Crab-Stuffed Fish Roll-Ups
There’s something about seafood dinners that makes an ordinary evening feel a little special. Crab-Stuffed Fish Roll-Ups are one of those recipes that look fancy on the plate but are actually surprisingly simple to make.
I tried these with my family last weekend after a friend recommended the idea of stuffing flaky white fish with crab. I had some fish fillets in the refrigerator and decided to give it a try. I added garlic, lemon, parsley, a little Parmesan, and just enough creamy filling to hold everything together.
When the roll-ups came out of the oven, the tops were lightly golden and the smell of lemon and garlic filled the kitchen. Everyone was curious, and after the first bite, my family immediately asked when I was making them again!
Now I love making these when I’m in the mood for a dinner that feels elegant without requiring a lot of work. They’re especially nice on weekends, but they’re easy enough for a weeknight too.
Why You’ll Love These Fish Roll-Ups
Tender, flaky fish
Savory crab filling
Bright lemon and garlic flavor
High in protein
Elegant enough for guests
Easy oven-baked dinner
Mediterranean-inspired
Naturally lower in carbohydrates
Ingredients
For the Fish
4 large white fish fillets, such as cod, haddock, tilapia, or sole
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Crab Filling
8 oz lump crab meat, picked over for shells
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons light cream cheese, softened
¼ cup grated Parmesan
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon dried dill
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon finely diced red bell pepper, optional
For Finishing
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
Fresh parsley
Lemon wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Crab Filling
In a bowl, gently combine the crab meat, Greek yogurt, cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, dill, black pepper, paprika, and diced red pepper.
Mix just until combined.
Try not to break up the crab too much—you want little pieces of crab throughout the filling.
Step 3: Season the Fish
Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels.
Season both sides lightly with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice.
Step 4: Stuff the Fish
Place a portion of the crab mixture near one end of each fillet.
Carefully roll the fish around the filling and place each roll-up seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
If the fillets are very thin, you can secure them with a toothpick.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Drizzle the roll-ups with a little olive oil.
Sprinkle the Parmesan over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for approximately 20–25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish.
The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. For food safety, fish should reach 145°F (63°C) internally.
Step 7: Finish & Serve
Remove from the oven and let the roll-ups rest for a couple of minutes.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
That little squeeze of lemon right before eating makes all the flavors pop!
My Tips for the Best Crab-Stuffed Fish
Choose thin, flexible fillets.
Sole, flounder, haddock, or thin cod fillets are especially easy to roll.
Don’t overstuff them.
A moderate amount of filling makes rolling much easier and helps prevent the crab mixture from spilling out.
Pat the fish dry first.
This helps the seasoning stick and prevents excess liquid in the baking dish.
Don’t overbake.
Fish cooks quickly, so start checking around the 20-minute mark.
Use real lump crab when possible.
The sweet pieces of crab make this dish feel extra special.
Diabetes-Conscious Serving Idea
This recipe is naturally relatively low in carbohydrates because the main ingredients are fish and crab.
For a balanced diabetes-conscious meal, serve it with:
Roasted broccoli
Asparagus
Green beans
Sautéed spinach
Large leafy salad
Roasted zucchini
Cauliflower rice
If you’d like a carbohydrate-containing side, a small serving of quinoa or another high-fiber grain can be included according to your individual meal plan.
Mediterranean-Inspired Twist
This recipe becomes even more Mediterranean with a few simple additions.
Try adding:
Fresh dill
Extra parsley
Lemon zest
Kalamata olives
Chopped spinach
A little crumbled feta
Serve the roll-ups with a Greek salad dressed with lemon and extra virgin olive oil.
What to Serve With Crab-Stuffed Fish Roll-Ups
I especially love these with:
Lemon-roasted asparagus
Greek cucumber salad
Garlic green beans
Roasted cherry tomatoes
Sautéed spinach
Mediterranean roasted vegetables
A simple lemony salad is another great choice because it keeps the whole meal fresh and light.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
Reheat gently in a 325°F (165°C) oven until warmed through.
Because seafood can dry out when reheated, avoid cooking it for longer than necessary.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20–25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Servings
4
Nutrition Facts
Approximate per serving:
Calories: 320
Protein: 39g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 620mg
Nutrition is approximate and will vary depending on the fish, crab, cheese, and seasonings used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fish?
Yes. Thaw it completely and pat it very dry before seasoning and rolling.
What fish works best?
Thin white fish such as sole, flounder, haddock, tilapia, or thin cod fillets work well.
Can I use imitation crab?
Yes, although real lump crab gives the best flavor and texture. Imitation crab can also contain more carbohydrates and sodium.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can assemble the roll-ups several hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving.
Can I make the filling without cream cheese?
Yes. You can use additional Greek yogurt or a small amount of softened light ricotta instead.
Are Crab-Stuffed Fish Roll-Ups good for a diabetes-conscious meal?
They can be a good option because they’re high in protein and relatively low in carbohydrates. Pairing them with non-starchy vegetables makes for a balanced meal.