Easy Blackened Spinach Stuffed Salmon Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Salmon takes on a bold, smoky character when perfectly blackened with zesty spices and wrapped around a vibrant spinach filling.

This delectable fish dish promises a burst of flavor in every bite.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore the dramatic contrast between the crispy exterior and tender, flaky salmon.

Rich, nutritious spinach creates a delightful stuffing that elevates the entire meal.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with expert technique to create something truly spectacular.

Each forkful delivers a harmony of bold seasonings and fresh marine goodness.

You’ll love how quickly this impressive dinner comes together, making it ideal for both weeknight meals and special occasions.

Spinach Stuffed Salmon Recipe Variations

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese with mashed avocado or silken tofu for a creamy, lactose-free filling that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
• Keto-Friendly Feast: Swap Parmesan with almond flour and use full-fat cream cheese to maintain low-carb macronutrient profile while keeping the recipe rich and satisfying.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Incorporate feta cheese instead of Parmesan and add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh dill to the spinach mixture for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Herb Garden Variation: Use fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and chives in the spinach filling to create a vibrant, aromatic alternative that brightens the entire dish.

Serving Blackened Spinach Stuffed Salmon Nicely

• Coastal Dinner Companion: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich salmon and creamy spinach filling.
• Elegant Side Dish: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or a light quinoa pilaf to balance the robust flavors of the blackened salmon.
• Fresh Garnish Magic: Sprinkle chopped fresh dill or parsley on top for a bright, herbal note that enhances the dish's visual appeal and adds a zesty flavor finish.
• Texture Contrast Plate: Add a small mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing crunch against the tender, flaky salmon.

Storage Tips for Spinach Stuffed Salmon

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe containers for maximum preservation up to 2 months.
• Warm gently in the oven at 275F to prevent drying out, covering with foil to retain moisture and prevent salmon from becoming tough.
• Always check for any unusual odors or discoloration before consuming refrigerated or frozen salmon, discarding if signs of spoilage appear.

FAQs

• What are blackening spices?

Blackening spices are a blend of herbs and spices typically including paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and black pepper that create a flavorful, spicy crust when heated.

• Can I use frozen spinach for the filling?

Yes, but make sure to thoroughly drain and squeeze out excess moisture from frozen spinach before mixing with cream cheese to prevent a watery filling.

• How do I know if the salmon is cooked properly?

Check that the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The fish should be opaque and have a firm texture.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salmon can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before baking, making it convenient for quick, healthy meals.

Blackened Spinach Stuffed Salmon Delicious Features

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with protein-rich salmon and iron-loaded spinach, this recipe delivers a powerful punch of essential nutrients for a balanced meal.
• Master Culinary Skills: Learn professional cooking techniques like creating a pocket in salmon and mastering blackening spice rubs, elevating your kitchen confidence.
• Quick Gourmet Experience: Prepare a restaurant-quality dish in less than half an hour, perfect for impressing family or surprising yourself with advanced cooking abilities.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different spice blends and cheese variations to make this recipe uniquely yours, keeping dinner exciting and personalized.

Spinach Stuffed Salmon Ingredients You’ll Need

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, high-quality salmon that provides a rich and tender base for the stuffed recipe.

• Fresh Spinach: Tender leafy green that adds nutritional value and earthy flavor to the stuffing.
• Cream Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a rich and tangy filling with smooth texture.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall depth of flavor in the stuffing.

• Blackening Spices: A robust spice mix that creates a flavorful, slightly spicy crust on the salmon's exterior.

• Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: Used for greasing the baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Cooking Blackened Spinach Stuffed Salmon at Home

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F.

Grab a baking sheet and give it a quick spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Spinach Mixture

Toss minced garlic into a hot pan and let it sizzle.

Add fresh spinach and cook until it collapses and turns deep green.

Let the mixture cool down completely.

Fold in cream cheese and grated Parmesan, creating a rich and tangy filling that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Craft Salmon Pockets

Using a sharp knife, gently slice a horizontal pocket into each salmon fillet.

Be careful not to cut all the way through – you want a cozy space for the spinach stuffing.

Step 4: Spice Things Up

Blend together a bold mix of paprika, cayenne, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Generously massage this spice blend all over the salmon, ensuring every inch gets some love.

Step 5: Stuff With Deliciousness

Carefully spoon the cooled spinach and cheese mixture into the pocket of each salmon fillet.

Press gently to seal and distribute the filling evenly.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the prepared salmon into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the fish turns a beautiful golden color and flakes effortlessly with a fork.

Top Tips for Stuffed Salmon Perfection

• Toast blackening spices in a dry skillet for 30 seconds before rubbing on salmon to intensify their aromatic qualities.
• Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels before cutting pockets to ensure crisp exterior and tender interior.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, more even blending with spinach and easier stuffing.
• Check salmon's internal temperature reaches 145°F for perfect doneness without overcooking.
• Quickly blanch spinach before sautéing to preserve vibrant color and lock in more nutrients.

Blackened Spinach Stuffed Salmon Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Blackened Spinach Stuffed Salmon emerges as a culinary masterpiece blending bold flavors and elegant technique. Delicate salmon fillets packed with zesty spinach create a gourmet experience that will delight seafood enthusiasts and spark excitement at your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces/170 grams each)

Filling Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Blackening Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly coat a baking sheet with non-stick spray to ensure easy release of the fish.
2. In a skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add fresh spinach and cook until completely wilted and moisture evaporates.
3. Allow the spinach mixture to cool, then thoroughly blend with softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan to create a smooth, rich filling.
4. Carefully slice a horizontal pocket into each salmon fillet, taking care not to cut completely through the fish.
5. Combine blackening spices in a small bowl, then generously coat the entire surface of each salmon fillet, ensuring even coverage.
6. Gently stuff the prepared spinach-cheese mixture into the pocket of each fillet, pressing softly to seal and distribute evenly.
7. Place the stuffed salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each piece for consistent cooking.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, checking that the salmon turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork when tested.

Notes

• Choose fresh, wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and texture, ensuring a more delicate and rich taste.
• Pat salmon fillets completely dry before cutting pockets to help seasoning stick and prevent excess moisture during cooking.
• For a lighter version, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or ricotta to reduce fat while maintaining creamy consistency.
• Gluten-free diners can confidently enjoy this recipe as all ingredients are naturally gluten-free; just double-check spice blend components.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg