Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan
A delicious stuffed salmon dish with creamy spinach and cheese, perfect for any occasion.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350kcal
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasoning
- 4 fillets salmon fillets (6 oz each) Freshly caught, vibrant fillets that provide a juicy, flaky texture when cooked.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Rich, aromatic oil that adds depth and enhances the flavor of the salmon.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Adds a warm, inviting flavor that pairs perfectly with the fish.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Aromatic and flavorful, rounding out the seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper For a subtle kick, adding a touch of heat without overpowering the dish.
- to taste none Salt and black pepper Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder Brings a sweet, savory element to the seasoning mix.
Stuffing
- 2 cups fresh spinach, sautéed Bright, vibrant greens that offer a fresh contrast to the rich salmon.
- 1 clove garlic, minced Freshly minced for an aromatic punch in the filling.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Creamy and stretchy, it adds a delightful texture.
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese Nutty and salty, enriching the filling with robust flavor.
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Melts beautifully to create a sumptuous sauce.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice Fresh and zesty, brightening up the dish with its acidity.
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Generously rub the spice mix onto both sides of each salmon fillet.
Prepare the Stuffing
- In a pan over medium heat, sauté the fresh spinach with a drizzle of olive oil until wilted.
- In a bowl, stir together the sautéed spinach, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic.
Stuff and Cook the Salmon
- Carefully cut a pocket in each salmon fillet, taking care not to slice all the way through.
- Fill each salmon pocket with the cheesy spinach mixture.
- In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet, searing them for about 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Finish with Sauce
- While the salmon is baking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small pan and stir in the lemon juice.
- Once the salmon is done, spoon the lemon butter sauce over each fillet before serving.
Notes
Keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid drying out the salmon. You can include other veggies in the filling or make it spicier by adding jalapeños. Perfectly flake the salmon and serve alongside steamed vegetables or quinoa.