This tasty dish features salmon fillets filled with fresh spinach and creamy Parmesan cheese. The blackened seasoning gives it a nice kick and a lovely crispy edge!
Talk about a dinner that’s both healthy and fancy! I love serving this with a side of rice or a light salad. It feels like a special treat, but it’s super easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the star here. If you’re not a salmon fan, you can substitute with other firm fish like chicken breast or tilapia. Just adjust cooking times accordingly!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best, but you could use frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw it and squeeze out excess water so your filling isn’t watery.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a rich flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, consider nutritional yeast, which adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Spices: The spices play a huge role in creating the blackened effect. If you want less heat, leave out the cayenne pepper. You can also customize the seasoning with your favorites like cumin or chili powder!
How Do I Make Sure My Salmon Stays Moist?
Keeping salmon moist can be tricky, but here’s how to do it. Start by not overcooking your salmon—it should flake easily but still be a bit translucent in the center when done. Also, stuffing it helps keep it juicy!
- Cut the pocket gently to avoid breaking the fillet.
- Rub olive oil on both sides; it helps retain moisture.
- If using the broiler, keep a close eye. Broil for just a couple of minutes to achieve that crispy top without drying it out.
By following these steps, you’ll enjoy perfectly cooked, moist salmon in your blackened dish!
Healthy Blackened Salmon Stuffed With Spinach & Parmesan
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), center-cut, skin removed
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and another 15-20 minutes for cooking, making a total time of about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner while still feeling gourmet!
Instructions:
1. Prep your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking later on.
2. Sauté the Spinach:
In a medium skillet over medium heat, add a small splash of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook while stirring frequently until it’s wilted, which should take about 3-4 minutes. When done, remove it from the heat.
3. Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach with the softened cream cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy, then set it aside.
4. Prepare the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, and salt to create your blackening seasoning. This will add amazing flavor to your salmon!
5. Cut the Salmon:
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each salmon fillet. Be cautious, as you want to create a space for the stuffing without cutting all the way through.
6. Stuff the Salmon:
Take the filling you made earlier and stuff each salmon fillet, dividing it evenly among the fillets. Don’t be shy—pack it in there!
7. Season the Salmon:
Rub the outside of each stuffed salmon fillet with olive oil, then generously sprinkle the blackening seasoning all over. Make sure every side is covered.
8. Bake the Salmon:
Carefully place the stuffed salmon fillets in your prepared baking dish. Bake them in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. If you want a crispy top, consider placing them under the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm alongside your favorite sides, such as a fresh salad, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Enjoy your healthy, flavorful blackened salmon stuffed with creamy spinach and Parmesan!
FAQ for Healthy Blackened Salmon Stuffed With Spinach & Parmesan
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the filling. This will help keep your stuffing from becoming watery and ensure better flavor and texture.
How Can I Ensure My Salmon Doesn’t Get Overcooked?
To avoid overcooking, keep an eye on the salmon as it bakes. The ideal internal temperature is around 145°F (63°C). You want it to flake easily with a fork, but still have a slight translucence in the center. If you’re uncertain, you can use a meat thermometer for precise cooking.
What Variations Can I Try with the Stuffing?
You can definitely mix it up! Try adding other ingredients like chopped sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese instead of Parmesan, or even some cooked quinoa for added texture. Just be sure to modify the amounts so they fit into the salmon pockets without overflowing.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover stuffed salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. Avoid reheating at too high a temperature to prevent the salmon from drying out.
