Description
Delight in these elegant Asparagus & Lemon Basil Ricotta Stuffed Salmon Rolls, a perfect balance of fresh asparagus wrapped in tender salmon fillets filled with a zesty ricotta and herb mixture. Baked to perfection, this dish offers a light yet flavorful entrée ideal for dinner parties or a sophisticated weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Salmon Rolls
- 4 salmon fillets (skinless, about 6 oz each)
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus (trimmed)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Kitchen twine or toothpicks (to secure rolls)
- Optional garnish: lemon slices, fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the salmon rolls.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped fresh basil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, and season with salt and black pepper. Stir everything together until well blended.
- Blanch Asparagus: Bring a pot of boiling water and blanch the trimmed asparagus for 1–2 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Salmon: If salmon fillets are thick, butterfly them by slicing horizontally to open up and then gently flatten with a meat mallet to an even thickness. This makes rolling easier and ensures even cooking.
- Assemble Rolls: Spread an even layer of the ricotta mixture over each flattened salmon fillet. Place 3 to 4 asparagus spears at one end, then carefully roll the fillet around the asparagus, securing each roll with kitchen twine or toothpicks to keep them intact during baking.
- Arrange and Season: Place the salmon rolls seam-side down in a lightly greased baking dish. Drizzle the rolls with olive oil and add extra salt and black pepper to taste for a well-rounded seasoning.
- Bake: Bake the salmon rolls in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the salmon is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, discard kitchen twine or toothpicks, and garnish with fresh lemon slices and basil leaves if desired. Serve the rolls hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Butterflying and flattening the salmon helps it cook evenly and makes rolling easier.
- Blanching the asparagus keeps it tender-crisp and vibrant green.
- Ensure the salmon is cooked through but still moist by checking flakiness with a fork.
- Remove kitchen twine or toothpicks before serving to avoid choking hazards.
- Optional garnishes add freshness and appeal but can be omitted if desired.
