Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to adore about this blackened salmon. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Restaurant-Quality : Impressive presentation and flavor that rivals fine dining.
- Healthy and Nutritious : Salmon is rich in omega-3s, while spinach and Parmesan add vitamins and calcium.
- Quick and Easy : Ready in under 30 minutes—no fancy techniques required.
- Customizable : Adjust spice levels or stuffing ingredients to suit your taste.
- Versatile : Serve it with rice, veggies, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to this dish lies in its spicy crust and creamy filling . Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 (6-oz) salmon fillets , skin-on or off (ask your fishmonger to butterfly them for stuffing)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
For the Blackened Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Spinach-Parmesan Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small shallot , finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach , chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup cream cheese (or ricotta for a lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper , to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley or dill
- Hollandaise sauce or garlic butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to whip up this spicy, savory salmon? Follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the shallot and garlic for 2–3 minutes until soft.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in the Parmesan, cream cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Butterfly the Salmon
- If your fillets aren’t pre-butterflied, carefully slice a horizontal pocket into each fillet (do not cut all the way through). Pat the salmon dry with paper towels.
Step 3: Stuff the Salmon
- Spoon the cooled spinach mixture into the pockets of each fillet. Secure with toothpicks if needed to prevent the filling from spilling out.
Step 4: Season the Salmon
- In a small bowl, mix all the blackened seasoning ingredients. Rub the seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
Step 5: Cook the Salmon
Pan-Searing Method :
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the salmon seasoned-side down first. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side , until the crust is crispy and the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) .
Baking Method :
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) .
- Sear the salmon in an oven-safe skillet for 2 minutes per side, then bake for 10–12 minutes until cooked through.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove toothpicks and plate the salmon. Drizzle with hollandaise sauce or melted garlic butter.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Serve immediately!