Cheesy Shrimp-Stuffed Salmon Recipe

If you’re looking for a recipe that feels totally elegant but is deceptively easy to pull off, stop right here, because this one’s a game-changer. We’re taking beautiful salmon fillets and stuffing them with a ridiculously luscious, cheesy mixture of savory shrimp, creamy cheeses, and bright lemon. This dish is ready in just over 30 minutes, packs a serious flavor punch, and is guaranteed to impress everyone at the table. Trust me, you are going to love this decadent, protein-packed meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elevated Dinner, Easy Prep: This recipe looks like it came from a fancy restaurant, but the prep time is minimal, making it perfect for a weeknight.
• The Ultimate Surf and Turf: The pairing of tender, flaky salmon with a creamy, savory shrimp filling is an absolute dream.
• Seriously Flavorful Filling: The mix of three cheeses—cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan—plus zesty lemon and sharp garlic creates a filling that is utterly UNREAL.
• Low Carb and Healthy: It’s a naturally low-carb meal that keeps you full and satisfied thanks to the fantastic protein and healthy fats.

Ingredients

All you need for this Cheesy Shrimp-Stuffed Salmon Recipe is about 15 minutes of prep and these simple ingredients! But first, gather up these essentials:

• Salmon Fillets: The star of the show! Use high-quality fillets that are about 1 to $1 \frac{1}{2}$ inches thick, as this gives you a nice, deep pocket for the stuffing.
• Cooked Shrimp (Chopped): Provides that wonderful, savory seafood element to the creamy filling. Make sure they are cooked, peeled, and finely chopped for the best texture.
• Cream Cheese (Softened): The secret to the filling’s luxurious, ultra-creamy base. Make sure it’s softened so it blends beautifully without lumps.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts perfectly to create that lovely, gooey texture inside the salmon pocket.
• Parmesan Cheese (Grated): Adds a sharp, nutty, salty depth that balances the creaminess of the mozzarella and cream cheese.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of acidity is crucial! It brightens up the seafood flavors and cuts through the richness of the cheese.
• Garlic (Minced): Because almost everything is better with a little bit of savory garlic!
• Fresh Parsley (Chopped): Adds fresh herbaceousness, color, and a final burst of flavor. Use fresh!
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the salmon to give it a beautiful golden crust before it finishes cooking in the oven.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Necessary for seasoning the salmon and making the flavors pop.

Note: The ingredients with exact measurements and full cooking directions will be listed in the Recipe Card right underneath this article!

How to Make the Cheesy Shrimp-Stuffed Salmon

This recipe is surprisingly simple—it’s mostly just stuffing and searing! Here’s how to create this masterpiece:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Salmon

Get your oven fired up to $375^\circ\text{F}$ ($190^\circ\text{C}$). Now for the salmon: give those beautiful fillets a quick rinse, pat them super dry, and then use a sharp knife to carefully cut a pocket right into the center of each one. Be gentle—you want a pocket, not a slice all the way through!

Step 2: Mix the Luscious Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine your chopped shrimp, softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, lemon juice, minced garlic, and parsley. Stir until everything is smooth, creamy, and looks utterly delicious. Give it a taste—it should be savory and bright!

Step 3: Season and Stuff the Fillets

Season the outside of your salmon fillets generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Then, using a small spoon or your fingers, gently stuff that gorgeous shrimp-cheese mixture into the pocket you created, pressing lightly to make sure the filling is snug and secure.

Step 4: Sear for the Golden Crust

Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great!). Once hot, place the salmon fillets in the skillet. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they have a beautiful, light golden-brown crust. This is the secret to getting a tender inside and a flavorful outside!

Step 5: Bake Until Perfect

Transfer that skillet right into your preheated oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’re looking for the salmon to be cooked through (it should flake easily), and that cheesy filling should be gloriously bubbling.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Take the skillet out and let those fillets rest for a quick 2 minutes. This lets the juices redistribute so your salmon is perfectly tender and moist! Serve immediately—you’ve earned it!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Skimp on Thickness: Choose salmon fillets that are at least 1 inch thick. Thinner fillets are much harder to stuff and tend to overcook quickly.
• The Dry Pat is Key: Patting the salmon completely dry before seasoning and searing ensures you get a nice, crisp crust instead of a steamy, soft exterior.
• Use Softened Cream Cheese: If your cream cheese isn’t soft, pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. If it’s too cold, your filling will be lumpy!
• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to stuff too much filling into the pocket, or it will ooze out completely during the searing process. A gentle, snug fill is perfect.

How to Serve

This Cheesy Shrimp-Stuffed Salmon is a showstopper all by itself, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides that let its flavor shine!

• Green Goodness: Serve with a simple, crisp green salad tossed in a vinaigrette, or a side of steamed asparagus, green beans, or broccoli.
• Starchy Pairings: For something heartier, try pairing it with a light lemon risotto or a simple roasted sweet potato. Since this is a low-carb dish, cauliflower rice is another fantastic option!
• Garnish: Always finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon wedge and an extra sprinkle of that beautiful fresh parsley for color and zest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

While cooked salmon can be frozen, the quality often degrades, and the creamy filling can change texture upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you must freeze, place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the salmon is in the oven. Place the salmon on a lined baking sheet and reheat at a lower temperature ($300^\circ\text{F}$ or $150^\circ\text{C}$) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but use short bursts of time to prevent the fish from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?Absolutely! Just make sure they are completely thawed before you start. Pat them extra dry with paper towels once thawed, as frozen fish tends to hold more water. Excess moisture can make it harder to get that nice sear and may dilute the flavors. Once thawed and dried, you can proceed with the stuffing and cooking directions as written!
2. Can I make the stuffing ahead of time?Yes, you can! This is a great time-saver. Simply prepare the shrimp-cheese filling and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, let the filling sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly before stuffing the salmon fillets.
3. What kind of shrimp should I use?You should use cooked shrimp for this recipe, not raw. Using pre-cooked shrimp ensures the texture is right within the filling and prevents any potential issues with raw shrimp remaining undercooked inside the small salmon pocket. Any size is fine since you will be chopping them up anyway!
4. How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and its internal temperature reaches $145^\circ\text{F}$ ($63^\circ\text{C}$). If you don’t have a thermometer, look for the flesh to turn opaque and the color to change from translucent red/orange to a lighter pink. Be careful not to overcook, or the fish will be dry!