Stuffed Baked Salmon
A flavorful baked salmon stuffed with rice, celery, onion, lemon zest, and herbs, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions with bright citrus flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt oleo (butter) in a pan; sauté chopped onion and diced celery until tender.
- Toss the sautéed vegetables with cooked rice, grated lemon rind, salt, thyme, and lemon juice.
- Sprinkle inside of a large salmon with salt and stuff the fish with the rice mixture.
- Spray foil and wrap the stuffed fish in foil.
- Prick holes in the bottom of the foil-wrapped fish.
- Measure the thickness of the fish at the thickest part and bake in a 450°F oven, allowing 10 minutes cooking time for each inch of thickness.
- Serve the baked stuffed salmon with lemon slices.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the rice mixture. If you're out of celery, diced bell peppers can be a great substitute. Make sure to use fresh lemon juice for the best taste. If you prefer a lighter option, swap out the oleo for a healthier oil like olive oil. This stuffed salmon recipe pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed baked salmon with lemon slices on the side for added brightness. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or roasted asparagus. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside quinoa or a light pasta dish. This dish also goes well with a glass of white wine, enhancing the lemony flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffed salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the salmon in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it on a low setting, ensuring not to overcook the fish and dry it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Baked Salmon contains roughly 265 calories, with 12g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (325% of the Daily Value), iron (179% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (94% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 26g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to properly thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before preparing. This ensures even cooking and helps maintain the fish's texture.
What can I substitute for rice in the stuffing?
If you want to avoid rice, consider using quinoa or couscous for a different texture and flavor. Both options are great alternatives and will absorb the flavors of the stuffing well.
How can I tell when the salmon is fully cooked?
The salmon is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Using a meat thermometer can help ensure perfect doneness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).