Description
Blackened salmon stuffed with spinach and Parmesan is a bold, flavorful dish that combines smoky spices with a creamy, cheesy filling. This easy-to-make meal is packed with protein, healthy fats, and nutrients, making it a great choice for a delicious and wholesome dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon:
- 2 large salmon fillets, skin on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Stuffing:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Use a sharp knife to create a pocket in each salmon fillet by slicing horizontally through the thickest part, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
- Rub the salmon fillets with olive oil and coat them generously with the blackened seasoning mix.
Step 2: Make the Spinach & Parmesan Stuffing
- In a pan over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Remove from heat and mix in the Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Stuff and Cook the Salmon
- Carefully spoon the spinach and Parmesan mixture into the pockets of the salmon fillets.
- Place the stuffed fillets on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- For a crispy crust, you can broil the salmon for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
- Pair with a side of roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Use wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper.
- Broiling for the last two minutes adds a crispy, caramelized crust.
- This dish pairs well with a creamy sauce like lemon butter or garlic oil .
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed salmon fillet
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Blackened salmon, stuffed salmon, spinach Parmesan salmon, healthy salmon recipe