Cozy Crab Topped Salmon Recipe

Whenever I want a dinner that feels like a fancy night out without leaving the house, I turn to this recipe. The combination of flaky fish and rich, buttery lump crab meat feels incredibly indulgent yet comes together quickly.

You might think a dish this impressive requires hours in the kitchen, but my Crab Topped Salmon is surprisingly simple to prepare.

What Makes This Crab Topped Salmon So Special

This meal brings that high-end steakhouse vibe right to your own dining table with minimal effort. It creates a stunning presentation that works perfectly for holidays, anniversaries, or just a Tuesday night treat.

I appreciate how the savory crust locks in moisture, ensuring the fish stays tender and never dries out.

You get the best of both worlds with a crispy, golden topping and melt-in-your-mouth seafood underneath.

If you enjoyed this seafood feast, you might also like my Irresistible Slow Cooker Taco Pasta for another crowd-pleaser, or try the Ultimate Minestrone Soup Recipe for something cozy.

Everything You Need for Perfect Crab Topped Salmon

Here is the shopping list you need to gather before baking:

• Salmon fillets: Look for fresh fillets totaling about two pounds, preferably center-cut for even cooking.
• Lump crabmeat: Use high-quality meat and drain it thoroughly so the topping stays crisp rather than soggy.
• Unsalted butter: You will need this melted to grease the pan and to bind the rich crab mixture.
• Mayonnaise: A small amount adds creaminess and helps hold the crust together while baking.
• Breadcrumbs: These provide necessary structure and a light, satisfying crunch to the topping.
• Large egg: Lightly beat the egg before adding it to help bind the loose ingredients.
• Dijon mustard: This adds a tangy depth of flavor that cuts through the richness of the butter and seafood.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped herbs bring vibrant color and a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish.
• Garlic powder: A pantry staple that infuses the crust with savory aromatic flavor.
• Smoked paprika: Just a pinch adds warmth and contributes to the beautiful golden color.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning both the fish fillets and the savory topping.
• Black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper adds a nice bite that balances the creamy elements.

My Method for Perfect Crab Topped Salmon

Let’s get cooking:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F so it is hot and ready for the fish. Take a 9×13 baking dish or a large oval baker and add two tablespoons of the butter, then place the dish in the warming oven for a few minutes until the butter is completely melted.
2. Remove the dish from the oven once the butter is liquid and carefully arrange your salmon fillets right on top of it. I like to season the fish lightly with a sprinkle of salt and pepper at this stage to build flavor from the bottom up.
3. Grab a medium mixing bowl to prepare the topping by combining the drained lump crabmeat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, and chopped parsley. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then pour in the remaining melted butter and stir gently until the mixture is moistened and holds together like a crab cake.
4. Spoon the crab mixture generously over the top of the salmon fillets, dividing it evenly if you are using individual pieces. You will have a substantial amount of topping, which creates a thick, satisfying crust that browns beautifully in the heat.
5. Place the baking dish back into the hot oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You will know it is done when the crab topping turns golden brown and the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

My Crab Topped Salmon Secrets

Always double-check your crabmeat for any stray shell pieces before mixing it with the other ingredients. A quick pick-through ensures every bite of your Crab Topped Salmon is smooth and enjoyable.

If you want an extra crispy top, you can switch the oven to broil for the last minute of cooking.

Be careful not to overmix the topping ingredients, as you want to keep those nice chunks of lump crab intact.

How I Like to Serve This Crab Topped Salmon

This rich main course pairs beautifully with roasted green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to balance the plate.

I also love serving Crab Topped Salmon with roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

I love seeing your creations, so please tag me when you share your photos on Pinterest.

Crab Topped Salmon

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 45 min
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Pescatarian

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Description

A restaurant-quality seafood dinner featuring flaky salmon fillets topped with a rich, buttery lump crab crust.

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Ingredients

• 2 pounds salmon fillets
• 1 pound lump crabmeat, drained
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Place 2 tablespoons of the butter in a 9×13 inch baking dish and melt it in the oven.
2. Place the salmon fillets into the baking dish directly on top of the melted butter. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the crabmeat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the remaining 4 tablespoons of melted butter and stir until combined.
4. Spoon the crab mixture evenly over the top of the salmon fillets.
5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Notes

Ensure you check the crabmeat for shells before mixing.

• Prep Time: 20 min
• Resting Time: 5 min
• Cook Time: 25 min
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fillet with topping
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 55g
• Cholesterol: 210mg

Keywords: Crab Topped Salmon, seafood dinner, baked salmon, crab crusted salmon, holiday meal