Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan

Here’s a flavorful and elegant recipe for Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan. It’s perfect for a dinner that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make.

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🐟 Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan

Ingredients:

For the salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin removed

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp blackening seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)

For the stuffing:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes

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🍳 Instructions:

1. Prepare the stuffing:

   • Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

   • Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.

   • Transfer to a bowl and let cool slightly. Stir in cream cheese, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well.

2. Prepare the salmon:

   • Pat salmon fillets dry and cut a slit lengthwise into the side of each fillet to create a pocket (don’t cut all the way through).

   • Rub the outside of the salmon with olive oil and season generously with blackening seasoning.

3. Stuff the salmon:

   • Spoon the spinach-Parmesan filling evenly into each salmon pocket.

4. Cook the salmon:

   Option 1 – Pan-seared & oven-finished:

   • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

   • Sear the salmon in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side.

   • Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through.

   Option 2 – Bake only:

   • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

   • Place salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, until cooked through and flakey.

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🥂 Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with garlic mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or roasted vegetables.

• Add a lemon wedge for brightness.

Would you like a lower-carb or dairy-free variation?