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!
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Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach and Parmesan Cheese
- 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
- 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