Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan

Introduction

This Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the boldness of blackened seasoning with a creamy, cheesy spinach filling. The salmon fillets are seared to perfection, creating a crispy crust while remaining juicy inside. This dish is packed with omega-3s, protein, and essential vitamins, making it a great choice for a balanced meal. Whether you’re following a Mediterranean-inspired diet or just looking for a delicious new way to enjoy salmon, this recipe is sure to impress!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12-15 minutes

Total Time: ~25 minutes

 Ingredients

For the Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp butter (for searing)

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

½ tsp dried oregano

½ tsp dried thyme

½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Spinach & Parmesan Filling:

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

4 oz cream cheese (softened)

2 tbsp Greek yogurt (or sour cream)

1 tbsp olive oil

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt & pepper, to taste

 Instructions

 Prepare the Spinach & Parmesan Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.

Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

In a bowl, mix the cooked spinach with Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until well combined.

 Prep the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.

Using a sharp knife, cut a slit into the side of each fillet (without cutting all the way through) to create a pocket for stuffing.

Rub olive oil over the salmon and season each fillet generously with the blackened seasoning mix (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper).

 Stuff the Salmon

Spoon the spinach & Parmesan filling into the pocket of each salmon fillet.

Gently press the edges together to hold the filling inside.

 Cook the Salmon

 Stovetop (Best for a Crispy Crust)

Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Place the stuffed salmon fillets in the pan, flesh-side down.

Sear for 4-5 minutes until a crust forms, then carefully flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the salmon is cooked through (internal temp: 130-140°F for medium, 145°F for well done).

Air Fryer (Easy & Hands-Free)

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease the air fryer basket and place the stuffed salmon inside.

Cook for 10-12 minutes until the salmon is opaque and easily flakes with a fork.

 Oven (Great for a Crowd)

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Place the stuffed salmon on a lined baking sheet.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.

 Tips & Tricks

Use Thick Salmon Fillets – Thicker fillets hold the stuffing better without breaking.

Don’t Overfill – Too much filling may spill out while cooking, so add just enough.

Secure with Toothpicks – If needed, use toothpicks to keep the stuffing inside.

Let It Rest – Allow the salmon to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving for juicier results.

Pair It With – Serve with roasted veggies, lemon quinoa, or a fresh Mediterranean salad.

 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 1 Stuffed Salmon Fillet)

Calories: ~380 kcal

Protein: 45g

Fats: 20g

Carbs: 5g

Fiber: 1g

Omega-3s: High

This recipe is low-carb, high-protein, and rich in healthy fats, making it a great fit for Mediterranean and keto-friendly diets!