This Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan is a mouthwatering, flavorful dish that combines the smoky, spicy crust of blackened salmon with a creamy, cheesy spinach filling. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe offers elegance and flavor in just 30 minutes!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Spinach Filling:

• 2 cups fresh spinach

• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skinless)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• Salt to taste

For Serving:

• Lemon wedges

Directions

1. Prepare the Spinach Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add spinach and cook until wilted (3-4 minutes). Remove from heat, drain any excess liquid, and mix in cream cheese, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth.

2. Prepare the Salmon: Use a sharp knife to make a pocket in each salmon fillet (be careful not to cut all the way through). Stuff the spinach mixture into the pockets of the fillets.

3. Season the Salmon: Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Rub the seasoning evenly over the top of each stuffed salmon fillet.

4. Cook the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and sear for 2-3 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip the salmon and reduce heat to medium. Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until cooked through.

5. Serve: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon just before serving. Serve with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy!

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal

• Fat: 22g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Carbohydrates: 5g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 2g

• Protein: 35g

• Cholesterol: 90mg

• Sodium: 500mg

• Vitamin A: 40%

• Vitamin C: 10%

• Calcium: 20%

• Iron: 10%

The Spinach Filling: Creamy and Flavorful

The spinach filling is the heart of this dish. It’s creamy and cheesy, yet light enough to perfectly complement the rich flavor of the salmon. The base of the filling is fresh spinach, which is sautéed with garlic until wilted. This quick cooking process preserves the vibrant green color of the spinach while infusing it with garlic’s aromatic flavor. Once the spinach is wilted, any excess liquid is drained to ensure that the filling doesn’t become too watery.

The addition of cream cheese creates a smooth and velvety texture, while the grated Parmesan adds depth and a savory richness that pairs beautifully with the mild flavor of the salmon. The seasoning of salt and pepper rounds out the filling, ensuring that every bite of the stuffed salmon is bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness.

Blackened Salmon: Smoky and Spicy

Blackened salmon is a delicious way to cook the fish, creating a smoky, spicy crust that adds complexity to each bite. The seasoning mix for the blackened salmon includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, which together create a flavorful coating for the fish. The paprika, in particular, gives the salmon a smoky undertone, while the garlic and onion powders contribute savory depth. The black pepper adds a little heat, making each bite exciting.

Once seasoned, the salmon fillets are seared to perfection. The oil in the skillet allows the seasoning to form a crispy, flavorful crust on the fish. The key to blackening the salmon is getting the skillet hot enough to quickly sear the fish, creating that signature crust without overcooking the delicate salmon.

Preparing the Salmon: Stuffing and Seasoning

To prepare the salmon, each fillet is carefully sliced to create a pocket. This is done by making a small incision in the side of the fillet, ensuring that the stuffing can be added without cutting all the way through the fish. The spinach and Parmesan mixture is then stuffed into the pocket, creating a creamy and cheesy filling inside each piece of salmon. This not only enhances the flavor but also makes the dish visually stunning as the stuffed salmon is revealed upon slicing.

Once stuffed, the salmon fillets are coated in the blackened seasoning, ensuring that each piece is evenly covered. The seasoning mix creates a beautiful, crispy crust as the salmon is seared, making each bite a perfect combination of tender fish and smoky, flavorful crust.

Cooking the Salmon: Perfectly Seared and Tender

Cooking the blackened salmon requires a balance of heat and timing. The salmon is first seared skin-side down in a hot skillet to crisp up the skin, creating a beautiful golden-brown crust. After a few minutes of searing, the salmon is flipped and the heat is reduced to medium to allow the fish to cook through without drying out.

The result is perfectly cooked salmon: crispy on the outside with a tender, flaky interior. The creamy spinach filling stays intact, making each bite a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures. The salmon should be cooked for about 4-5 minutes after flipping, depending on the thickness of the fillet, ensuring the fish is cooked through but still moist.

Serving the Dish: Bright and Fresh

To finish off the dish, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice is added just before serving. The acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness of the salmon and spinach filling, adding a refreshing contrast that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. The lemon also adds a burst of brightness, making each bite feel light and fresh despite the richness of the filling.

The Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple green salad. The versatility of the dish makes it easy to pair with whatever you have on hand, while still maintaining its status as a standout meal.

Why This Dish is a Winner

Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan is a dish that strikes the perfect balance between elegance and simplicity. It combines the smoky, spicy flavors of blackened salmon with a creamy, cheesy spinach filling, making each bite an explosion of flavor. The rich filling complements the delicate salmon, while the blackened crust adds a smoky crunch that elevates the dish.

Not only is this dish packed with flavor, but it’s also full of nutrition. Salmon is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while spinach provides vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and iron. The addition of Parmesan and cream cheese gives the dish a rich, comforting texture without being overly heavy, making it a great option for both special occasions and weeknight meals.

A Quick, Elegant Meal in Just 30 Minutes

One of the best things about this recipe is how quick and easy it is to prepare. In just 30 minutes, you can create a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to impress. The salmon is cooked quickly in a skillet, and the spinach filling comes together in just a few minutes. This makes Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Conclusion: A Flavorful, Nutritious Dish

Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan is a perfect way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal with minimal effort. The combination of smoky salmon, creamy spinach, and Parmesan creates a dish that’s satisfying and impressive, making it ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions. The balance of flavors—from the richness of the filling to the freshness of the lemon juice—ensures that each bite is as delicious as the last.

If you’re looking for a quick, elegant dish that’s full of flavor and packed with nutrition, this Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. With its smoky, spicy crust and creamy filling, this recipe offers a perfect blend of textures and tastes that will leave everyone asking for seconds!