This tasty dish features juicy salmon fillets filled with fresh spinach and rich parmesan cheese. It’s not only healthy but also packs a punch of flavor!
Seriously, who knew healthy eating could be this good? I love making this for dinner—it’s quick and impresses everyone. Serve it with a side salad for a winning meal! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, consider using frozen salmon. Just ensure it’s thawed properly before cooking!
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives the best flavor and texture. You can substitute with frozen spinach; just make sure to squeeze out extra moisture before using it. Personally, I love adding a hint of garlic to the spinach for an extra flavor boost!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds richness. If you need a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can be a tasty substitute. For a stronger flavor, consider pecorino romano cheese!
Cayenne Pepper: This adds heat. If you prefer less spice, simply reduce the amount or replace it with paprika for more color without the heat.
How Do I Perfectly Stuff and Cook Salmon?
Stuffing salmon can seem tricky, but with a bit of care, it’s quite simple! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by creating a pocket in each salmon fillet. Use a sharp knife to make a slit along the side, but don’t cut all the way through.
- Once stuffed, use toothpicks to seal the pocket if you’re worried about the filling spilling out while cooking.
- When seasoning, ensure you cover both inside and outside to enhance the flavors. Don’t rush the searing process; let each side form a nice crust before flipping—this helps lock in moisture!
- Keep an eye on the cooking time in the oven. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Overcooking can lead to dryness.
With these tips, you’ll have juicy, flavorful salmon that’s ready to impress!
Healthy Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach and Parmesan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon Filling:
- 4 salmon fillets, about 6 oz each, skin removed and cut to create a pocket
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salmon dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 18-20 minutes to cook. In no time, you’ll have a healthy and flavorful meal packed with nutrients!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you need to bake the salmon.
2. Sauté the Spinach:
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Then toss in the chopped spinach and cook until it’s wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Once done, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Mix the Filling:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese into the spinach mixture and set it aside. This cheesy spinach will be what makes the salmon extra special!
4. Prepare the Blackening Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This will give your salmon that classic blackened flavor.
5. Season the Salmon:
Rub both the inside and outside of each salmon fillet with the blackening seasoning, making sure to cover them evenly for a burst of flavor!
6. Stuff the Salmon:
Carefully stuff each salmon fillet pocket with the delicious spinach and Parmesan mixture. Make sure not to overstuff, so the filling doesn’t spill out while cooking.
7. Sear the Salmon:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, sear the stuffed salmon fillets for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until a nice crust forms and they are lightly browned.
8. Bake the Salmon:
Transfer the seared salmon fillets to a baking dish and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
9. Let It Rest:
Once done, remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle back into the fish.
10. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your blackened salmon stuffed with spinach and Parmesan with lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of fresh lemon really brings all the flavors together!
Enjoy a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Spinach?
You can use either! Fresh spinach gives a nice, vibrant taste, but frozen spinach is convenient and works well too. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture before using to avoid a watery filling.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, warm it gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out.
Can I Substitute Salmon for Another Fish?
Absolutely! This recipe also works well with other fish like tilapia, trout, or even chicken breast. Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of the protein you’re using.
Is This Recipe Spicy?
The level of spice can be adjusted based on your preference! If you prefer milder flavors, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether; the dish will still be delicious!
