This Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan is a delightful, flavorful dish that combines the rich, smoky flavors of blackened salmon with a creamy, cheesy spinach stuffing. The crispy blackened exterior and tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior make this dish both sophisticated and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a healthy weeknight meal, it’s sure to impress!
Why This Recipe Works
Bold Flavor Profile: The blackened seasoning provides a smoky, spicy crust on the salmon, while the cheesy spinach filling adds a creamy, savory contrast.
Healthy and Nutritious: Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and other essential nutrients. Pairing it with spinach adds an extra dose of vitamins and minerals.
Easy to Prepare: While this dish feels gourmet, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. A quick sear on the stove, followed by a brief bake in the oven, results in a perfectly cooked, flavorful salmon fillet.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
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 Spinach & Cheese Filling:
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat up while you prepare the salmon and stuffing.
Prepare the spice mix: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This will be used to season both the salmon fillets and the inside of the pockets.
Step 2: Prepare the Salmon Fillets
Slice the salmon: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each salmon fillet horizontally to create a pocket, but do not cut all the way through the fillet. This pocket will hold the spinach and cheese stuffing.
Season the salmon: Rub the spice mixture on both sides of the fillets, as well as inside the pocket, to ensure each bite is full of flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Spinach and Make the Filling
Sauté the spinach: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese until well combined. The cheese will melt slightly, making the mixture creamy.
Step 4: Stuff the Salmon
Stuff the fillets: Carefully spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into the pocket of each salmon fillet. Be generous with the stuffing, but make sure the fillet is still sealed so the filling stays inside during cooking.
Step 5: Sear and Bake the Salmon
Sear the salmon: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the salmon fillets in the skillet and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden, blackened crust forms.
Bake the salmon: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the cheese filling is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the salmon: Remove the skillet from the oven, and let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. The result will be perfectly blackened salmon with a rich, cheesy spinach filling that’s both decadent and nutritious.
Helpful Tips for Success
Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it while it’s in the oven. It’s done when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Overcooking can dry it out, so check for doneness at the 8-minute mark.
Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level. If you like it mild, reduce the amount of cayenne. For a spicier kick, feel free to add extra heat with crushed red pepper flakes.
Make the Filling Ahead: You can prepare the spinach and cheese filling ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just stuff the salmon before searing and baking.
Serve with a Side: This stuffed salmon pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a light salad. The rich, creamy filling is balanced by fresh, simple sides.
Nutritional Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: ~450 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fat: 30g (mostly healthy fats from the salmon and olive oil)
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg (depending on salt added)
Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Conclusion
Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan is a mouthwatering dish that’s both flavorful and healthy. With its smoky, spicy crust and creamy, cheesy filling, it’s a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. The best part is that it’s quick and easy enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for a special occasion. Enjoy this flavorful seafood feast with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal!
