How to Cook Stuffed Salmon From Whole Foods Like a Pro

Stuffed salmon is a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for entertaining or a weeknight meal. While it may seem intimidating stuffed salmon is actually quite easy to make at home with high quality ingredients from Whole Foods Market. In this article I’ll walk you through step-by-step how to cook stuffed salmon like a pro using ingredients sourced right from Whole Foods.

Ingredients to Buy at Whole Foods

Here are the key ingredients you’ll need to pick up from the seafood counter and grocery aisles at Whole Foods

• Salmon – Look for thick, center-cut salmon fillets to stuff. Aim for about 4 fillets that are 6 ounces each. Choose sustainably caught wild salmon for best flavor and texture.

• Spinach – Grab a box of prewashed baby spinach. You’ll need about 2 cups packed spinach leaves.

• Feta cheese – Select a block of good quality feta cheese Sheep’s milk feta packed in brine is ideal. You’ll need around 5 ounces

• Ricotta cheese – Choose fresh ricotta cheese for the filling rather than pre-shredded. Plan on 1 cup ricotta.

• Herbs – Pick up a small bunch of fresh dill and oregano.

• Olive oil – You’ll need about 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.

• Sea salt – Use a good quality fine sea salt.

• Pepper – Freshly ground black pepper is best.

In addition, you may want to grab jarred roasted red peppers, lemons, Dijon mustard and panko breadcrumbs if you want to make the crab cake variation (more details below).

Step-By-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfect stuffed salmon every time:

1. Prep the salmon – Using a sharp knife, slice each salmon fillet down the middle lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Open up the fillets so they lay flat.

2. Make the filling – In a bowl, mix together the spinach, feta, ricotta, and seasonings like salt, pepper, oregano and dill. For a creamy filling, mash the feta into the ricotta.

3. Fill the salmon – Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into the center of the opened up salmon fillets. Spread evenly and press gently.

4. Bake – Place the stuffed salmon fillets on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle over more herbs. Bake at 450°F for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

5. Serve – Carefully transfer the baked stuffed salmon to a platter and garnish with lemon wedges. Enjoy immediately.

Crab Cake Variation

For an extra decadent twist, use crab cakes instead of spinach and cheese for the filling. Here’s how:

• Make crab cakes by mixing together 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 egg, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning and panko breadcrumbs.

• Form into 4 small crab cakes that will fit inside the salmon.

• Fill salmon with crab cakes and brush with Dijon mustard before baking.

Cooking Tips

• For best results, use fresh salmon instead of frozen whenever possible. The texture will be more tender and flaky.

• Let the stuffed salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices redistribute.

• Check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the salmon. It should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed salmon is delicious served with:

• Brown or white rice – try basmati, jasmine or arborio.

• Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes

• Sauteed greens like kale or spinach

• A fresh green salad

• Crusty bread to soak up the juices

Benefits of Salmon

There are so many great reasons to cook up this stuffed salmon recipe:

• High in protein – Salmon provides over 20g of protein per 3 ounce serving. Protein helps build muscle, repair tissue and keep you feeling full.

• Excellent source of omega-3s – Salmon is one of the best sources of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA.

• Great for heart health – The omega-3s in salmon can help lower blood pressure and triglycerides.

• Loaded with B vitamins – Salmon contains B12, B6, niacin and other energizing B vitamins.

• Low mercury risk – Salmon is one of the safest fish choices when it comes to mercury contamination.

So enjoy this delicious stuffed salmon guilt-free knowing that it also happens to be incredibly nutritious!

FAQs

Still have some questions about making stuffed salmon from Whole Foods? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:

How long does it take to cook stuffed salmon?

It takes about 20 minutes to cook stuffed salmon fillets at 450°F in the oven. Thinner tails may take 15 minutes while thicker center-cut fillets can go up to 25 minutes.

Can I make this without an oven?

Yes! You can cook the stuffed salmon on the stovetop in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 8-10 minutes per side. Use a splatter guard.

What sides go well with stuffed salmon?

Some tasty stuffed salmon side ideas are rice, potatoes, pasta, roasted veggies and salad. See the serving suggestions above for more pairings.

Can I prepare stuffed salmon ahead of time?

You can prepare the spinach filling up to a day in advance. Stuff the salmon and refrigerate up to 6 hours before baking.Brush with oil just before cooking.

Is ricotta a good substitute for feta?

Definitely! Ricotta and feta have a similar creamy, tangy flavor profile. Use 2 cups ricotta and reduce the salt if omitting feta.

Enjoy Restaurant Quality Stuffed Salmon at Home

With high quality salmon and ingredients from Whole Foods Market, you can easily recreate this elegant stuffed salmon entrée at home. The filling possibilities are endless so get creative with different cheese, veggie and herb combinations. Impress your family or guests with your culinary skills and take your weeknight dinners up a notch. Just follow the simple steps and cooking tips above for success every time.