Blackened Salmon Stuffed With Spinach & Parmesan Recipe

Zesty Blackened Salmon Stuffed With Spinach & Parmesan Recipe

Fresh salmon fillets burst with flavor when you add a delectable blackened salmon stuffed with spinach & parmesan to your dinner lineup.

The combination of crispy exterior and creamy interior creates a mouthwatering experience that’ll wow everyone at the table.

Spices dance across the fish’s surface, promising a bold and exciting meal.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of rich salmon and vibrant spinach.

parmesan cheese adds a delightful nutty undertone that complements the seafood beautifully.

This recipe transforms an ordinary fish dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Prepare to savor every single, magnificent forkful of this stunning dish.

Why Blackened Salmon Stuffed With Spinach Excels

  • Minimal Prep Delight: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let the magic happen with almost zero hands-on cooking time.
  • One-Pot Comfort Meal: Enjoy a complete dinner with protein and potatoes cooked together, minimizing kitchen cleanup and saving precious time.
  • Rich Flavor Infusion: Garlic butter sauce transforms basic beef and potatoes into a mouthwatering dish packed with herb-infused, savory goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Perfect for busy households, this recipe delivers tender meat and perfectly cooked potatoes that appeal to both kids and adults with its simple, hearty flavors.

Ingredients For Blackened Salmon Stuffed With Spinach

Main Ingredients:
  • Salmon Fillets: Fresh fish that serves as the base protein for this flavorful dish.
  • Spinach: Leafy green vegetable that provides a nutritious and flavorful filling.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that adds richness to the stuffing.
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy ingredient that helps bind the spinach filling together.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper, Salt: Spice mixture that creates the signature blackened crust and enhances the salmon's flavor.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Lemon Wedges: Oil for cooking and lemon for serving to brighten the dish's final presentation.

Clear Steps For Blackened Salmon Preparation

Step 1: Craft Spinach Mixture

Sizzle spinach in a skillet until softened and droopy. Squeeze out extra moisture.

Blend spinach with these tasty companions:
  • Cream cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Minced garlic
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together until perfectly combined.

Step 2: Butterfly Salmon Fillets

Gently slice each salmon fillet horizontally, creating a delicate pocket.

Be super careful not to cut completely through. Generously fill each pocket with the prepared spinach and cheese blend.

Step 3: Create Blackening Spice Blend

Whisk together a flavor-packed seasoning mixture using:
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Black pepper
  • Salt

Thoroughly coat the salmon’s surface with this zesty spice combination.

Step 4: Sear and Bake Salmon

Warm olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear salmon fillets for 2-3 minutes per side, developing a crispy, dark crust. Transfer skillet to a preheated oven at 350°F.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until salmon reaches perfect doneness.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer blackened salmon to serving plates.

Accompany with fresh lemon wedges. Savor this incredible seafood creation packed with vibrant flavors and nutrients.

Helpful Tips For Stuffed Blackened Salmon

  • Squeeze excess water from cooked spinach thoroughly to prevent soggy fillets and ensure a creamy, concentrated filling.
  • Use a sharp knife and gentle motion when creating pockets to maintain fillet integrity and prevent tearing.
  • Use cast iron skillet for intense, even heat and authentic blackened exterior without burning the fish.
  • Check salmon's internal temperature reaches 145°F and looks opaque to prevent dryness while ensuring food safety.
  • Adjust spice blend ratio to match personal heat preference without overwhelming delicate salmon flavor.

Creative Twists To Try With Stuffed Salmon

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese with mashed avocado and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Mediterranean Herb Salmon: Swap paprika seasoning with za'atar spice blend and add chopped fresh herbs like oregano and thyme for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Keto Option: Use goat cheese in the filling and add extra fresh herbs like dill or chives to enhance the flavor without adding carbohydrates.
  • Gluten-Free Seafood Alternative: Keep the original recipe intact, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use a cast-iron skillet for perfect blackening technique.

Best Pairings To Serve With Blackened Salmon

  • Crisp Chardonnay Companion: Select a buttery, oak-aged Chardonnay that complements the rich, creamy spinach filling and balances the blackened salmon's spicy exterior.
  • Fresh Citrus Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light, zesty salad with arugula, orange segments, and a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the salmon's richness and enhance its bright, tangy notes.
  • Roasted Garlic Quinoa Partner: Create a nutty quinoa side dish with roasted garlic and toasted pine nuts, which adds texture and depth to the meal while echoing the salmon's bold seasonings.
  • Crisp White Wine Alternative: Choose a dry Sauvignon Blanc with herbaceous undertones that will highlight the spinach and provide a refreshing contrast to the blackened salmon's intense flavors.

Tips To Store Blackened Salmon Fresh

  • Place leftover salmon in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
  • Warm individual portions for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Preheat oven to 275°F. Place salmon in a baking dish, add a splash of water or lemon juice to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Check temperature before serving.

FAQs

  • What type of cheese works best in the spinach filling?

Parmesan cheese provides the perfect tangy and salty flavor that complements the spinach and salmon beautifully. Cream cheese helps create a smooth, creamy texture that binds the filling together.

  • How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should be opaque and look moist, not dry or translucent.

  • Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess moisture before mixing with the other filling ingredients to prevent a watery filling.

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Blackened Salmon Stuffed With Spinach & Parmesan Recipe

Blackened Salmon Stuffed With Spinach & Parmesan Recipe


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4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent blackened salmon stuffed with spinach & parmesan offers a luxurious seafood experience that combines rich flavors and elegant technique. Perfectly seared and filled with creamy parmesan and tender spinach, this dish promises a delightful culinary journey you won’t soon forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each, skinless)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Craft a vibrant spinach filling by sautéing spinach in a skillet until it softens and releases excess moisture. Thoroughly drain the leaves, then blend with cream cheese, Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create a creamy, aromatic mixture.
  2. Carefully slice each salmon fillet horizontally, creating a delicate pocket without cutting completely through. Gently stuff the cavities with the prepared spinach and cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
  3. Develop a robust blackening seasoning by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Generously massage the spice blend across the salmon’s surface, coating evenly for maximum flavor intensity.
  4. Preheat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned salmon fillets for 2-3 minutes per side, allowing a crispy, dark crust to form. Transfer the fish to a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the salmon reaches perfect doneness.
  5. Present the blackened salmon elegantly, accompanied by bright lemon wedges to enhance the dish’s rich, complex flavors. The result is a nutritious, restaurant-quality meal bursting with Mediterranean-inspired taste.

Notes

  • Ensure spinach is thoroughly drained to prevent watery filling and maintain the stuffing’s creamy texture.
  • Create a clean, precise pocket in salmon by using a sharp knife and gentle slicing technique for even stuffing distribution.
  • Adjust cooking time based on salmon thickness to prevent overcooking, maintaining moisture and preventing dryness.
  • Use fresh Parmesan for enhanced flavor and opt for low-fat cream cheese to reduce calorie content without compromising taste.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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