🐟 Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan
📝 Description:
This elegant yet easy Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. Tender salmon fillets are coated in smoky blackening spices and filled with a creamy, garlicky spinach-Parmesan mixture. Pan-seared to crispy perfection, this dish is both healthy and indulgent—a great option for date nights or protein-rich dinners.
🧄 Ingredients:
- 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 1 tbsp blackening seasoning (see below for homemade option)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 oz fresh spinach, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Lemon wedges, for serving
🔪 Instructions:
- Prepare the stuffing:
- In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds), then add spinach. Cook until wilted (2–3 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool slightly.
- Prep the salmon:
- Pat salmon fillets dry.
- Using a sharp knife, make a horizontal slit in the thickest part of each fillet to create a pocket.
- Rub each fillet with blackening seasoning.
- Stuff the fillets:
- Fill each salmon pocket with the spinach-Parmesan mixture.
- Cook the salmon:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place salmon fillets top-side down first. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and blackened.
- Serve:
- Plate with optional lemon wedges and your favorite sides—rice, roasted vegetables, or a light salad.
💡 Notes & Tips:
- Homemade blackening seasoning:
Mix 1 tsp each of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. - Don’t overstuff the salmon or it may not cook evenly.
- Use tongs or a spatula gently to flip salmon—stuffed fillets are delicate.
- Can also be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes instead of pan-seared.
🍽 Servings:
- Serves 2 as a main dish
🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approximate):
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 27g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
(Based on skinless fillets and minimal oil use)
🌟 Health Benefits:
- High in protein: Salmon is a lean, complete protein source that supports muscle repair.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Great for heart and brain health.
- Spinach: Rich in iron, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Parmesan: Adds calcium and umami flavor with less fat than many cheeses.
- Low carb and keto-friendly!
❓ Q & A:
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes—thaw it completely and pat dry before slicing and seasoning.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free stuffing.
Q: Can I bake instead of pan-sear?
A: Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until salmon is opaque and flaky.
Q: What side dishes go well with this?
A: Lemon rice, garlic roasted potatoes, quinoa, steamed asparagus, or a fresh arugula salad.
Q: Can I prep this ahead of time?
A: Yes—prepare the filling and stuff the fillets ahead. Refrigerate, then cook just before serving.