Description
This elegant dish is a feast for the senses! Tender salmon fillets are rolled around a luscious filling of asparagus, lemon, and basil-infused ricotta, then topped with a bright and tangy lemon sauce. Perfect for dinner parties or when you want to treat yourself to a gourmet meal, these stuffed salmon rolls are surprisingly simple to make and absolutely bursting with flavor.
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Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon Rolls:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skinless
- 8 asparagus spears, trimmed
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Lemon Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1/3 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon water (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Salmon and Filling
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Butterfly each salmon fillet by slicing horizontally, leaving one edge intact, and open it like a book. Gently flatten if needed for easier rolling.
- In a bowl, mix the ricotta, lemon zest, chopped basil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
- Lay 2 asparagus spears on one end of each salmon fillet.
- Spread about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture over the asparagus.
- Roll the salmon tightly around the filling and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon Rolls
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon rolls for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly browned.
- Transfer the rolls to a baking dish and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 4: Make the Lemon Sauce
- While the salmon bakes, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the lemon juice and broth. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, stir in the cornstarch mixture and simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove the toothpicks or twine from the salmon rolls.
- Drizzle the lemon sauce generously over the salmon rolls.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves or lemon slices, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Choose Fresh Salmon: Opt for thick, evenly sized fillets for easier rolling.
- Don’t Overfill: Use just enough filling to ensure the rolls stay intact while cooking.
- Watch the Sauce: Don’t let it boil too long; it’s meant to be light and tangy.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the salmon rolls ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American