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Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan

A gourmet dish featuring juicy salmon fillets seasoned with smoky spices and filled with sautéed spinach and creamy cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Gourmet
Keyword: Blackened Salmon, easy recipe, Healthy Dinner, Seafood Recipe, Stuffed Salmon
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 375kcal

Ingredients

For the Salmon

  • 4 fillets salmon fillets (6 oz each) Fresh and flaky, these fillets are the star of your dish.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Enhances flavor and keeps the fillets moist.
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Adds a warm, smoky depth.
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Adds excellent savory touch.
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) Adds a spicy kick.
  • to taste salt and black pepper Essential seasonings.
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder Provides subtle sweetness.

For the Filling

  • 2 cups fresh spinach, sautéed Adds color and nutrients.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced Blends beautifully with cheese and spinach.
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Adds creamy texture.
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese Adds nuttiness.

For Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Enhances richness.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Balances flavors and adds freshness.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper.
  • Rub the spice mixture generously over each salmon fillet on both sides.
  • In another bowl, stir together sautéed spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic.
  • Carefully cut a pocket in each salmon fillet, ensuring not to slice all the way through.
  • Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into each pocket of the salmon, packing it gently.

Cooking

  • In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed salmon fillets and sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  • While the salmon bakes, melt the butter in a small pan over low heat. Stir in lemon juice once melted.
  • Once the salmon is done, remove it from the oven and drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the fillets before serving.

Notes

Don’t overcook the salmon. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and feel free to adjust the spice levels based on your taste preferences.