This rich and satisfying dish brings together tender salmon, a creamy shrimp filling, and a lightly browned cheesy topping. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This shrimp-stuffed salmon balances elegance and comfort in every bite. The creamy cheese blend pairs beautifully with the sweet flavor of shrimp, while the salmon stays moist and tender thanks to the stuffing. It cooks quickly, requires simple ingredients, and delivers a gourmet feel perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Plus, it pairs well with vegetables, rice, potatoes, or a fresh salad, making it wonderfully versatile.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 salmon fillets (6–8 oz each), skinless
1/2 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Directions
In a small bowl, combine the chopped cooked shrimp, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
Place the salmon fillets on a cutting board and carefully slice each one lengthwise to create a pocket, making sure not to cut through the bottom.
Spoon the shrimp and cheese mixture evenly into the salmon pockets, pressing gently to secure the filling.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed salmon fillets and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the exterior is golden.
Transfer the salmon to a baking sheet. Add a small sprinkle of mozzarella on top if desired, then broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Serve hot with lemon wedges and your choice of side dishes.
Servings and timing
Serves: 2
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Approximate Calories: 530 per serving
Protein: About 40 g per serving
Variations
Add chopped spinach to the filling for extra color and nutrients.
Replace mozzarella with cheddar or provolone for a different flavor.
Add a pinch of paprika or chili flakes for gentle heat.
Use fresh dill instead of parsley for a softer herbal note.
Bake entirely in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes if you prefer not to sear.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover shrimp-stuffed salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–12 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the salmon dry and the cheese oily.
FAQs
How do I keep the salmon from drying out?
Stuffing and searing the salmon helps lock in moisture. Refrain from overcooking, and broil only briefly.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw fully and pat dry before chopping to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the stuffed salmon up to 12 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.
What sides pair well with shrimp-stuffed salmon?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad all work beautifully.
Can I bake the salmon instead of searing it?
Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes, then broil briefly for color.
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
You can use ricotta or mascarpone for a lighter texture, though the filling will be less rich.
What type of salmon is best for this recipe?
Skinless fillets that are thick enough to create a pocket work best, such as center-cut fillets.
Can I use raw shrimp?
Cook the shrimp first for best texture, as raw shrimp may release water and make the filling runny.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of about 145°F (63°C).
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes. Finely chopped sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms make great additions.
Conclusion
Cheesy shrimp-stuffed salmon offers the perfect blend of creamy filling, tender fish, and satisfying flavor without requiring complicated steps. It’s an impressive yet easy dish suitable for any dinner table, delivering freshness, richness, and satisfying comfort in every bite. Enjoy preparing this seafood favorite and making it a regular highlight of your meal rotation.
A creamy, savory seafood dish featuring tender salmon fillets stuffed with a rich blend of shrimp, cheese, and herbs, then seared and broiled to perfection.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:12 minutes
Total Time:27 minutes
Yield:2 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Stovetop and Broil
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets (6–8 oz each), skinless
1/2 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
In a bowl, mix the chopped shrimp, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Cut a pocket into each salmon fillet, being careful not to cut through the bottom.
Stuff each salmon pocket with the shrimp-cheese filling, pressing gently to secure.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed fillets for 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
Transfer to a baking sheet, sprinkle with extra mozzarella if desired, and broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite sides.
Notes
You can prepare the stuffed fillets up to 12 hours in advance and refrigerate before cooking.
To avoid overcooking, monitor closely during broiling and check for flaking and internal temp (145°F).
Swap cream cheese for mascarpone or ricotta for a lighter version.
Use thick center-cut salmon fillets for easier stuffing.
