Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan

Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan: A Flavorful, Healthy Delight

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both delicious and nutritious, look no further than Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan. This recipe combines the rich flavors of perfectly seasoned, blackened salmon with a creamy, savory spinach and Parmesan stuffing that takes it to the next level. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its vibrant flavors and elegant presentation.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make this mouthwatering, healthy dish that’s not only full of flavor but also packed with nutrients. So, get ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to a spectacular meal!

Why You’ll Love Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan

Healthy and Flavorful: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins, making it a heart-healthy choice. Combined with the nutritious spinach and savory Parmesan cheese, this recipe is a wholesome, satisfying meal.
Perfectly Spiced: The blackened seasoning gives the salmon a flavorful, slightly smoky crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. It’s a great way to add a burst of flavor without overcomplicating things.
Elegant Presentation: This stuffed salmon is sure to wow your guests! Its beautiful presentation will make it feel like a gourmet dish straight out of a fine dining restaurant.
Quick and Easy: Despite its impressive look, this dish is surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready in under an hour.

Ingredients for Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan

For the blackened salmon:

4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, as preferred)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Lemon wedges (for serving)

For the spinach and Parmesan stuffing:

2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup cream cheese (softened)
¼ cup ricotta cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach and Parmesan Stuffing

Sauté the spinach: In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until it wilts down completely. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Mix the stuffing ingredients: In a bowl, combine the sautéed spinach, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, ricotta cheese (if using), and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until the mixture is creamy and well-combined.

Step 2: Prepare the Blackened Salmon

Make the blackened seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Season the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Rub the blackened seasoning mixture all over the salmon fillets, making sure to coat both sides evenly. If you have time, let the salmon sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Stuff the Salmon

Make a pocket in the salmon fillets: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the thickest part of each salmon fillet. Be careful not to cut all the way through. You want to create a space to stuff the spinach and Parmesan mixture.
Stuff the salmon: Spoon the spinach and Parmesan mixture into the pocket of each salmon fillet. Press gently to pack the stuffing in, but be careful not to overstuff.

Step 4: Cook the Blackened Salmon

Heat the pan: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the stuffed salmon fillets into the pan, skin-side down if your fillets have skin. Sear the salmon for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until the salmon is cooked through and the seasoning develops a flavorful, blackened crust. You can also check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should read 145°F (63°C) when the salmon is fully cooked.
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