Sizzling Blackened Salmon Stuffed With Spinach & Parmesan Recipe

My latest culinary blackened salmon creation bursts with unexpected Mediterranean-inspired flavors that dance across your palate.

Delicate fish fillets merge seamlessly with creamy parmesan and vibrant spinach for a stunning dinner centerpiece.

Crisp exterior layers contrast against tender, flaky salmon meat in each magnificent bite.

Professional chefs might struggle to replicate this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Succulent ingredients interplay beautifully, promising a restaurant-quality meal prepared right in your kitchen.

Quick preparation meets impressive presentation, making this dish perfect for weeknight elegance or weekend entertaining.

You won’t believe how effortlessly these ingredients combine into such a spectacular meal.

How to Prepare Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Goodness

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Set oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect salmon cooking.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Spinach Stuffing

• Fresh spinach
• Minced garlic
• Grated parmesan cheese

Mix thoroughly to create a vibrant and delicious stuffing.

Step 3: Butterfly Salmon Fillets

Carefully slice each salmon fillet down the middle, creating a pocket for stuffing without cutting completely through the fish.

Step 4: Stuff Salmon with Spinach Mixture

Fill each salmon fillet pocket generously with the spinach and parmesan blend, distributing evenly for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Mix Spice Blend

• Blackening seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend these spices to create a robust flavor profile.

Step 6: Season Salmon Fillets

Coat both sides of the stuffed salmon with the spice mixture, gently pressing to help seasonings stick to the fish.

Step 7: Add Olive Oil

Drizzle olive oil over the salmon, ensuring a light and even coating to enhance browning and flavor.

Step 8: Brighten with Citrus

Sprinkle fresh lemon zest across the fillets and squeeze lemon juice on top for a zesty, bright flavor enhancement.

Step 9: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place prepared salmon fillets on the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.

Step 10: Roast to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until salmon is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Step 11: Rest and Serve

Remove salmon from oven and let rest for 3-4 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and flavors to meld before serving.

Tips for Perfect Blackened Salmon Every Time

• Boost Flavor Absorption: Gently massage the seasoning blend into the salmon to help spices penetrate deeper and create a more intense taste profile.
• Prevent Overcooking Trick: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, ensuring perfectly cooked salmon that remains moist and tender.
• Smart Spinach Prep: Thoroughly pat spinach dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture from making the filling soggy or watery.
• Elevate Presentation: Garnish with fresh herbs like dill or parsley just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh aromatic touch.
• Flexible Dietary Swap: Replace parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version that maintains a rich, cheesy flavor for vegan or lactose-intolerant guests.

Tasty Twists on Blackened Salmon with Spinach & Parmesan

• Dairy-Free Version: Replace parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or finely chopped pine nuts for a similar umami flavor profile while keeping the recipe dairy-free.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Spin: Substitute spinach with chopped artichoke hearts and add crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired protein-packed alternative.
• Keto Herb Infusion: Swap spinach for a mixture of fresh dill, chives, and cream cheese, maintaining low-carb requirements while adding rich herbal notes.
• Gluten-Free Seafood Option: Use gluten-free blackening seasoning and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.

Best Sides for Blackened Salmon with Spinach & Parmesan

• Pair Crisp Chardonnay: Buttery white wine complements the rich salmon and cuts through the parmesan's creaminess, balancing the dish's robust flavors.
• Create Roasted Asparagus Sides: Green vegetable with similar roasting technique provides earthy undertones that enhance the salmon's delicate texture and spinach filling.
• Select Lemon Quinoa Accompaniment: Light, zesty grain dish echoes the recipe's citrus notes while offering a protein-packed, nutritious base that matches the salmon's Mediterranean-inspired profile.
• Serve Garlic Herb Focaccia: Rustic Italian bread with herbal notes provides a perfect crusty complement, soaking up the salmon's savory juices and adding textural contrast.

Storing Blackened Salmon for Freshness and Flavor

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss and flavor absorption.
• Wrap individual salmon portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place salmon on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent overcooking. Stop when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Preheat oven to 275°F.

FAQs About Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan

• Is blackening seasoning spicy?

Blackening seasoning typically has a moderate heat level with paprika, cayenne, and black pepper. The spiciness can be adjusted by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper in the blend.

• Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?

Fresh spinach is recommended for better texture and flavor. If using frozen spinach, thoroughly thaw and drain excess moisture to prevent soggy filling.

• How do I know if salmon is properly cooked?

Check that salmon turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F to ensure it’s safely cooked through without becoming dry.

• What type of salmon works best for this recipe?

Wild-caught salmon like sockeye or king salmon are excellent choices. These varieties offer rich flavor and firm texture that holds up well during stuffing and baking.

What Makes Blackened Salmon with Spinach & Parmesan So Bold

• Elevate Home Cooking: Create restaurant-quality salmon with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Pack your meal with protein, omega-3s, and vibrant vegetables in one delicious dish.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Transform basic ingredients into a gourmet meal faster than ordering takeout, with simple preparation steps that make cooking stress-free.
• Crowd-Pleasing Technique: Impress family and guests with a sophisticated stuffed salmon that looks complicated but comes together with straightforward techniques.

Ingredients for Blackened Salmon with Spinach & Parmesan

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh fish that serves as the primary protein and base of the recipe.
• Spinach: A nutrient-rich green that creates a flavorful and healthy filling for the salmon.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, salty cheese that adds depth and richness to the spinach mixture.

• Blackening Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: A robust spice blend that provides a bold and complex flavor profile to the salmon.
• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps distribute heat and adds a smooth, rich texture to the dish.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall flavor of the spinach filling.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright, citrusy elements that add freshness and balance to the rich salmon and spices.
• Parchment Paper: A non-stick surface that ensures easy cooking and cleanup.

Blackened Salmon Stuffed With Spinach & Parmesan Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 27-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Blackened salmon stuffed with spinach & parmesan delivers a gourmet seafood experience that marries bold flavors with elegant presentation. Herb-infused filling and perfectly seared exterior promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Seasoning Blend:

• 2 tbsp blackening seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon (for juice and zest)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F, preparing a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for optimal salmon preparation.
2. Create a vibrant filling by combining fresh spinach, minced garlic, and grated parmesan cheese in a mixing bowl, thoroughly incorporating the ingredients.
3. Carefully butterfly each salmon fillet, creating a pocket for the spinach mixture without cutting completely through the fish.
4. Generously stuff each salmon fillet with the spinach and parmesan blend, ensuring an even distribution throughout the pocket.
5. Blend blackening seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a small dish to create a robust spice mixture.
6. Delicately coat both sides of the stuffed salmon fillets with the seasoning blend, pressing gently to help the spices adhere.
7. Drizzle olive oil over the seasoned salmon, ensuring a light, even coating that will enhance browning and flavor.
8. Sprinkle fresh lemon zest across the fillets, then squeeze lemon juice over the top for a bright, citrusy enhancement.
9. Transfer the prepared salmon to the parchment-lined baking sheet, arranging fillets with space between them for even cooking.
10. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 3-4 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and flavors to settle.

Notes

• Butterfly technique matters: Slice salmon gently to create a pocket without cutting completely through, ensuring a perfect stuffing area.
• Spinach selection impacts flavor: Use fresh, crisp baby spinach for a tender, bright green filling that melts beautifully inside the salmon.
• Seasoning balance is crucial: Adjust blackening spice blend to personal heat preference, considering individual spice tolerance levels.
• Moisture preservation hack: Drizzling olive oil helps lock in salmon’s natural juiciness while promoting a golden, crispy exterior during roasting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 375
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg