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Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop and Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach and Parmesan Cheese is a flavorful and elegant dish perfect for dinner. Salmon fillets are seasoned with a smoky and spicy blackening blend, stuffed with a creamy mixture of fresh spinach, Parmesan, and cream cheese, then seared to develop a crispy crust before finishing in the oven to perfection. This recipe offers a delightful combination of textures and bold flavors, making it a nutritious and impressive meal suitable for seafood lovers.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon and Seasoning

  • 4 salmon fillets (skinless, about 6 oz each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Stuffing

  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Stuffing: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated and creamy. Set aside for later use.
  2. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully make a horizontal slit along the side of each fillet to create a pocket for the stuffing.
  3. Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning blend evenly over the entire salmon fillets, both inside and outside the pocket.
  4. Stuff the Salmon: Spoon the prepared spinach-Parmesan mixture into the pocket of each fillet. Press gently to secure the filling inside and use toothpicks if needed to keep the stuffing in place.
  5. Blacken the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin side up, and cook for 2-3 minutes until a dark crust forms. Carefully flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes.
  6. Bake the Salmon: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the skillet with the salmon into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the stuffing is hot and bubbly. Check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  7. Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Remove toothpicks if used. Garnish with lemon wedges or fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

  • Make sure to use a sharp knife to create the stuffing pocket without cutting all the way through the fillet.
  • The blackening seasoning blend can be adjusted to your desired spice level by increasing or reducing cayenne pepper.
  • Using a cast iron skillet is ideal for searing, but a heavy-bottomed oven-safe skillet will also work.
  • Ensure the salmon is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
  • To keep the stuffing from leaking out during cooking, securing with toothpicks is recommended.