Here’s a restaurant-quality but home-friendly recipe for Stuffed Salmon over Rice and Grilled Asparagus — rich, savory, and beautifully balanced. Perfect for a special dinner or weekend treat.
🐟 Stuffed Salmon Over Rice with Grilled Asparagus
🍽️ Serves 2–4
🧺 Ingredients:
For the Stuffed Salmon:
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2–4 salmon fillets, skin off (about 6 oz each)
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Salt & pepper
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1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
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Juice of ½ a lemon
Stuffing:
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½ cup cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup spinach, finely chopped (fresh or thawed frozen, well-drained)
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¼ cup parmesan or feta cheese, crumbled
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2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (or roasted red peppers)
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1 clove garlic, minced
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Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or dill
For the Rice:
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1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
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2 cups water or broth
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1 tbsp butter or olive oil
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Salt to taste
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Optional: zest of 1 lemon or chopped parsley for brightness
For the Grilled Asparagus:
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1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt, pepper, and lemon juice
🔪 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Stuffing:
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Mix cream cheese, spinach, parmesan (or feta), garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes in a bowl. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
2. Stuff the Salmon:
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Slice a pocket in each salmon fillet lengthwise (not all the way through).
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Spoon the stuffing into the pocket, pressing gently to fill.
3. Cook the Salmon:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil.
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Sear salmon for 2–3 minutes per side (stuffed side up), then finish in the oven for 8–10 minutes, or until salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
Alternative: Bake entirely at 375°F for 15–20 min if you prefer not to sear.
4. Cook the Rice:
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Rinse rice under cold water.
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Bring water or broth to a boil, add rice and butter, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until fluffy. Let rest 5 minutes and fluff with a fork.
5. Grill the Asparagus:
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Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
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Grill in a pan or outdoor grill for 3–5 minutes, turning until lightly charred but still crisp. Finish with a squeeze of lemon.
🍋 To Serve:
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Spoon rice onto each plate.
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Place stuffed salmon on top.
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Arrange grilled asparagus on the side.
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Optional: Drizzle with a little melted butter or lemon-herb sauce.
👩🍳 Grandma Mari’s Ideas:
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Add chopped crab meat or shrimp to the stuffing for extra richness.
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Use wild rice for a more rustic feel.
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Garnish with fresh dill or lemon zest for a bright finish.