Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach and Parmesan recipe that’s perfect for a special dinner or meal prep:
Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach and Parmesan
Ingredients:
For the salmon:
4 salmon fillets (skin on or off)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
Toothpicks or cooking twine (to secure the fillets)
For the stuffing:
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup cooked and squeezed dry)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 oz cream cheese (softened)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the stuffing:
Heat 1 tbsp oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
Add spinach and cook until wilted (1–2 minutes). Let cool slightly.
In a bowl, mix spinach, Parmesan, cream cheese, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Prepare the salmon:
Pat salmon dry with paper towels.
Cut a slit along the side of each fillet to create a pocket (do not cut all the way through).
Rub the outside of each fillet with olive oil.
Mix blackening spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, salt, and pepper) in a bowl and rub generously over the salmon.
Stuff the salmon:
Spoon the spinach-Parmesan mixture into the pocket of each fillet.
Secure with toothpicks or tie with cooking twine if needed.
Cook the salmon:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil if needed.
Cook the fillets for 4–5 minutes per side, or until blackened and cooked through (internal temp 145°F).
Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.
Serve:
Let rest for a couple of minutes.
Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a lemon butter drizzle.
Optional Lemon Butter Sauce:
Melt 2 tbsp butter with 1 tbsp lemon juice and a pinch of garlic powder.
Drizzle over the salmon just before serving.
I bet you didn’t know salmon could get this delicious. Let’s stuff it to the gills with flavor. First, whip up the stuffing. Saute garlic and spinach till wilted. Mix with parmesan and cream cheese. Now, slice a pocket in those salmon fillets. Rub them down with olive oil and blackening spices. Stuff them with that cheesy spinach goodness. Secure with toothpicks. Cook till blackened and juicy. Top with a lemon butter drizzle if you’re feeling fancy. Y’all, this is next level delicious. Serve it up with rice or veggies.