Description
This Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach and Parmesan Cheese is a delicious and elegant seafood dish that combines tender salmon fillets with a creamy spinach and cheese filling. The salmon is seasoned with a bold blackening spice mix, seared to create a flavorful crust, and finished in the oven for perfect juiciness. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect healthy yet indulgent meal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Sauté Spinach: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and fresh spinach, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and soft.
- Mix Cheese: Remove the spinach mixture from heat and stir in the softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Slice the Fillets: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal pocket into each salmon fillet, making sure not to slice all the way through to keep the fillet intact for stuffing.
- Stuff the Salmon: Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into the pocket of each salmon fillet, gently pressing it inside to keep the filling secure.
- Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Rub this seasoning blend evenly over the tops of the stuffed salmon fillets.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed salmon fillets in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until a flavorful blackened crust forms.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the seared salmon fillets to a baking dish and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish & Enjoy: Remove the salmon from the oven and serve immediately with lemon wedges for a fresh, zesty finish.
Notes
- Make sure not to cut all the way through the salmon when creating the pocket to prevent the stuffing from falling out.
- If cream cheese is too firm, soften it slightly at room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth filling.
- Adjust the spiciness of the seasoning blend by adding cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat.
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor and texture; frozen spinach can be substituted but should be thawed and excess moisture squeezed out.
- For an extra crunchy crust, you can add a light dusting of cornmeal before searing the salmon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: American
