Name: Crab Stuffed Salmon (Costco Copycat)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 3-4 2" thick salmon filets; 1/2 cup cooked white rice; 1 cup panko bread crumbs; 1/4 cup mayo; 1 egg; 4 sticks imitation crab (chopped); 1 cup cooked shrimp (tail off) (diced); 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tsp dill; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp each salt & pepper; water (as needed)

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Crab stuffed salmon is a perfect copycat version of the Costco entree. This stuffed seafood dish makes a yummy everyday splurge dinner but is fancy enough to serve for a holiday or special occasion.

I really love Costco.

Sometimes I even joke that they ‘sponsor’ my life.

It’s no secret that I live for the aisles of discounts, bulk buys, and delicious ready made meals.

The Costco crab stuffed salmon is one of my hands down favorites.

With buttery salmon and a rich crab and shrimp cake like filling, the Kirkland Signature stuffed salmon is a ready made meal that feels like an indulgence.

And my knock off crab stuffed salmon is perfect when you don’t feel like battling Costco’s crowds but want to make a special occasion worthy entree.

It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, as an alternative main dish on Christmas or Easter, and always requested for anniversaries and birthdays.

When you make it, you’ll see why!

Ingredients

To make this you’ll need:

Salmon filets– They should be about 2 inches thick. You can keep the skin on them.
Rice– Just a little cooked white rice though you could substitute another variety.
Breadcrumbs– Technically the recipe calls for Panko breadcrumbs but if you don’t have any you could sub in boxed stuffing mix.
Mayonnaise– Use real, full fat mayo for the best, richest flavor and skip the low fat mayonnaise style dressing or Miracle Whip.
Egg– To bind the filling together
Crab-To save money, I often use chopped imitation crab meat. You could absolutely splurge on the real stuff though. If you get real crab meat, I recommend lump crab from the refrigerated seafood counter though you could use the canned crab you can find
Shrimp– Because you will dice them, it doesn’t matter what size shrimp you buy. You want to make sure they are shelled, deveined, and tail off.
Extra virgin olive oil– Don’t substitute another oil here.
Spices– Dill, paprika, salt, and pepper
Water– as needed

How to Make

Copycat Kirkland Signature stuffed salmon is easy to make, especially when you consider how elegant this entree is!

Start by making the stuffing by stirring all of the ingredients together except the water and the salmon filets.

Once everything is evenly combined, the stuffing should be just moist enough to form into balls that hold their shape.

If the stuffing is too dry, add just enough water until the stuffing holds together.

Set the stuffing aside.

Then, slice an opening lengthwise down the middle of each salmon filet.

Divide the stuffing into equal portions so you have enough stuffing for each filet.

Shape each portion of into a ball.

Gently push one ball into the center of each salmon filet to stuff it so that they more or less fill the opening with plenty of crab filling on top of each filet.

Bake the stuffed salmon filets at 350° for 20 minutes.

Enjoy warm with your favorite sides.

How to Cut a Salmon Filet to Stuff It

The cut in the salmon should go from top to bottom, in the center of each filet, but not from end to end.

You’ll want to leave roughly an inch in tact on each end, leaving you with a pocket like cavity to tuck the stuffing into.

Make sure to leave enough of the salmon uncut on each end so that the filet doesn’t break apart when you stuff it.

Serving Suggestions

This is one of those entrees that really does steal the show so I like to keep the sides simple to let it shine.

Side dishes that pair well with crab stuffed salmon include:

a side salad
steamed broccoli or asparagus
wild rice
mashed potatoes
roasted potatoes

Of course, any combination of the above would work!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes!

You can make the filling and stuff the salmon ahead of time.

Uncooked, the prepared filets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Tips and Tricks

Shrimp in the stuffing is optional, though recommended.
You can use real crab in place of imitation, if that’s what you prefer.
If you want to give the stuffing an additional pop, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the mix.
Worried about keeping the salmon moist? Let the salmon sit on your counter for 10 to 20 minutes prior to cutting prepping it. If it’s not super cold when it goes into the oven, it will hold on to more of its moisture.
Covering it with foil will also help lock moisture in, though you’ll want to uncover it halfway through so the stuffing has a chance to get a little golden.

Other Costco Copycat Recipes

This copycat Costco crab stuffed salmon is a winner for any special occasion or even as an alternative main dish on the holidays.

Make it and enjoy!

Looking for other Costco copycat recipes?

Try these:

If you’ve tried this CRAB STUFFED SALMON, or any other recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers! You can also follow along with me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, and INSTAGRAM to see more amazing recipes and whatever else we’ve got going on!