Stuffed Baked Salmon

Proof that the best meals sometimes start with whatever's already in the fridge.

Stuffed Baked Salmon

Print deadlines don't wait — and this time Chef Kristel didn't either. With no grocery run in sight, she opened the fridge and worked with what she had. A few simple ingredients on hand turned into this stuffed baked salmon that tastes anything but last-minute.

Ingredients

  • Salmon fillets (4 pieces)
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Paprika
  • Lemon
  • Cream cheese (8 oz)
  • Crab meat (1 cup, cooked)
  • Green olives (1/4 cup, chopped)
  • Serrano peppers (1pc, finely diced)
  • Kalamata olives (1/4 cup, chopped)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon juice of 1 lemon
  • Spring onions (2, finely chopped)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, crab meat, green olives, serrano peppers, kalamata olives, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and spring onions. Mix well.
  3. Rinse salmon fillets under cold water and pat dry. Place on a lined or lightly greased baking sheet. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika.
  4. Using a sharp knife, make a pocket in the side of each salmon fillet. Generously stuff each pocket with the filling mixture.
  5. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Optional: broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for a golden, crispy topping.
  7. Let rest a few minutes, then serve warm garnished with additional lemon slices if desired.