Description
Classic Tuscan stuffed salmon delivers a Mediterranean-inspired culinary experience with rich herbed cream cheese and sun-dried tomato filling. Balanced flavors and elegant presentation make this dish perfect for special dinners and sophisticated palates.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (6.8 oz or 193 g), skinless and boneless
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ⅓ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Thermal Preparation: Calibrate the oven to 375F (190C), creating an optimal thermal environment for the salmon’s culinary journey.
- Fillet Transformation: Delicately carve a discreet pocket within each salmon fillet using a precision knife, maintaining the fish’s structural elegance while creating space for the luxurious filling.
- Flavor Infusion: Anoint the salmon’s exterior with olive oil, then generously sprinkle paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to elevate its inherent taste profile.
- Filling Orchestration: Amalgamate spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, minced garlic, onion powder, and seasonings into a harmonious mixture, whisking until achieving a smooth, integrated consistency.
- Culinary Assembly: Tenderly nestle the prepared filling into each salmon pocket, pressing gently to seal the flavorful essence within, ensuring uniform distribution of ingredients.
- Thermal Transformation: Position the stuffed fillets in a baking dish, then slide into the preheated oven. Allow 18-22 minutes of cooking time until the salmon achieves a perfect flaky texture and reaches an internal temperature of 145F (63C).
- Flavor Revelation: After removing from the oven, let the salmon rest briefly, allowing the intricate flavors to meld and intensify.
- Gastronomic Presentation: Plate the golden, cheese-infused salmon alongside vibrant roasted vegetables, fluffy rice, or a crisp salad, creating a visually stunning and palate-pleasing culinary experience.
Notes
- Knife Precision: Use a sharp, thin-bladed knife to create the salmon pocket without tearing the fish, ensuring clean cuts for even stuffing and attractive presentation.
- Temperature Control: Check salmon’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking, which can dry out the delicate fish and diminish its rich flavor.
- Cheese Blend Balance: Mix cheeses thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy filling that distributes evenly and prevents clumping or dry spots within the salmon pocket.
- Resting Technique: Allow the stuffed salmon to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to help juices redistribute, resulting in more tender and succulent fish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 575 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg