Short Description
This Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan is a flavorful and elegant dish featuring tender, flaky salmon coated in bold blackened seasoning, stuffed with a creamy spinach and Parmesan filling. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home, perfect for a special dinner or a healthy weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold and flavorful – The blackened seasoning adds a delicious smoky-spicy crust.
- Creamy, cheesy filling – The spinach and Parmesan combination creates a rich, savory stuffing.
- Healthy and nutritious – Packed with protein, omega-3s, and vitamins.
- Easy to make – Ready in about 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Impressive presentation – Perfect for date night or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (skinless, about 1.5 inches thick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
For the Spinach & Parmesan Filling:
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions
-
Prepare the Filling:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
-
Prepare the Salmon:
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into the side of each fillet without cutting all the way through.
-
Stuff the Salmon:
- Evenly distribute the spinach and Parmesan mixture into each salmon fillet pocket.
-
Season the Salmon:
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture over the top and sides of each salmon fillet.
-
Cook the Salmon:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes.
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Serve & Enjoy:
- Remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Pair with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Variations
- Creamier Filling: Add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese to the spinach mixture.
- Milder Flavor: Reduce the cayenne pepper or use smoked paprika for a smoky taste without heat.
- Cheese Swap: Substitute Parmesan with feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- Grilled Option: Grill the stuffed salmon over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Extra Crunch: Add a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs to the filling.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of stuffed salmon may change after thawing.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may dry out the salmon.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before preparing.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and season the salmon a day in advance. Stuff and cook when ready.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Use toothpicks to secure the pockets if needed, and avoid overstuffing.
Can I bake instead of pan-sear?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until salmon is cooked through.
How do I know when salmon is done cooking?
The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork, or reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I use a different fish?
Yes! Try trout, cod, or tilapia for a similar stuffed fish dish.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s naturally low-carb and keto-friendly.
Can I add more veggies to the filling?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers would be great additions.
What’s the best way to get a crispy crust on the salmon?
Use high heat when searing and don’t move the salmon too much while cooking.
Conclusion
Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan is a flavorful, elegant dish that’s easy to make yet feels gourmet. The smoky blackened seasoning, creamy spinach filling, and tender salmon make this a go-to recipe for special occasions or weeknight dinners. Try it today and enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal!
Print
Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan is a flavor-packed, protein-rich dish that’s both elegant and easy to make! Juicy, flaky salmon is seasoned with bold spices, then stuffed with a creamy spinach-Parmesan filling for a restaurant-quality meal at home. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion!
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (skinless, about 1.5 inches thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Salmon – Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket in the center of each fillet, being careful not to cut all the way through.
2️⃣ Season the Salmon – In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Brush olive oil over each fillet, then rub the spice mixture all over the salmon, including inside the pocket.
3️⃣ Make the Filling – In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté spinach until wilted (about 1-2 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.
4️⃣ Stuff the Salmon – Evenly distribute the spinach-Parmesan mixture into each salmon pocket.
5️⃣ Cook the Salmon – Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side, or until blackened on the outside and cooked through.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy – Let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes, then serve with lemon wedges, a side salad, or roasted veggies!
Notes
- For extra creaminess, mix 2 tablespoons of cream cheese into the spinach filling.
- Prefer baking? Bake stuffed salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until flaky.
- Serving idea: Pair with garlic mashed potatoes or lemon butter asparagus for a complete meal
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared or Baked
- Cuisine: American
