If you love healthy and flavorful meals, you’ll enjoy this blackened salmon stuffed with creamy spinach and parmesan. This dish combines spicy seasoning with a rich filling, making it a true delight. I’ll share the key ingredients, cooking methods, and serving ideas to elevate your culinary skills. Get ready to impress your family with a dish that is as nutritious as it is delicious! Let’s dive in!
What Ingredients are Needed for Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Creamy Spinach & Parmesan?
For this blackened salmon recipe, you need a few key items. Start with 4 skinless salmon fillets. They are the star of this dish. You will also need olive oil to help with cooking and flavor. The blackening seasoning includes smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and some salt and black pepper. This blend gives the salmon its bold, smoky taste.
What are the main ingredients for the salmon?
The main ingredients for the salmon are simple. You need salmon fillets, olive oil, and a mix of spices. The spices are crucial for that blackened flavor. Use smoked paprika for a rich depth. Cayenne pepper adds heat, while garlic powder and onion powder provide savory notes. Freshness comes from adding salt and black pepper to taste.
What is in the creamy spinach stuffing?
The creamy spinach filling is rich and delicious. It starts with fresh spinach, which gives a nice green color and a healthy boost. You will need cream cheese for creaminess and grated Parmesan cheese for a salty kick. Adding a minced garlic clove gives it a wonderful aroma. Just a pinch of nutmeg rounds out the flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste for added zest.
Are there any optional ingredients or variations?
Yes, you can add optional ingredients for more flavor. Consider adding lemon zest to brighten the dish. You can also mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist. If you want a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes to the spinach filling. These variations add a personal touch to your parmesan stuffed salmon. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above.
How Do You Prepare Blackened Salmon with Creamy Spinach Filling?
To prepare blackened salmon with creamy spinach filling, follow these clear steps.
First, make the blackening seasoning. Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This mix gives the salmon a bold and spicy taste.
Next, rub the seasoning on salmon fillets. Drizzle olive oil on the fillets first. Then coat both sides of each fillet with the seasoning. This step ensures a deep flavor.
Now, let’s focus on the creamy spinach filling. I sauté fresh garlic in olive oil for a minute. Then, add chopped spinach and cook until it wilts, about three minutes. Let it cool slightly.
In a bowl, mix the sautéed spinach with cream cheese, grated Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth. This creamy stuffing adds richness to the dish.
Make a pocket in each salmon fillet. Cut horizontally through the thickest side, but don’t cut all the way through. This pocket holds the filling nicely.
Stuff each salmon fillet with the spinach mixture. Press gently to secure the stuffing inside.
For cooking, heat a non-stick oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place stuffed salmon seam-side down and sear for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. This step locks in moisture and flavor.
After searing, carefully flip the fillets. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 10-12 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
Finally, let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle, making each bite juicy and flavorful.
For the complete cooking process, refer to the Full Recipe.