Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe unleashes the full potential of salmon. The blackened seasoning brings a delightful warmth and flavor, while the creamy filling of spinach and Parmesan cheese provides a lovely contrast in textures. It’s not just a feast for the taste buds; it’s packed with protein and nutrition, thanks to the spinach. If you enjoy a dish that combines bold spices with savory creaminess, look no further—this stuffed salmon will definitely hit the spot!

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or dish to ensure easy serving later.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until fragrant. Now toss in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until it wilts. Once done, take off the heat and allow it to cool a bit.
3. Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine your cooked spinach, softened cream cheese, and grated Parmesan. Mix until the ingredients are fully blended and creamy, then set the filling aside.
4. Prepare the Salmon: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each salmon fillet to create a pocket in the center, making sure not to cut all the way through. This pocket will eagerly embrace your delicious filling!
5. Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, mix together paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Generously massage this flavorful spice blend onto both sides of each salmon fillet for even coverage.
6. Stuff the Salmon: Open the pocket of each fillet gently and spoon in the creamy spinach mixture. Make sure each is filled generously, but be cautious not to overstuff!
7. Bake the Salmon: Arrange the stuffed salmon fillets on your prepared baking sheet and place them in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon is fully cooked and flakes beautifully with a fork.
8. Serve with Flair: Once your salmon is out of the oven, plate it up and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing citrusy zing. The combination of blackened spices and creamy filling creates an unforgettable dining experience!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving Suggestions: This sumptuous stuffed salmon goes beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. The solid flavors of the fish and filling are perfectly complemented by light, wholesome sides.
• Storage Tips: Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat either in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain the salmon’s moisture—a microwave can lead to dryness, so it’s best to avoid that method.

Helpful Notes

• If you prefer your dish to have a milder profile, feel free to reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or swap it out for smoked paprika for a gentler taste.
• Want to save time? You can prepare the spinach filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. This way, when you’re ready to cook, most of the work is already done!
• For an elegant touch, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top of the salmon before baking for that added beautiful cheesiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Definitely! If you choose frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out any extra moisture before mixing it in with the cheese, so it doesn’t water down the filling.

2. How can I tell when the salmon is cooked through?
The salmon is cooked to perfection when it easily flakes with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Watch closely, though; overcooking can lead to dry salmon, which we want to avoid!

3. Are there any alternatives to Parmesan cheese?
Certainly! You can substitute Parmesan with a similar hard cheese like Asiago or Romano. If you’re in the mood for something creamier, consider blending in some mozzarella as well!

4. Is this dish spicy?
The level of spice here is moderate, largely due to the cayenne pepper. If you’re looking for a milder experience, you can either cut down on the cayenne or leave it out altogether.

5. Could I grill the stuffed salmon instead of baking it?
Absolutely! Grilling brings out delightful flavors too. Just preheat your grill, and cook the salmon over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your fillet.