Easy Honey Glazed Cream Cheese Stuffed Salmon Recipe: A Weeknight Delight
While a simple pan-seared or baked salmon can be a weeknight savior, there’s something truly special and elevated about a perfectly **stuffed salmon**. This particular recipe, featuring a luscious cream cheese, green onion, and garlic filling, all complemented by a sweet and savory honey glaze, transforms ordinary salmon into an extraordinary meal. It’s a dish so delightful, it makes a regular appearance on my dinner table about once or twice a month, and for good reason – it’s incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare with ingredients I almost always have on hand.
Imagine tender, flaky salmon infused with a rich, creamy center and a glistening, slightly sticky glaze that adds a beautiful depth of flavor. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of textures and tastes makes it feel gourmet, yet it’s entirely approachable for even the busiest cook. Whether you’re aiming for a healthy family dinner or looking to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this honey glazed cream cheese stuffed salmon recipe is your answer.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Stuffed Salmon Recipe
This isn’t just another salmon recipe; it’s a culinary gem that brings together exquisite flavors and simplicity. Here’s why this **honey glazed cream cheese stuffed salmon** will quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection:
- Unforgettable Flavor Combination: The creamy tang of cream cheese, the subtle bite of green onions and garlic, and the irresistible sweet and savory notes of the honey-soy glaze create a symphony of tastes that perfectly complement the rich salmon.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time and 17 minutes in the oven, this recipe is tailor-made for busy weeknights. Even with a quick refrigeration step, your total hands-on time is minimal, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Salmon is a powerhouse of Omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health and brain function. Paired with fresh ingredients, this dish offers a balanced and wholesome meal option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
- Versatile and Adaptable: While the current filling is a winner, the concept of stuffed salmon is incredibly flexible. You can easily experiment with different cheeses, herbs, or even other seafood for the stuffing, or switch up the glaze to match your preference.
- Visually Appealing: The golden-brown glaze, the vibrant green of the scallions peeking from the creamy filling, and the beautiful pink of the salmon make this dish a feast for the eyes, perfect for entertaining or a special family meal.
Key Ingredients and Their Role
Crafting the perfect **cream cheese stuffed salmon** begins with understanding the role each ingredient plays. Each component is chosen to contribute to the overall balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
- Salmon Fillets: The star of our dish! Aim for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets, preferably with the skin on one side to help keep the fish moist and intact during baking. Sockeye, Coho, or Atlantic salmon are all excellent choices. Look for vibrant color and a firm texture.
- Cream Cheese: The heart of our creamy stuffing. Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth, easy-to-mix filling. Full-fat cream cheese provides the richest texture, but lighter versions can be used if preferred.
- Green Onions (Scallions): These add a mild oniony flavor and a touch of fresh, vibrant color to the stuffing. They also provide a subtle crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy cheese.
- Minced Garlic: A foundational flavor enhancer. Freshly minced garlic provides an aromatic depth that elevates the entire dish.
- Honey: The sweet component of our irresistible glaze. Honey caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a sticky, slightly sweet crust that complements the savory salmon and creamy filling.
- Soy Sauce: The savory and umami backbone of the glaze. It balances the sweetness of the honey and adds a deep, rich flavor. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you are mindful of salt intake.
- Sriracha: For a delightful hint of heat! Sriracha adds a subtle warmth that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and glaze without overpowering the delicate salmon. Adjust the amount to your spice preference, or omit if you prefer no heat.
- Sesame Seeds: Used as a garnish, these add a lovely toasted nuttiness and an appealing visual finish to the dish.
Stuffed Salmon
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Ingredients
- 2 Salmon Fillets
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 3 tbsp green onions
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even cooking once the salmon goes in.
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In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, finely chopped green onions, and minced garlic. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Place this filling in the fridge to slightly firm up while you prepare the salmon and glaze.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and sriracha until thoroughly combined. This creates our delicious honey-soy glaze.
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Place your salmon fillets on a plate or in a shallow dish. Pour about half of the prepared honey-soy glaze over the salmon, ensuring both sides are coated. Refrigerate the glazed salmon for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the glaze to adhere slightly.
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Using a sharp paring knife, carefully cut a slit lengthwise into the thickest part of each salmon fillet, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through to the other side or the skin.
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Retrieve the cream cheese mixture from the fridge. With a small spatula or spoon, carefully fill each salmon pocket with the cream cheese mixture. Don’t overstuff; you want it to hold its shape during baking.
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Transfer the stuffed salmon fillets to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil (for easy cleanup). Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 17 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets.
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Once baked, remove the salmon from the oven. Brush some of the remaining honey-soy glaze over the top of each fillet for an extra layer of flavor and shine. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds. Serve immediately and Enjoy!
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Salmon Every Time
Achieving a perfectly cooked and flavorful **cream cheese stuffed salmon** is easy when you follow these simple tips:
- Don’t Overstuff: While it might be tempting to load up on the creamy filling, overstuffing can cause the salmon to tear or the filling to ooze out excessively during baking. A modest amount ensures everything stays in place.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Always start with softened cream cheese. This makes it much easier to mix with the other ingredients and ensures a smooth, lump-free filling. You can soften it quickly by microwaving for 10-15 seconds or leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Evenly Cut Salmon: Try to choose salmon fillets that are relatively even in thickness. This promotes even cooking, preventing some parts from being overcooked while others are undercooked.
- Chill the Salmon: The 10-minute refrigeration step for the glazed salmon is crucial. It helps the glaze set slightly and makes the salmon easier to handle when cutting and stuffing, reducing the chances of tearing the delicate fish.
- Watch the Cooking Time: Salmon cooks relatively quickly. Overcooked salmon can be dry and tough. The recommended 17 minutes is a good guideline, but check for doneness by seeing if the thickest part flakes easily with a fork. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is ideal.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil prevents the salmon from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, especially with the honey glaze.
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
This **honey glazed stuffed salmon** is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it a fantastic centerpiece for any meal. Here are some ideas to complete your dining experience:
Vegetable Sides:
- Roasted Asparagus: A classic pairing, roasted asparagus spears with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper complement the salmon beautifully.
- Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: Simple, healthy, and vibrant green vegetables offer a nice contrast in texture and color.
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts: For a slightly more robust side, these nutty, savory sprouts are an excellent choice.
- Sautéed Spinach: A light and quick option that adds a touch of earthy green.
Grains & Starches:
- Fluffy Basmati or Jasmine Rice: Perfect for soaking up any extra glaze or creamy sauce.
- Quinoa: A protein-rich and healthy alternative to rice, offering a slightly nutty flavor.
- Roasted Baby Potatoes: Tossed with herbs and a little olive oil, these make a comforting and satisfying side.
Salads:
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a vinaigrette dressing can add freshness and a tangy counterpoint.
- Cucumber and Dill Salad: The crispness of cucumber and the fresh aroma of dill can be very refreshing.
Wine Pairings:
For a perfect beverage pairing, a crisp white wine works exceptionally well with salmon. Consider:
- Sauvignon Blanc: Its bright acidity and citrus notes cut through the richness of the salmon and cream cheese.
- Pinot Grigio: Light-bodied and refreshing, it complements without overpowering.
- Chardonnay (unoaked): An unoaked Chardonnay offers fruitiness without the heavy oak notes that can clash with seafood.
And of course, as mentioned in the original recipe, a simple glass of white wine is always a delightful companion to this elegant dish.
Creative Variations to Explore
While the classic **cream cheese, green onion, and garlic filling with a honey glaze** is absolutely divine, don’t hesitate to get creative! Stuffed salmon is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ideas to inspire your culinary adventures:
- Crab Stuffed Salmon: For an even more luxurious treat, try my delicious Crab Stuffed Salmon Recipe. It takes the creamy filling to the next level with succulent crab meat.
- Spinach and Feta: Mix cooked and drained spinach with crumbled feta cheese, a hint of lemon zest, and a pinch of nutmeg for a Mediterranean twist.
- Sun-dried Tomato and Basil: Combine cream cheese with chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an Italian-inspired stuffing.
- Spicy Jalapeño Cream Cheese: For those who love an extra kick, finely mince a jalapeño and mix it into the cream cheese filling. Adjust the amount based on your desired spice level.
- Herb and Lemon: Blend fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and chives with cream cheese and a generous squeeze of lemon juice for a bright and zesty filling.
- Different Glazes: Instead of honey-soy, consider a lemon-dill butter sauce, a sweet chili glaze, or a simple garlic-herb marinade.
And remember, as suggested earlier, this versatile cream cheese filling isn’t just for salmon! It’s equally delicious when used to stuff chicken breasts. Simply slice a pocket into boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fill with the cream cheese mixture, and bake until cooked through.
Storing and Reheating Stuffed Salmon
Leftover **stuffed salmon** can still be a delicious meal the next day with proper storage and reheating:
- Storage: Allow the salmon to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: For best results, gently reheat the salmon in an oven or air fryer at a low temperature (around 275-300°F or 135-150°C) until warmed through. This prevents it from drying out. You can also microwave it, but be mindful that this can sometimes lead to a slightly tougher texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Salmon
Here are answers to some common questions about making this delightful **stuffed salmon recipe**:
- Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
- Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Just ensure they are fully thawed in the refrigerator overnight before preparing the recipe. Pat them very dry with paper towels before glazing and stuffing to remove excess moisture.
- How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
- Salmon is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at its thickest part. Visually, it should flake easily with a fork and be opaque throughout.
- Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can mix the cream cheese, green onions, and garlic up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to stuff the salmon.
- What if I don’t like sriracha or want a milder glaze?
- If sriracha is too spicy for your preference, you can reduce the amount or omit it entirely. Alternatively, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes can offer a different kind of subtle heat, or you can add a touch of fresh ginger to the glaze for a different aromatic kick.
- Can I grill or pan-sear stuffed salmon?
- While this recipe is optimized for baking, you could carefully grill or pan-sear the salmon. However, ensuring the filling stays intact and the salmon cooks evenly without burning the glaze can be more challenging. If grilling, use a fish basket or foil packet. If pan-searing, ensure the pockets are sealed well and cook on medium-low heat to avoid over-browning the exterior before the interior is done.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Salmon Dish Awaits!
This **easy honey glazed cream cheese stuffed salmon** is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to enjoy a sophisticated yet simple meal that pleases every palate. Its irresistible combination of creamy filling, flaky salmon, and sweet-savory glaze makes it a perfect choice for any occasion – from a quick weeknight dinner to a special gathering. The ease of preparation and the incredible flavor guarantee it will become a regular feature in your culinary repertoire.
Don’t wait to try this delightful dish! Whip it up tonight and experience the magic for yourself. We’re confident it will earn a top spot among your favorite salmon recipes. And remember, we love hearing from you!
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