Cheesy shrimp-stuffed salmon served with lemon and herbs

Cheesy Shrimp-Stuffed Salmon

by
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

why make this recipe

This Cheesy Shrimp-Stuffed Salmon gives you a simple, tasty dinner. It looks special but cooks fast. The cheese and shrimp keep the salmon moist. Serve it for a weeknight meal or a small dinner with friends.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

introduction

This dish mixes shrimp, cream cheese, and mozzarella inside salmon. The salmon sears and then broils so the cheese melts on top. It tastes rich and bright from lemon and parsley. If you like other cheesy dishes, try this easy bake: cheesy baked tortellini casserole.

how to make Cheesy Shrimp-Stuffed Salmon

  1. Make the filling. Mix shrimp, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  2. Cut pockets in each salmon fillet. Slice lengthwise to make a space for the filling.
  3. Stuff the salmon. Gently fill each pocket with the shrimp-cheese mix.
  4. Sear the salmon. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear the salmon 3–4 minutes per side until brown.
  5. Broil to finish. Move the salmon to a baking sheet. Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top. Broil 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and browns slightly.
  6. Rest and serve. Let the fish sit 1–2 minutes. Spoon pan juices over the salmon.

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 tbsp grated Parmesan
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional: lemon wedges, for serving

Directions :

  1. In a small bowl, mix chopped shrimp, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  2. Slice each salmon fillet lengthwise to create a pocket.
  3. Gently stuff the cheesy shrimp mixture into the salmon pockets. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high and sear salmon for 3–4 mins per side.
  4. Transfer salmon to a baking sheet, sprinkle mozzarella on top, and broil for 2–3 mins until cheese is melted and lightly browned.
  5. Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed veggies, drizzling pan juices over top.

how to serve Cheesy Shrimp-Stuffed Salmon

Serve the salmon with simple sides. Mashed potatoes and steamed green beans work well. A light salad also fits. Add lemon wedges for a fresh squeeze. For more easy side ideas, see this easy rice dish: cheesy chicken and rice.

how to store Cheesy Shrimp-Stuffed Salmon

Cool the fish to room temperature. Place in an airtight container. Store in the fridge up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (about 300°F / 150°C) until warm. Do not keep at room temp more than 2 hours.

tips to make Cheesy Shrimp-Stuffed Salmon

  • Use fully cooked shrimp to save time and keep the filling firm.
  • Soften the cream cheese first for easy mixing.
  • Don’t overstuff the pockets; a light amount cooks better.
  • Watch the broiler closely. Cheese browns fast.
  • For a festive twist, try adding a small pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • If you like bread sides, try this fun bread recipe: cheesy Christmas tree bread.

variation (if any)

  • Use crab or lobster instead of shrimp for a richer filling.
  • Add chopped spinach or finely diced bell pepper to the mix for color.
  • Swap mozzarella for Swiss or fontina for a different melt and flavor.
  • Leave the filling on top instead of inside for an open-faced version.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw and pat dry before chopping. Make sure they are cooked.

Q: Do I need skinless salmon?
A: Skinless is easier to stuff. You can leave skin on, but work carefully to make the pocket.

Q: How long does it take to cook?
A: About 10–12 minutes active time. Sear 3–4 minutes per side, then broil 2–3 minutes.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can prep the filling a few hours ahead and keep it chilled. Stuff and cook when ready.

Q: Is this safe for kids?
A: Yes, if the shrimp and salmon are cooked well. Cut into small pieces for young children.

Conclusion

For another take on stuffed fish, see this recipe: Shrimp Stuffed Salmon – The Dizzy Cook.

Cheesy Shrimp-Stuffed Salmon

This Cheesy Shrimp-Stuffed Salmon offers a quick and tasty dinner option, combining shrimp and cheese for a rich flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Filling
  • 1/2 cup cooked shrimp, chopped Use fully cooked shrimp to save time.
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened Soften cream cheese first for easy mixing.
  • 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Sprinkle extra on top before broiling.
  • 1 tbsp grated Parmesan
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt & pepper to taste
Salmon
  • 2 pieces salmon fillets (6–8 oz each), skinless Skinless is easier to stuff.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil For searing the salmon.
For Serving
  • Optional: lemon wedges For serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, mix chopped shrimp, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  2. Slice each salmon fillet lengthwise to create a pocket.
  3. Gently stuff the cheesy shrimp mixture into the salmon pockets.
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high and sear salmon for 3–4 minutes per side.
  2. Transfer salmon to a baking sheet, sprinkle mozzarella on top, and broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Serving
  1. Let the fish sit for 1–2 minutes. Spoon pan juices over the salmon.

Notes

For best results, don't overstuff the pockets; a light amount cooks better. Watch the broiler closely as cheese browns fast. For a festive twist, try adding a small pinch of red pepper flakes.