It’s elegant enough for date night but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Here’s a full recipe for you:
🐟 Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan
🕒 Time
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Prep: 15 minutes
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Cook: 15–20 minutes
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Serves: 4
🧂 Ingredients
For the salmon:
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4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
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2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
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1 tbsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp dried thyme
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½ tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust for heat)
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
For the spinach–Parmesan filling:
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1 tbsp butter
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2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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3 oz cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
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Salt & pepper to taste
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(Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick)
🍳 Instructions
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Make the filling:
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In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
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Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Stir in spinach and cook until wilted (1–2 minutes).
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Remove from heat and mix in cream cheese, Parmesan, and mayo (or yogurt).
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Season with salt and pepper. Let cool slightly.
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Prep the salmon:
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Pat salmon dry with paper towels.
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Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each fillet (don’t cut all the way through).
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Stuff each pocket with 1–2 tablespoons of the spinach mixture.
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Season with blackening spice:
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Mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
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Brush salmon with olive oil or melted butter, then coat evenly with the spice mix on all sides.
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Cook the salmon:
Option 1 – Pan-seared + Oven Finish (Best Texture):
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Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil.
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Sear salmon 2–3 minutes per side until nicely blackened.
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Transfer skillet to a 400°F (200°C) oven for 5–7 minutes, until salmon is cooked through (internal temp 145°F / 63°C).
Option 2 – All Oven:
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Place fillets on a greased baking sheet.
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Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.
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🍽️ Serving Ideas
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Serve with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or lemon butter rice.
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Drizzle a little lemon butter or honey garlic glaze on top for extra richness.
Would you like me to include a lemon butter sauce or creamy Cajun sauce recipe to serve with it? Both pair beautifully with blackened salmon.
