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
- 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.
- Transform the salmon fillets into delicate vessels by delicately carving a hidden pocket along the side, maintaining the structural integrity of the fish.
- 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.
- 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.
- Carefully nestle the prepared filling into the salmon’s secret pocket, gently pressing to seal the delectable treasure within each fillet.
- 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.
- 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