This blackened salmon is a tasty treat, filled with healthy spinach and rich Parmesan cheese. It’s crispy on the outside and packed with flavor inside!
When I make this, I can’t help but feel like a kitchen superstar. Serve it with a side of rice or a salad for a meal that looks fancy but is super easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the star here. If you can’t find salmon, try using trout or chicken breasts as they pair well with the stuffing. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for this recipe, but frozen spinach works too. Just make sure to drain the excess water if using frozen.
Parmesan Cheese: I love using freshly grated Parmesan for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Olive Oil: While olive oil is great for health benefits, you can substitute it with canola oil or avocado oil if needed.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Blackened Salmon?
Getting that blackened crust on the salmon is key to flavor and presentation. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot skillet. Preheat it and add the oil and butter just before adding the salmon. This gives immediate contact with high heat for that crispy outer layer.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you’re cooking multiple fillets, do it in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Keep an eye on the time! Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes—just long enough for the spices to form a golden crust.
After seasoning and searing, popping the skillet into the oven helps cook the salmon evenly. Just watch for the cooking time so it doesn’t dry out!
Blackened Salmon Stuffed With Spinach & Parmesan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 salmon fillets, skin removed (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this delicious dish is around 25 minutes. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and about 15 minutes cooking, including oven time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will make sure it’s nice and hot when your salmon is ready to go in!
2. Prepare the Spinach Filling:
Rinse the fresh spinach leaves under cold water. In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and spinach, cooking just until the spinach is wilted—this should take about 2-3 minutes. Once wilted, remove it from heat and stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Salmon:
Take the salmon fillets and carefully cut a slit or pocket lengthwise into the thickest part of each fillet. Be careful not to cut all the way through—just deep enough to hold the filling.
4. Stuff the Salmon:
Once your spinach and cheese mixture has cooled a bit, spoon it evenly into the pocket of each salmon fillet. Make sure to pack it in gently!
5. Make the Blackening Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This will create your flavorful blackening seasoning.
6. Season the Salmon:
Rub the blackening seasoning all over the outside of each stuffed salmon fillet, ensuring every inch is coated in those delicious spices.
7. Sear the Salmon:
In an oven-safe skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the salmon fillets to the skillet. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are beautifully blackened and crispy.
8. Bake the Salmon:
Now, transfer the skillet directly to your preheated oven. Bake for 6-8 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and the filling is hot and melted inside.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from the oven. If you like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a nice touch. Serve your blackened salmon stuffed with spinach and Parmesan immediately, and enjoy your fabulous meal!
Bon appétit! This dish is not only elegant but also packed with flavors that are sure to impress!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach is a great alternative! Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing it with the Parmesan to avoid a soggy filling.
How Do I Know When the Salmon Is Cooked?
The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, make a small cut in the thickest part to check if it’s opaque and no longer translucent.
What Can I Serve With Blackened Salmon?
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. Roasted vegetables or a creamy mashed potato would also complement the flavors nicely!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
While it’s best to cook the salmon fresh, you can prepare the spinach filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just stuff the salmon and cook it when you’re ready for a quick meal!