?
Feel free to get creative—add minced garlic or shallot to the filling, top the salmon with a sprinkle of paprika or Cajun spice, or stir a little grated parmesan into the cream cheese mixture for a cheesy twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to treat yourself or loved ones to an unforgettable meal, Shrimp Stuffed Salmon truly delivers on wow-factor with hardly any fuss. I hope you enjoy every creamy, savory bite—and don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to for both celebrations and cozy weeknights!
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Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is both elegant and delicious. The combined seafood creates an indulgent restaurant-style meal that is perfect for a special occasion but easy enough for a midweek dinner.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- ½ cup cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
- ½ teaspoon old bay seasoning
- zest of half a lemon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 16 large raw shrimp, chopped into ½” pieces
Salmon:
- 4 center-cut salmon fillets, roughly 6oz/170g each
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400ºF/200ºC.
- Mix cream cheese: In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese with parsley, dill, old bay seasoning, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir in chopped shrimp.
- Prepare salmon: Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Make a slit down the center of each fillet and spoon the shrimp mixture into the slit.
- Bake: Bake for 11-14 minutes, depending on desired doneness.
- Serve: Serve immediately.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Shrimp Stuffed Salmon, Seafood, Salmon Recipe, Stuffed Salmon