Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant-Quality at Home – This dish delivers gourmet flavors without the need for complex techniques.
Bold and Flavorful – The blackened seasoning gives the salmon a smoky, spicy crust that pairs beautifully with the creamy spinach filling.
Nutritious and Satisfying – Salmon is packed with healthy omega-3s, and the spinach adds a boost of vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (skinless, about 6 oz each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
Lemon wedges for serving

For the Stuffing:

2 cups fresh spinach
½ cup cream cheese, softened
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced

Directions

Prepare the Filling

Sauté the Spinach – Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and fresh spinach. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring until the spinach is wilted.
Mix the Cheese – Remove from heat and stir in the softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan until well combined. Set aside.

Prepare the Salmon

Slice the Fillets – Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each salmon fillet horizontally to create a pocket, making sure not to cut all the way through.
Stuff the Salmon – Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into each fillet, pressing gently to keep the filling inside.
Season the Salmon – In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Rub this seasoning mix over the tops of the salmon fillets.

Cook the Salmon

Sear the Salmon – Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed salmon fillets for 2-3 minutes per side until the seasoning forms a crispy, blackened crust.
Bake Until Cooked – Transfer the salmon to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Serve

Garnish and Enjoy – Serve immediately with lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for extra heat.
Cheese Blend – Try using feta or ricotta cheese for a different flavor profile.
Herb Infusion – Add fresh chopped basil or dill to the stuffing for extra freshness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating – Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out the salmon.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.

How do I keep the stuffing from falling out?

Try securing the fillets with toothpicks before cooking and remove them before serving.

Can I cook this entirely on the stovetop?

Yes, but cover the skillet and cook over low heat for 5-7 minutes after searing to ensure even cooking.

What sides go well with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad pair well with stuffed salmon.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C), and the fish should flake easily with a fork.

Can I use other fish besides salmon?

Yes, thick white fish like cod or halibut can also work.

What’s the best way to get a good blackened crust?

Make sure your skillet is hot before searing and press the salmon slightly into the pan.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream cheese and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

How do I make this meal lower in fat?

Use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt in place of regular cream cheese.

Can I grill the stuffed salmon instead?

Yes! Wrap the stuffed salmon in foil and grill over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes.

Conclusion

Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach and Parmesan Cheese is an easy yet elegant dish bursting with bold flavors and creamy textures. Whether for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers!

Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach and Parmesan Cheese

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Author: Chef Sara
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach and Parmesan Cheese is a flavorful and protein-packed dish featuring a crispy, spiced crust and a creamy spinach filling. This easy yet gourmet meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a delicious balance of smoky, cheesy, and fresh flavors.

Instructions

Prepare the Filling

Sauté Spinach: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and spinach. Cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
Mix Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese and Parmesan. Mix until smooth. Set aside.

Prepare the Salmon

Slice the Fillets: Using a sharp knife, cut a horizontal pocket into each salmon fillet without slicing all the way through.
Stuff the Salmon: Spoon the spinach-cheese mixture into each fillet, pressing gently to keep the filling inside.
Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Rub seasoning over the tops of the fillets.

Cook the Salmon

Sear the Salmon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed salmon for 2-3 minutes per side until a blackened crust forms.
Bake: Transfer the salmon to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Serve

Garnish & Enjoy: Serve immediately with lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.

Notes

For Extra Spice: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
Alternative Cheese Options: Substitute Parmesan with feta or ricotta for a different flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course, Seafood
Method: Pan-Seared, Baked
Cuisine: American, Cajun