Short Description
Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan is a flavorful and elegant dish that combines the bold spices of blackened seasoning with a creamy spinach and Parmesan filling. This recipe offers a delightful contrast between the crispy, spice-crusted exterior of the salmon and the rich, savory stuffing inside, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.Recipes by Clare+1Recipes Smile+1
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Flavorful Contrast: The spicy, crispy exterior of the blackened salmon perfectly complements the creamy, savory stuffing inside.
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Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein from the salmon and essential vitamins from the spinach, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
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Versatile Preparation: Suitable for both casual family meals and elegant dinner parties, it’s a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: The stuffing can be prepared in advance, streamlining the cooking process when you’re ready to serve.Recipes Smile
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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4 salmon fillets (skinless, about 1.5 inches thick)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oilInstagram+1Recipes Smile+1
For the Filling:
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2 cups fresh spinach
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½ cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons cream cheese
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon butter
For the Blackened Seasoning:
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1 teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon dried thyme
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¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon saltThe Spruce Eats+24Facebook+24Pinterest+24
Directions
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Prepare the Filling:
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In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
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Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
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In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach, Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese. Mix until well combined.
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Prepare the Salmon:
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Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
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Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal slit along the side of each fillet to create a pocket, being cautious not to cut all the way through.
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Season the inside and outside of each fillet with salt and black pepper.grandmarecipesflash.com+5Recipestasteful+5Carter Family Recipes+5
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Stuff the Salmon:
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Divide the spinach and cheese mixture evenly among the salmon fillets, stuffing it into the pockets.
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Apply the Blackened Seasoning:
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In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), black pepper, and salt.
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Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the top and sides of each stuffed salmon fillet.Recipestasteful
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Cook the Salmon:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil.
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Place the stuffed salmon fillets in the skillet, searing for 2-3 minutes on each side until the exterior is blackened.
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Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
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Serve:
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Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
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Serve with lemon wedges or your choice of side dishes.grandmarecipesflash.com
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Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutesRecipestasteful+2grandmarecipesflash.com+2Cafe Delites+2Recipes by Clare+3Allrecipes+3Charlotte Fashion Plate+3
Variations
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Cheese Variations: Substitute Parmesan with Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a different flavor profile.
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Herb Additions: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or dill into the filling for added freshness.
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Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the blackened seasoning to control the heat level.
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Vegetable Additions: Add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigeration: Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, place the salmon in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may dry out the fish.
FAQs
How can I ensure the salmon is cooked perfectly?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon; it should reach 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before using it in the filling.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the filling?
Cream cheese adds creaminess and helps bind the filling. However, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt for a different texture and flavor.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Consider serving the stuffed salmon with roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Print
Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach and Parmesan is a bold, flavor-packed dish featuring juicy salmon fillets filled with creamy spinach and cheese, then seared with a smoky, spicy blackened seasoning – perfect for a gourmet dinner at home.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
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4 salmon fillets (skinless, about 1.5 inches thick)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Filling:
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2 cups fresh spinach
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1/2 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons cream cheese
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon butter
For the Blackened Seasoning Rub:
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
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1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Prepare the filling: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in cream cheese and Parmesan until creamy. Let cool slightly.
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Stuff the salmon: Slice a pocket into the side of each salmon fillet. Fill with spinach-parmesan mixture.
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Season the salmon: Combine all blackened seasoning ingredients. Rub over both sides of each stuffed fillet.
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Cook the salmon: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon for 4–5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and lightly blackened.
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Serve: Let rest briefly. Serve with lemon wedges or a light side salad.
Notes
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Secure filling with toothpicks if needed.
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Use an oven-safe skillet to finish salmon in the oven if it’s thick.
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Great with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
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