Garlic Shrimp Stuffed Salmon

Garlic Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is an elegant yet surprisingly simple seafood dish that combines two beloved proteins into one irresistible entrée. Tender salmon fillets are carefully butterflied and filled with juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic, butter, and herbs, then baked until perfectly flaky. The richness of the salmon pairs beautifully with the savory, garlicky shrimp, creating layers of flavor in every bite.

This recipe feels restaurant-quality but is easy enough to prepare at home, making it ideal for special occasions, date nights, or when you want to elevate a weeknight dinner. It’s wholesome, protein-rich, and visually impressive, yet requires minimal prep and simple ingredients.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers bold flavor and elegance without being complicated. The garlic shrimp stuffing keeps the salmon moist and adds a luxurious taste that feels indulgent while still being healthy. It’s a dish that always impresses guests and makes any meal feel special.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Combines two premium seafood favorites in one dish
• Rich, garlicky flavor with tender, flaky texture
• High in protein and healthy fats
• Perfect for special occasions or a refined dinner at home
• Easy to customize with herbs, cheese, or spices

Time, Servings and Nutrition

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18–22 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Servings: 4

Approximate Calories:

• 420–460 calories per serving

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American / Seafood

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (5–6 oz each), skin on or off
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Garlic Shrimp Filling:

1. 8–10 medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
2. 2 tablespoons butter
3. 3 cloves garlic, minced
4. 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
5. 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
6. 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
7. ½ teaspoon paprika
8. Red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Carefully slice each salmon fillet horizontally to create a pocket.
3. Season salmon with salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice.
4. Sauté shrimp with butter and garlic until just cooked.
5. Mix shrimp with cream cheese, Parmesan, parsley, and spices.
6. Stuff the salmon pockets with shrimp mixture.
7. Bake for 18–22 minutes until salmon flakes easily.
8. Rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare Salmon: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each salmon fillet without slicing all the way through. Season inside and outside with salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice.
3. Cook Shrimp: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque.
4. Make Filling: Remove shrimp from heat and stir in cream cheese, Parmesan, parsley, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Stuff Salmon: Spoon the shrimp mixture evenly into each salmon pocket, gently pressing to secure.
6. Bake: Place stuffed salmon on prepared baking sheet and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until salmon is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Rest and Finish: Let salmon rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges.

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How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Garlic Shrimp Stuffed Salmon hot with lemon wedges. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a crisp green salad. For a lighter option, serve alongside steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach.

Recipe Tips

• Do not overcook the salmon to keep it moist and tender.
• Chop shrimp finely for even stuffing and better texture.
• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
• Secure stuffed salmon with toothpicks if needed.
• Let the salmon rest briefly before serving to lock in juices.

Variations (Detailed)

1. Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Stuffed Salmon: Add shredded mozzarella or Gruyère to the filling for extra richness.
2. Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes to the shrimp mixture.
3. Mediterranean Style: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and basil to the filling.
4. Herb Butter Version: Replace cream cheese with herb butter for a lighter stuffing.
5. Air Fryer Method: Cook at 180°C (360°F) for 10–12 minutes, checking for doneness.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked stuffed salmon tightly wrapped for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C (325°F) to prevent drying out.

Special Equipment Needed

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Skillet
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Spoon or small spatula
• Toothpicks (optional)

Conclusion

Garlic Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is a show-stopping yet approachable dish that brings together rich flavors, elegant presentation, and wholesome ingredients. With juicy shrimp, flaky salmon, and bold garlic notes, it’s perfect for both special occasions and elevated weeknight meals. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for seafood lovers seeking something truly impressive and delicious.

Garlic Shrimp Stuffed Salmon

Garlic Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is an elegant yet surprisingly simple seafood dish that combines two beloved proteins into one irresistible entrée. Tender salmon fillets are carefully butterflied and filled with juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic, butter, and herbs, then baked until perfectly flaky.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: American Course: Dinner

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Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 40 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 4

Ingredients

Servings

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets , skin on or off (5–6 oz each)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Garlic Shrimp Filling:

• 8 –10 medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare Salmon: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each salmon fillet without slicing all the way through. Season inside and outside with salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice.
3. Cook Shrimp: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque.
4. Make Filling: Remove shrimp from heat and stir in cream cheese, Parmesan, parsley, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Stuff Salmon: Spoon the shrimp mixture evenly into each salmon pocket, gently pressing to secure.
6. Bake: Place stuffed salmon on prepared baking sheet and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until salmon is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Rest and Finish: Let salmon rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges.

Keywords: Garlic Shrimp Stuffed Salmon