Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan
A delightful dish featuring perfectly seasoned salmon fillets stuffed with fresh spinach and creamy cheeses, offering a comforting yet sophisticated meal.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 400kcal
Ingredients
For the salmon
- 4 pieces salmon fillets (6 oz each) Tender and flaky, these fillets are the stars of your dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil A hearty drizzle adds rich flavor and helps in cooking.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Adds depth with its warm, smoky tone.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Infuses a subtle garlicky aroma.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) For those who enjoy a hint of heat.
- to taste Salt and black pepper Essential seasonings to elevate flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder Provides sweet, savory flavor.
For the filling
- 2 cups fresh spinach, sautéed Adds color and earthy taste.
- 1 clove garlic, minced A burst of fresh flavor.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Creamy and melty for a luscious filling.
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese Nutty and rich flavor.
For finishing
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter A velvety addition for the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice Brightens up the overall flavor profile.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to begin heating while you prep the salmon.
- Prepare the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Season the Salmon: Rub the spice mixture generously over the salmon fillets, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Make the Filling: In another bowl, combine sautéed spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, and minced garlic. Mix until well combined.
- Create the Salmon Pockets: Carefully cut a pocket in the side of each salmon fillet without slicing all the way through.
- Stuff the Salmon: Gently stuff each salmon fillet with the cheesy spinach mixture.
Cooking
- Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon and sear for 2–3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Bake the Salmon: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: While the salmon is baking, melt the unsalted butter in a small pan and stir in the lemon juice.
- Serve: Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the stuffed salmon fillets and enjoy.
Notes
Using fresh spinach and quality salmon enhances taste and texture. Taste your spice blend and adjust accordingly. Avoid overcooking to keep salmon moist. Feel free to add additional ingredients to the filling for a unique twist.