Stuffed Salmon Recipe

Irresistibly Flavorful Stuffed Salmon Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Salmon stuffed with vibrant herbs and creamy cheese creates a culinary masterpiece that sings with flavor.

Mediterranean ingredients dance across your plate, promising a delightful dining experience.

Mediterranean chefs understand the art of combining delicate fish with bold seasonings.

Rich, tender fillets become extraordinary when carefully prepared with unexpected ingredients.

Delicate herbs and smooth cheese melt together, creating a luxurious texture that surprises you.

Cooking this dish feels like a gentle adventure in your kitchen.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of oceanic freshness and robust seasonings.

You won’t believe how simple it is to craft such an impressive meal.

Reasons People Enjoy Stuffed Salmon Recipe

  • Transform ordinary salmon into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
  • Pack a protein punch with omega-3 rich salmon combined with nutrient-dense spinach and calcium-loaded cheeses.
  • Easily adapt the recipe by swapping cheeses or adding different herbs to suit individual taste preferences.
  • Prepare the entire dish in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious, impressive meals.

Ingredients List for Stuffed Salmon Recipe

Main Protein:
  • Salmon Fillets: A succulent fish that serves as the star of the dish, perfect for a hearty and nutritious meal. Wild-caught or fresh salmon works best.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Spinach, Cream Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: A creamy and flavorful mixture that adds richness and depth to the salmon. Fresh spinach and high-quality cheeses will enhance the overall taste.
  • Minced Garlic: Provides a bold, aromatic flavor that complements the seafood. Fresh garlic cloves are recommended for the most intense taste.
Seasoning and Preparation:
  • Olive Oil: Helps to keep the salmon moist and adds a smooth texture. Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for best flavor.
  • Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Spices that create a well-rounded and complex flavor profile for the dish.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the salmon and filling. Freshly ground black pepper is preferred.

Preparing Stuffed Salmon from Scratch

Step 1: Create Flavor Foundation

  • Preheat oven to 375°F
  • Coat baking dish with cooking spray or parchment paper

Step 2: Craft Salmon Pocket

  • Select fresh salmon fillets
  • Slice gentle pocket along side of each fillet
  • Brush salmon with olive oil
  • Sprinkle with
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 3: Develop Creamy Filling

  • Grab mixing bowl
  • Combine ingredients
  • Fresh spinach
  • Cream cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Minced garlic
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Blend until smooth and consistent

Step 4: Generously Stuff Salmon

  • Divide filling into equal portions
  • Carefully fill salmon pockets
  • Gently press edges to seal

Step 5: Perfectly Bake

  • Position stuffed salmon in prepared dish
  • Slide into preheated oven
  • Bake 18-22 minutes
  • Check salmon reaches 145°F internal temperature
  • Test doneness by flaking with fork

Step 6: Elegantly Serve

  • Remove from oven
  • Rest 5 minutes
  • Plate with complementary sides like
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Fluffy rice
  • Crisp garden salad

Stuffed Salmon Recipe Tips You’ll Appreciate

  • Choose Fresh Salmon: Select high-quality, thick salmon fillets with vibrant color and minimal fishy smell for the best flavor and texture.
  • Prevent Overstuffing: Fill salmon pockets carefully to avoid cheese mixture leaking during baking, which can dry out the fish.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Use a meat thermometer to ensure salmon reaches 145°F without overcooking, keeping the fish moist and tender.
  • Customize Cheese Blend: Swap cheeses based on dietary needs or preferences, using low-fat options or dairy-free alternatives for different nutrition profiles.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Add fresh herbs like dill or chives to the cheese mixture for an extra layer of aromatic complexity and brightness.

Keep Stuffed Salmon Fresh for Another Day

  • Store leftover stuffed salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
  • Warm salmon at 275°F for 10-12 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Check internal temperature reaches 145°F before serving.
  • Reheat on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking halfway to ensure even warming. Stop heating once salmon is just heated through to avoid overcooking.
  • Consume reheated salmon within 1-2 days for best taste and texture. Avoid freezing stuffed salmon as cream cheese filling may separate and lose quality.

Pairings That Suit Stuffed Salmon Recipe

  • Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complement the creamy, rich cheese filling and delicate salmon texture, providing a refreshing balance with their bright acidity.
  • Roasted asparagus or zucchini with fresh dill enhance the spinach and cheese flavors, creating a harmonious green vegetable accompaniment that elevates the entire dish.
  • Prepare a light lemon-dill sauce with Greek yogurt to drizzle over the salmon, cutting through the richness and adding a tangy brightness that makes each bite more vibrant and complex.
  • Serve with toasted sourdough or garlic crostini to provide a crunchy textural contrast against the soft, creamy salmon, allowing diners to scoop up any extra cheese filling.

Stuffed Salmon Add-Ons You Might Like

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese and Parmesan with cashew cream and nutritional yeast. Use dairy-free mozzarella alternative for a vegan-friendly stuffed salmon experience.
  • Mediterranean Style: Swap spinach with sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and chopped fresh herbs like basil and oregano. Add kalamata olives for extra Mediterranean flavor.
  • Low-Carb Option: Replace spinach with cauliflower rice or chopped zucchini. Reduce cheese quantities and use almond flour instead of traditional fillings to maintain low-carbohydrate profile.
  • Keto-Friendly Version: Use full-fat cream cheese, increase cheese proportions, and incorporate chopped bacon bits into the filling. Select wild-caught salmon for higher fat content and skip high-carb sides.

Answering FAQs on Stuffed Salmon Recipe

  • How do I know if the salmon is properly cooked?

Look for a golden-brown top and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 145°F/63°C. The fish should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque throughout.

  • Can I use different types of cheese in the filling?

Absolutely! You can swap cheeses based on your preference. Goat cheese, feta, or ricotta work great as alternatives to the suggested cheeses in the recipe.

  • What if I can't find fresh spinach for the filling?

Frozen spinach works perfectly. Just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing with the other filling ingredients. This ensures your stuffing isn’t too watery.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed salmon ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. Just add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

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Stuffed Salmon Recipe

Stuffed Salmon Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Delightful “stuffed salmon” brings Mediterranean flavors dancing across your palate with luxurious herbed cream cheese nestled between succulent pink salmon fillets. Fresh herbs and zesty lemon promise a restaurant-quality dinner you can savor in minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 4 salmon fillets (68 ounces/1.93 kilograms each), skinless and boneless

Filling Cheeses:

  • ⅓ cup cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Herbs, Spices, and Other Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  1. Craft a welcoming environment in the kitchen by heating the oven to a precise 375°F, creating a perfect culinary canvas for the salmon preparation.
  2. Transform the salmon fillets into delicate vessels by delicately carving a hidden pocket along the side, maintaining the structural integrity of the fish.
  3. Massage the salmon exteriors with fragrant olive oil, then shower them with a harmonious blend of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to awaken their natural flavors.
  4. Orchestrate a luxurious filling by combining crisp spinach, velvety cream cheese, sharp Parmesan, melty mozzarella, aromatic minced garlic, nuanced onion powder, and a whisper of seasoning into a creamy, cohesive mixture.
  5. Carefully nestle the prepared filling into the salmon’s secret pocket, gently pressing to seal the delectable treasure within each fillet.
  6. Arrange the stuffed salmon in a prepared baking vessel, allowing them to transform in the oven’s embrace for 18-22 minutes until they reach a perfect, flaky doneness with an internal temperature of 145°F.
  7. Allow the salmon to rest briefly, letting the flavors harmonize, then present alongside vibrant roasted vegetables, fluffy rice, or a crisp, refreshing salad for a complete gastronomic experience.

Notes

  • Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best texture and flavor, ensuring the fish is firm and has a bright, clean smell.
  • Opt for room temperature cream cheese to make mixing the filling easier and prevent lumps from forming.
  • Keep the salmon pocket shallow to prevent the filling from leaking during baking, using a sharp knife and gentle touch.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like goat cheese or feta for unique flavor profiles and added complexity.
  • Check salmon doneness by gently pressing the thickest part – it should flake easily and appear opaque with a slight translucent center.
  • For a low-carb version, swap cheese with Greek yogurt and add fresh herbs like dill or chives for extra brightness.
  • Prevent overcooking by using a meat thermometer and removing salmon when it reaches 145°F, as it continues cooking while resting.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 738
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 1356 mg
  • Fat: 50 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 103 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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