Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a delightful combination of texture and flavor. The salmon provides a tender and juicy base, while the blackened seasoning creates a crispy, bold exterior. The creamy spinach and Parmesan stuffing is the perfect complement, adding a touch of richness without overwhelming the fish. It's a well-rounded dish that’s packed with nutrients, from the omega-3 fatty acids in the salmon to the iron and vitamins in the spinach. Plus, it's quick and easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights or even a weekend dinner party.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (skinless, about 1.5 inches thick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the salmon fillets with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Set them aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned salmon fillets and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, just until they develop a blackened crust. The fish should still be slightly undercooked in the middle.
- While the salmon cooks, melt butter in another pan over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and combined with the spinach. Remove from heat.
- Carefully slice a pocket into the center of each salmon fillet, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff each fillet with the spinach and Parmesan mixture, dividing it evenly among the salmon pieces.
- Transfer the stuffed salmon fillets to a baking dish and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy: Add more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the spinach mixture for an extra kick.
- Cheese: For a different flavor, try substituting the Parmesan with mozzarella or cheddar cheese.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like dill or basil can be added to the spinach mixture for added freshness.
- Vegetarian: If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you could swap the salmon for portobello mushrooms or a large zucchini as the base.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the stuffed salmon fillets in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a microwave, though the crust may not remain as crispy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
Salmon is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I make the spinach and Parmesan stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the spinach and Parmesan mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before stuffing the salmon.
What should I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, a light salad, or rice pilaf for a complete meal.
Can I use a different fish for this recipe?
While salmon works best in this recipe, other firm fish like trout or cod can be used as a substitute.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes cayenne pepper, which adds a mild level of spice. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
How can I get a crispier crust on the salmon?
To achieve a crispier crust, make sure to sear the salmon on high heat for a few minutes on each side before baking.
Can I grill the salmon instead of baking it?
Yes, you can grill the blackened salmon instead of baking it. Simply cook the seasoned fillets on a preheated grill for 4-5 minutes per side.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, you can prepare this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for meal prep. Just reheat it when ready to eat.
Can I add other vegetables to the stuffing?
Yes, you can add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the spinach stuffing for more flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan is a deliciously flavorful and healthy dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. With its smoky, crispy exterior and creamy spinach filling, it’s a meal that is both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is a guaranteed hit that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan
- Total Time: 25minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan is a deliciously smoky, flavorful dish that combines tender, flaky salmon with a creamy spinach and Parmesan filling. The blackened seasoning on the outside creates a crispy, bold crust, while the cheesy spinach stuffing adds richness and depth. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, this dish is nutritious, easy to make, and packed with omega-3s, iron, and vitamins. Whether you're serving it for a family dinner or hosting a special event, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (skinless, about 1.5 inches thick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season Salmon: Season the salmon fillets with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Set them aside.
- Blacken the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned salmon fillets and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a blackened crust. The fish should still be slightly undercooked in the middle.
- Prepare Spinach Filling: In another pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and combined with the spinach. Remove from heat.
- Stuff the Salmon: Carefully slice a pocket into the center of each salmon fillet, ensuring not to cut all the way through. Stuff each fillet with the spinach and Parmesan mixture, dividing it evenly among the fillets.
- Bake: Transfer the stuffed salmon fillets to a baking dish and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Spicy: Add more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the spinach mixture for an extra kick.
- Cheese: For a different flavor, try substituting the Parmesan with mozzarella or cheddar cheese.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like dill or basil can be added to the spinach mixture for added freshness.
- Vegetarian: Swap the salmon for portobello mushrooms or a large zucchini for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
