Ultimate Stuffed Salmon 🍤✨

Creamy Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Salmon That Feels Restaurant-Worthy

If you’re looking for a show-stopping seafood dinner that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant, this Ultimate Stuffed Salmon 🍤✨ is exactly what you need. Juicy salmon fillets are generously filled with a creamy shrimp and spinach mixture, seasoned to perfection, and baked until tender and flaky.

This recipe combines rich flavors, elegant presentation, and surprisingly simple preparation. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or just elevating a weeknight meal, this shrimp stuffed salmon recipe delivers bold flavor and beautiful results every time.

Let’s break down everything you need to know to make the best creamy stuffed salmon at home.


Why This Is the Ultimate Stuffed Salmon Recipe

This dish stands out because of its perfect balance:

  • Flaky, buttery salmon
  • Creamy shrimp filling
  • Fresh spinach for color and balance
  • Bright lemon notes
  • Subtle garlic and paprika warmth

The filling stays rich and smooth without overpowering the salmon. Each bite delivers seafood-on-seafood goodness with a luxurious texture that feels indulgent but not heavy.


Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets (6–8 oz each, skin removed)
  • 8 oz raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven.
    Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the filling.
    In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until just pink. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  3. Mix the creamy stuffing.
    In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cooked shrimp, chopped spinach, lemon juice, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly blended.
  4. Prepare the salmon.
    Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the thickest part of each salmon fillet without slicing all the way through.
  5. Stuff the salmon.
    Spoon the shrimp mixture evenly into each salmon pocket. Press gently to secure the filling.
  6. Bake.
    Place stuffed salmon into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  7. Garnish and serve.
    Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Ultimate Stuffed Salmon 🍤✨

Tender baked salmon fillets stuffed with a creamy shrimp and spinach filling for an elegant and flavorful seafood dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 4 salmon fillets 6–8 oz each
  • 8 oz shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.5 cup fresh spinach chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking dish
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Sauté garlic and shrimp in olive oil until just pink.
  3. Mix shrimp with cream cheese, spinach, lemon, Parmesan, and seasonings.
  4. Cut pockets into salmon fillets and fill evenly.
  5. Bake 18–22 minutes until salmon flakes easily.
  6. Garnish and serve warm.

Notes

Use thick center-cut salmon for best stuffing results. Do not overcook.

Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Salmon

Choose Thick Fillets

Thicker center-cut salmon fillets are easier to stuff and hold more filling.

Don’t Overcook

Salmon continues cooking slightly after being removed from the oven. Pull it out right at 145°F for the juiciest texture.

Let the Filling Cool Slightly

If the shrimp mixture is too hot, it can begin cooking the salmon prematurely before baking.


Flavor Variations

Cajun-Style Stuffed Salmon

Add:

  • ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

Crab & Shrimp Version

Replace half the shrimp with lump crab meat for extra luxury.

Spinach & Feta Twist

Swap cream cheese for a mix of cream cheese and crumbled feta for tangy depth.

Keto-Friendly Adjustment

This recipe is naturally low-carb. Simply ensure your Parmesan and cream cheese are full-fat versions.


What to Serve with Ultimate Stuffed Salmon

Pair this seafood stuffed salmon with:

  • Garlic mashed potatoes
  • Roasted asparagus
  • Lemon butter rice
  • Steamed green beans
  • Light arugula salad

For an elegant dinner, serve alongside a chilled glass of white wine and crusty bread.


Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat

Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–12 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the salmon.

Freeze?

While possible, freezing may slightly alter the creamy filling texture. Best enjoyed fresh.


Nutritional Benefits of Salmon

Salmon is rich in:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • High-quality protein
  • B vitamins
  • Selenium
  • Potassium

Combined with shrimp and spinach, this dish delivers both flavor and nutrients in one satisfying meal.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Can I air fry stuffed salmon?
Yes. Air fry at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes depending on thickness.

Can I grill it?
Grilling is possible, but use foil to prevent filling from spilling.


Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Special Occasions

This baked stuffed salmon with shrimp feels upscale and impressive, yet it requires simple ingredients and straightforward preparation. It’s ideal for:

  • Date nights
  • Anniversaries
  • Holiday dinners
  • Dinner parties
  • Valentine’s Day

The golden exterior, creamy interior, and vibrant garnish create a visually stunning main course.


Final Thoughts

This Ultimate Stuffed Salmon 🍤✨ is creamy, flavorful, elegant, and surprisingly easy to make. The combination of shrimp, spinach, cream cheese, and perfectly baked salmon creates a rich yet balanced dish that’s guaranteed to impress.

Once you try this seafood stuffed salmon recipe, it may just become your signature dinner centerpiece.

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