Salmon on a plate - Crab Stuffed Salmon - Amy Myers MD®

Crab Stuffed Salmon

Written by Amy Myers, MD

This crab stuffed salmon is a showstopper main dish that is as healthy as it is delicious! It’s full of protein and healthy fats. It’s also simple to make. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe really allows the salmon and crab to shine. The gluten-free crab stuffing can be prepared in advance, and the whole dish is ready from start to finish in under 30 minutes. 

Crab stuffed salmon is an amazing dinner for a special night in. Nearly everyone will enjoy it, even if they’re not following an AIP, paleo, or keto diet.

Ingredients - Crab Stuffed Salmon - Amy Myers MD®

Salmon Health Benefits

Salmon is a fish loaded with healthy fats. One key fat is omega-3 fatty acids, which have several health benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation in the body, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. The omega-3s in salmon produce short chain fatty acids. These help maintain intestinal wall strength and aid in immune function . Together, this also supports optimal gut health.

In addition, salmon is a good source of protein. Protein helps build and maintain healthy muscles after working out. Salmon is also high in B vitamins, such as B6, B12, niacin, and riboflavin. These vitamins help make and repair DNA, help us maintain healthy energy levels, and reduce inflammation. In addition, B vitamins help keep the brain and the nervous system healthy .

To get the most out of this recipe, look for organic, wild-caught salmon that’s never been frozen. Wild-caught vs farm raised salmon is a hot topic for several reasons. That said, wild-caught salmon is better because they eat a more natural diet. This makes them much more nutrient-dense. They also contain less pathogens than farm raised salmon. I like to use salmon fillets cut into two inch strips. Unlike salmon steaks, fillets contain no bones. This makes it easier to work with. Additionally, they are the perfect size for individual portions. 

salmon filets - Crab Stuffed Salmon - Amy Myers MD®

Crab Health Benefits

Crab is the other main ingredient in this dish. Rich in nutrients like protein, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids, it’s an excellent seafood to enjoy year-round. For example, crab is a great source of B vitamins, iron and zinc. These help prevent anemia and maintain your immune system. A single serving of crab provides 20 grams of protein to assist healthy cell development and repair.

If you can find fresh, steamed crab meat for this recipe, that is ideal. But if you need to use canned crab meat, just look for packages that do not contain added preservatives. The good news is that you can use any crab you like! Some varieties to choose from include snow crab, blue crab, and king crab. Make sure to avoid imitation crab meat, as it often contains fillers and is highly processed. Anything with artificial colors, ingredients, and preservatives can lead to inflammation and poor gut health.

Gluten Free Crab Stuffing

Now it’s time to make the gluten free crab stuffing. The crab stuffing for these salmon fillets is made with just a few ingredients. You will need steamed crab meat, fresh lemon juice, garlic, fresh parsley, sea salt, and pepper. There’s no need for any fillers, such as bread crumbs or other carbs—the dish is more delicious without any fillers. In fact, the fresh lemon juice, garlic, and a little sea salt is all you need to bring out the flavor of the crab and the salmon. The low-carb crab stuffing makes this recipe suitable for the keto diet and the paleo diet.

Adding crab to stuffed salmon - Crab Stuffed Salmon - Amy Myers MD®

Leaky Gut Revive®

In addition to protein and healthy fats, this delicious seafood recipe features added gut support with Leaky Gut Revive®. Made with nourishing botanical extracts such as aloe and licorice, this powder soothes and strengthens the gut lining. It also supports healthy gut cells with an ample supply of the amino acid L-glutamine. I chose to include this in the creamy dill sauce for an extra nutrient boost and a delicious topper!

Creamy dill sauce - Crab Stuffed Salmon - Amy Myers MD®

How To Make Crab Stuffed Salmon

To make crab stuffed salmon, simply cut a slit in the top of the salmon fillets. Fill them with the crab mixture, and bake at 375 F for 15 minutes, or until the salmon is fully cooked. Additionally, you can place the salmon under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to get the top of the crab stuffing golden brown.Serve warm with your favorite side dish, such as “cheesy” AIP cauliflower bake or these delicious veggie tots.

Top view of salmon - Crab Stuffed Salmon - Amy Myers MD®

Crab Stuffed Salmon

Course:

Main Course

Servings:

4

Prep Time:

13 minutes

Cook Time:

17 minutes

Ingredients

Crab Stuffed Salmon
  • 4 filets salmon
  • 1 1/2 cups crab meat cooked
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp parsley leaves finely minced
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 drizzle olive oil
Creamy Dill Sauce
  • 1/2 cups unsweetened plain coconut yogurt
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 scoop Leaky Gut Revive®
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp dill chopped
  • 1 tbsp finely minced parsley
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Crab Stuffed Salmon
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the cooked crab meat with the sea salt, black pepper, minced parsley, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Mix well.
  3. Place the salmon on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Season with salt and pepper. Slice the top of the salmon fillets halfway down, splitting the fillets to make a “boat."
  4. Divide the crab mixture between the 4 salmon fillets, using a spoon or your hands to gently press the mixture down. Optional: drizzle a little olive oil on top of each crab mixture.
  5. Bake in a preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and fully cooked. Place the salmon under the broiler and broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the crab mixture turns golden brown. Remove from heat and serve warm with your favorite side dish.
Creamy Dill Sauce
  1. Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl and stir together.
  2. Drizzle the sauce overtop of the crab stuffed salmon and serve.