Zesty Blackened Salmon Stuffed With Spinach & Parmesan Recipe

Crafting a delectable blackened salmon stuffed with spinach & parmesan challenges even seasoned home cooks.

Salmon transforms into a gourmet delight with this simple yet impressive technique.

Tender fish fillets meet a creamy, herbaceous filling that bursts with flavor.

Parmesan adds a rich, nutty dimension to the delicate spinach mixture.

Mediterranean herbs complement the robust salmon, creating a harmonious blend of textures.

Quick preparation means you can serve an elegant dinner in under thirty minutes.

This recipe promises to become your new favorite seafood masterpiece that will impress everyone at the table.

Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan Perfection

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with protein from salmon and vitamins from spinach, this recipe delivers a powerful nutritional punch for health-conscious eaters.
• Master Gourmet Technique: Learn professional blackening method that transforms ordinary salmon into a restaurant-quality dish with crispy exterior and tender interior.
• Quick Culinary Delight: Prepare a sophisticated meal in minimal steps, perfect for busy home cooks wanting impressive results without complex preparation.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Suitable for elegant dinner parties, romantic date nights, or family meals, this recipe adapts seamlessly to different dining scenarios while guaranteeing delicious outcomes.

Ingredients for Blackened Salmon Stuffed Dish

• Salmon Fillets: A delicate and flavorful fish that serves as the main protein and base for this delicious recipe.

• Spinach: A nutritious leafy green that adds vibrant color and earthy flavor to the salmon stuffing.
• Cream Cheese: A rich and creamy ingredient that helps bind the filling together.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp and salty cheese that provides a deep, savory taste to the stuffing.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile of the filling.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the taste of the spinach mixture.

• Paprika: A warm and slightly sweet spice that contributes to the blackened exterior of the salmon.
• Garlic Powder: A concentrated form of garlic that adds depth to the seasoning blend.
• Onion Powder: A sweet and savory spice that complements the other seasonings.

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil used for searing the salmon and creating a crispy exterior.
• Lemon Wedges: A bright and tangy garnish that adds freshness to the finished dish.

How to Make Blackened Salmon with Spinach

Step 1: Whip Up Vibrant Spinach Mixture

Warm a skillet and toss in fresh spinach, cooking until it softens and releases its moisture. Drain completely.

Grab a mixing bowl and combine the wilted spinach with creamy cheese, sharp Parmesan, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Blend everything until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

Step 2: Craft Salmon Pockets

Carefully slice each salmon fillet horizontally, creating a delicate pocket without cutting completely through. Gently stuff the cavities with the prepared spinach and cheese blend, ensuring an even distribution of the flavorful filling.

Step 3: Layer on Bold Seasoning

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Salt

Generously massage the spice mixture over the salmon’s surface, coating every inch with aromatic seasonings.

Step 4: Sear and Bake to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a skillet until it shimmers.

Carefully place salmon fillets and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, developing a gorgeous blackened crust. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 10-12 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.

Step 5: Plate and Savor

Arrange the golden-crusted salmon on serving plates. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.

This elegant dish combines rich flavors and healthy ingredients for a memorable dining experience.

Tips to Get Blackened Salmon Just Right

• Squeeze out excess moisture from cooked spinach to prevent a soggy filling and ensure a creamy, compact mixture.
• Select high-quality, fresh salmon fillets with firm flesh and minimal odor for the best flavor and texture.
• Watch the skillet carefully to achieve a crispy, dark crust without burning the salmon's exterior.
• Modify the spice blend to suit your taste preferences, reducing or increasing heat and salt as desired.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure salmon reaches 145F (63C) for perfect doneness and food safety.

Flavor Variations for Salmon and Spinach

• Herb-Crusted Salmon: Replace blackening spices with a blend of fresh dill, parsley, and thyme. Coat salmon with chopped herbs and breadcrumbs before baking for a lighter, garden-fresh flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Salmon: Swap spinach filling with a mixture of sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and kalamata olives. Season with oregano and lemon zest for a Greek-inspired seafood experience.
• Cajun Cream Cheese Salmon: Intensify the blackening spices by adding cayenne pepper and extra paprika. Mix cream cheese filling with green onions and jalapeños for a spicier, southern-style preparation.

Pairings That Highlight Blackened Salmon

• Zesty Citrus Spritzer: Craft a light, refreshing lemon-lime sparkling water with fresh mint to complement the salmon's rich, bold flavors and cut through the creamy spinach filling.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Select a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the blackened spices and enhance the dish's delicate seafood notes with its bright, acidic undertones.
• Herb-Infused Side Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with dill, parsley, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette to echo the salmon's seasoning and provide a fresh, vibrant counterpoint to the main dish.

Storing Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach

• Seal leftover salmon in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the salmon away from other strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicate flavor.
• Wrap individual salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 275°F. Place salmon on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 145°F.

FAQs

• What is blackening technique?

Blackening is a cooking method originating from Cajun cuisine where fish or meat is coated with spices and seared at high heat, creating a dark, crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.

• Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?

Yes, use thawed and well-drained frozen spinach. Squeeze out excess moisture completely to prevent the filling from becoming watery and affecting the salmon’s texture.

• How do I know if the salmon is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer – salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The fish should be opaque and easily flake with a fork when fully cooked.

Blackened Salmon Stuffed With Spinach & Parmesan Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

Blackened salmon stuffed with spinach & parmesan delivers a gourmet experience that elevates seafood to new heights. Crispy exterior and creamy interior make this dish a delightful fusion of flavors you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces / 170 grams each, skinless)

Stuffing Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

1. Transform fresh spinach into a velvety filling by sautéing in a skillet until completely wilted, then thoroughly drain excess moisture.
2. Blend the cooled spinach with creamy cheese, sharp Parmesan, minced garlic, and delicate seasonings until uniformly mixed.
3. Carefully slice each salmon fillet horizontally, creating a deep pocket without cutting completely through the fish.
4. Generously fill salmon pockets with the prepared spinach and cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
5. Create a robust spice blend by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cracked black pepper, and kosher salt.
6. Massage the spice mixture intensely over the salmon’s surface, coating every millimeter for maximum flavor infusion.
7. Preheat a cast-iron skillet with olive oil to medium-high heat, creating an ideal searing environment.
8. Sear salmon fillets for precisely 2-3 minutes per side, developing a dark, crispy exterior with beautiful caramelization.
9. Transfer seared salmon to a preheated 350°F oven, allowing 10-12 minutes for complete cooking and maintaining tender texture.
10. Plate the blackened salmon alongside bright lemon wedges, offering a zesty complement to the rich, herbaceous fish.

Notes

• Customize the spinach filling by adding herbs like dill or chives for extra flavor complexity.
• Ensure spinach is thoroughly drained to prevent watery filling and maintain stuffing’s creamy texture.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for richer consistency and better binding of filling ingredients.
• Opt for wild-caught salmon for superior nutritional profile and more sustainable seafood choice.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 367 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg