Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both sophisticated and bursting with flavor, then look no further than this Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan. The salmon is seasoned with a bold blackening spice mix, then stuffed with a creamy spinach and Parmesan filling that’s both savory and decadent. The rich, buttery salmon contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling, making every bite a perfect combination of textures and flavors. This dish is ideal for a special dinner or whenever you want to impress your guests—or just treat yourself to something extraordinary!

Why You’ll Love Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan

• Bold Flavors: The blackened seasoning brings a rich, smoky spice to the salmon, while the creamy spinach and Parmesan stuffing offers a savory, cheesy contrast.
• Elegant & Impressive: This dish looks and tastes like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant, but it’s easy to make at home.
• Healthy & Flavorful: Packed with omega-3s from the salmon and fiber from the spinach, this dish is both healthy and indulgent.
• One-Pan Meal: You can make this entire dish in one pan, meaning minimal cleanup, but maximum flavor.
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak the stuffing with different herbs or cheeses—cheddar or goat cheese would also be fantastic.

Ingredients

This dish combines simple, fresh ingredients to create a show-stopping meal.

Salmon Fillets:

Fresh, skinless fillets work best for stuffing. The blackened seasoning will make them beautifully crisp on the outside while remaining tender inside.

Spinach:

Fresh spinach is sautéed down into a flavorful stuffing. It provides a nice, earthy flavor that complements the richness of the salmon.

Parmesan Cheese:

Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the spinach stuffing. Parmesan melts beautifully and helps to bind everything together.

Cream Cheese:

To add creaminess and richness to the stuffing, cream cheese is essential. It helps balance the savory spinach and cheese flavors.

Blackened Seasoning:

A flavorful mix of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano gives the salmon its signature bold, smoky taste.

Olive Oil:

Used to cook the salmon and help form a nice, crispy crust.

Lemon Juice:

Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish, cutting through the richness of the salmon and stuffing.

Garlic:

Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch to both the spinach stuffing and the blackened seasoning.

Salt & Pepper:

Simple seasoning to bring out the natural flavors of the fish and stuffing.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan:

1. Prepare the Spinach Stuffing:

Heat a bit of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool slightly.

2. Season the Salmon:

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Rub both sides of each fillet with blackened seasoning. Make sure to press the seasoning into the flesh so it sticks well.

3. Stuff the Salmon:

Carefully slice a pocket into each salmon fillet, being sure not to cut all the way through. Stuff each fillet with the spinach and Parmesan mixture, ensuring it’s well-packed.

4. Cook the Salmon:

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil. Once hot, add the stuffed salmon fillets to the pan, skin-side down (if the skin is still on). Cook for 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

5. Add Lemon:

Once the salmon is done, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for an extra burst of flavor.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the blackened salmon hot with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 375

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan

This flavorful dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions to make your meal even better:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect pairing to complement the rich flavors of the salmon and spinach stuffing.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or zucchini would add a vibrant, nutritious contrast to the meal.
• Crisp Green Salad: A fresh, light salad with a lemon vinaigrette will help balance the richness of the salmon and stuffing.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up any extra juices from the salmon.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish the salmon with fresh herbs like parsley or dill to add color and freshness to the dish.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the spinach stuffing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply stuff the salmon and cook it when you’re ready to eat.
• Spice It Up: If you like a bit more heat, you can add extra cayenne pepper or even some chopped jalapeños to the spinach stuffing.
• Use Skin-on Salmon: If you prefer, you can keep the skin on the salmon. Just make sure to sear it skin-side down first for a crispy texture.
• Substitute for Spinach: If you’re not a fan of spinach, feel free to swap it with other greens like kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor profile.
• Serving Size: This dish is great for meal prep, and leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

A1: Yes, you can! Just make sure the salmon is completely thawed before preparing it.

Q2: Can I use a different cheese instead of Parmesan?

A2: Absolutely! Cheddar, mozzarella, or even goat cheese would work well in this stuffing. Just choose a cheese that melts nicely.

Q3: Can I make the stuffing ahead of time?

A3: Yes! You can prepare the stuffing and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just stuff the salmon and cook it when you’re ready.

Q4: How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

A4: The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C) when it’s fully cooked.

Q5: Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-frying?

A5: Yes, you can bake the stuffed salmon in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until fully cooked.

Q6: Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

A6: Yes, you can substitute salmon with other firm, fatty fish like cod or halibut. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as different fish cook at different rates.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?

A7: Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Q8: Can I freeze the stuffed salmon?

A8: Yes, you can freeze the stuffed salmon before cooking it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as usual.

Q9: Can I use a grill instead of a pan?

A9: Yes, you can grill the stuffed salmon. Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the salmon for about 4-5 minutes per side, until cooked through.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?

A10: Yes, you can double the recipe! Just make sure to use a large enough skillet or cook the salmon in batches.

Conclusion

Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan is a perfect combination of bold seasoning, creamy filling, and tender fish that’s sure to impress. It’s an elegant yet simple dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this flavorful dish is a guaranteed win. Enjoy!

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