Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan

Get ready to enjoy a seafood masterpiece. It combines bold blackened spices with a creamy spinach and Parmesan cheese filling. This dish is a feast for the senses, offering a satisfying and nutritious meal for any occasion.

Key Takeaways

• Flavorful blackened salmon fillets stuffed with a creamy spinach and Parmesan cheese filling
• Gluten-free and nutrient-dense, with high protein and essential vitamins and minerals
• Easy-to-make recipe that comes together in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights
• Versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as an impressive appetizer
• Combines bold spices, tender salmon, and a rich, cheesy filling for a delightful culinary experience

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Stuffed Salmon

To make a delicious spinach-stuffed salmon, you need the right ingredients. You’ll need fresh, high-quality salmon fillets, a creamy spinach and cheese mix, and a tasty blackening spice blend.

Fresh Salmon Selection Tips

Choosing the right salmon is key. Look for Atlantic, King, or Scottish salmon. They have the best texture and color for this recipe. Choose whole fillets or 6-8 ounce pieces for even cooking.

Spinach and Cheese Filling Components

• 2 cups of fresh baby spinach, wilted and chopped
• 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese
• 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• A pinch of olive oil

The spinach and cheese filling is the main attraction. It adds a creamy, flavorful contrast to the salmon.

Blackening Spice Blend

A special blackening spice blend makes the salmon crust vibrant and aromatic. It’s a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a tasty spinach-stuffed salmon. It’s sure to wow your guests.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make the perfect blackened salmon, you’ll need some key tools. A skillet or non-stick pan is essential for searing the salmon. This step gives it a crispy outside. You’ll also need a shallow baking pan for oven-baking the stuffed salmon.

A mixing bowl is crucial for making the creamy spinach and Parmesan filling. You’ll also need a sharp knife to make holes in the salmon. This lets you fill it with the tasty mixture. A meat thermometer helps ensure the salmon is cooked just right.

With these tools, you’re ready to make a delicious blackened salmon. It will be stuffed with creamy spinach and Parmesan.

Preparing the Creamy Spinach and Parmesan Filling

To make the tasty filling for your blackened salmon, start by cooking the wilted spinach. Heat some olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until it smells good.

Then, add the fresh or thawed wilted spinach. Sauté it until it’s soft and tender, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Cream Cheese Mixture Techniques

Once the spinach is cooked, take the pan off the heat. Let it cool a bit. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese mixture with the spinach and Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed, making a creamy and cheesy filling.

• 10 oz. frozen, chopped spinach
• 4 tbsp cream cheese
• 2 tsp Louisiana Style Hot Sauce
• Zest of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

To make the filling thicker, you can add a bit of heavy cream or milk to the cream cheese mixture. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. Now, you’re all set to fill your salmon fillets.

“The key to a delicious stuffed salmon is the creamy, flavorful filling that complements the richness of the fish.”

Creating the Perfect Salmon Pocket

Preparing the salmon fillet for stuffing is key to great flavor and texture. Start by placing each salmon fillet flat and season both sides. Use salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice for flavor.

Then, make a pocket in the salmon fillet for the spinach and cheese. Use a sharp knife to cut a slit that goes about three-quarters of the way through. This salmon fillet preparation method keeps the filling inside, making the dish look and taste amazing.

Now, fill the pocket with the spinach and cheese stuffing. This step takes the dish to a new level of taste. By using this stuffing technique, you’ll make a salmon dish that will wow your guests and please your taste buds.

Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan: Step-by-Step Guide

Stuffing the Salmon

Start by getting your salmon fillets ready. Slice each fillet in the middle to make a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Then, fill each pocket with 1-2 tablespoons of the spinach and Parmesan mix, spreading it out evenly.

Seasoning Application

Mix the blackening seasoning in a bowl. It includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Rub this mix all over the stuffed salmon fillets, making sure they’re well covered.

Cooking Methods

You can cook your salmon in two ways: pan-searing or oven-baking. Both methods will help you master the blackened salmon technique.

1. Pan-Searing: Heat a skillet over medium-high and add some oil. When the oil is hot, place the salmon in the pan, blackening seasoning side down. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s crispy outside and cooked inside.
2. Oven-Baking: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Put the salmon on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes. It should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the filling should be warm.

Watch your salmon closely, no matter how you cook it. The stuffed salmon technique and blackening seasoning will make your dish both tasty and beautiful.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months. Enjoy your blackened salmon stuffed with spinach and Parmesan!

Pan-Searing Techniques for Crispy Exterior

Getting a crispy exterior on your salmon is an art. The pan-frying method is key to this magic. By searing the salmon in a hot skillet, you get a crispy salmon with a tender inside.

Choose the right salmon for pan-searing. King salmon is the tastiest, followed by sockeye, coho, pink, and Atlantic. Wild-caught salmon is the healthiest, with vibrant color and rich taste.

Heat a skillet with butter and oil over medium-high. Let the salmon sear undisturbed for 5-6 minutes on the skin side. Don’t move the fish to keep the texture right. Flip it and cook for 1-2 minutes more, until it’s done to your liking.

1. Use a timer to avoid overcooking.
2. Coat the skillet and salmon with oil or butter to prevent sticking.
3. Try different seasonings like seafood seasoning, salt, and pepper to add flavor.
4. Let the salmon rest for 15 minutes before cooking to meld flavors.

Cook the salmon to medium-doneness for the best taste. It should have a translucent pink center and flaky texture. Aim for an internal temperature of 125-140°F. Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

“The secret to a golden, crispy crust on salmon is all in the technique. Pan-searing it at high heat is the way to go for a restaurant-quality result every time.”

With these pan-searing tips, you can make a salmon dish with a crispy outside and juicy inside. Serve it with lemon juice for the perfect flavor and texture.

Oven-Baking Method and Temperature Guide

Getting the temperature right is key for oven-baked salmon. For our Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan recipe, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the salmon cooks perfectly and gets a nice caramelized crust.

Temperature Control Tips

It’s important to check the salmon cooking temperature to avoid overcooking. Here are some tips for the perfect doneness:

• Aim for an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare, 130°F (54°C) for medium, or 135°F (57°C) for medium-well.
• Use a reliable meat thermometer to check the temperature, inserting it into the thickest part of the fillet.
• Remember, the salmon will cook a bit more after you take it out of the oven.

Timing and Doneness

Bake the stuffed salmon fillets at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes. The exact time depends on the salmon’s thickness. Thinner fillets cook faster, while thicker ones take longer.

Start checking for flakiness and opaqueness in the center around the 10-minute mark. The salmon should be cooked but still moist and tender. Use a fork to gently flake the fish and check if it’s done to your liking.

“The key to perfectly cooked salmon is all about temperature control and timing. By following these guidelines, you’ll achieve that delightful balance of a crisp exterior and juicy, flavorful interior every time.”

Garlic Butter Sauce Enhancement

For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle the salmon with homemade garlic butter sauce. Melt butter in the pan used for cooking the salmon. Then, add minced garlic and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until the garlic is fragrant.

This creamy, garlicky sauce can be poured over the cooked salmon. It enhances the salmon flavor and adds a luxurious, moist touch. The garlic butter sauce complements the salmon’s natural richness.

It also adds an aromatic finishing touch that can elevate the entire meal. The savory butter, pungent garlic, and bright lemon create a balanced flavor. This will have your taste buds craving more.

Drizzling the garlic butter sauce over the salmon just before serving is best. It allows the flavors to meld together seamlessly. Each bite will be bursting with deliciousness. This simple sauce makes your Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan truly exceptional and restaurant-worthy.