Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach and Parmesan Cheese | SaraTasty

Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach and Parmesan Cheese

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

  1. 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.
  2. Mix the Cheese – Remove from heat and stir in the softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan until well combined. Set aside.

Prepare the Salmon

  1. 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.
  2. Stuff the Salmon – Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into each fillet, pressing gently to keep the filling inside.
  3. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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

  1. 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!

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Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach and Parmesan Cheese

Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach and Parmesan Cheese


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

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.


Ingredients

For the Salmon:

  • 4 salmon fillets (skinless, about 6 oz each)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 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

Instructions

Prepare the Filling

  1. 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.
  2. Mix Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese and Parmesan. Mix until smooth. Set aside.

Prepare the Salmon

  1. Slice the Fillets: Using a sharp knife, cut a horizontal pocket into each salmon fillet without slicing all the way through.
  2. Stuff the Salmon: Spoon the spinach-cheese mixture into each fillet, pressing gently to keep the filling inside.
  3. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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

  1. 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
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