Zesty Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan Recipe

My weekend culinary adventures with blackened salmon stuffed with spinach & parmesan always spark excitement around our dinner table.

Seafood lovers appreciate how simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals.

Fresh salmon becomes magical when carefully prepared with aromatic spices and rich cheese.

Crispy exterior and tender interior promise a delightful dining experience that surprises palates.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully crafted bite of this elegant dish.

Herbs and seasonings dance together, creating complex flavor profiles that feel simultaneously sophisticated and comforting.

Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach and Parmesan

• Boost Flavor Instantly: Blackened seasoning transforms ordinary salmon into a zesty, mouthwatering dish packed with bold spices and intense taste.
• Sneak in Healthy Greens: Spinach and parmesan filling adds nutritious elements to the salmon, making it a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal.
• Quick Gourmet Dinner: This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with simple techniques, allowing home cooks to create an impressive meal in minimal steps.
• Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Salmon provides excellent nutrition with high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and a satisfying texture that keeps you full and energized.

Ingredients for Blackened Salmon Stuffed Rolls

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, high-quality fish that serves as the primary protein and base of the recipe.

• Spinach: Adds a nutritious green element and creates a creamy, flavorful stuffing.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a rich, salty flavor and helps bind the filling together.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth and creamy texture for the stuffing.
• Garlic (Minced): Adds a bold, aromatic flavor to the stuffing.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Black Pepper: A blend of spices that creates a bold, blackened coating with a spicy kick and deep flavor profile.

Preparation Guide for Blackened Salmon Rolls

Step 1: Crank Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C), getting it ready for some serious salmon magic.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Spinach Filling

• Fresh spinach
• Grated parmesan
• Cream cheese
• Minced garlic

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly mixed and looking irresistibly creamy.

Step 3: Create Salmon Pockets

Carefully slice a pocket into each salmon fillet, creating a cozy space for the spinach mixture to nestle inside.

Step 4: Stuff Those Fillets

Generously fill each salmon pocket with the spinach and cheese blend, making sure every nook is packed with flavor.

Step 5: Craft the Blackening Spice Blend

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Combine these spices to create a bold, zesty coating.

Step 6: Season the Salmon

Thoroughly rub the spice mixture all over the salmon fillets, ensuring every inch gets a generous coating of flavor.

Step 7: Sear to Perfection

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the salmon fillets for 2 minutes on each side, creating a beautiful golden crust.

Step 8: Finish in the Oven

Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the salmon is perfectly cooked through and flakes easily.

Tips for Perfect Blackened Salmon Stuffed Rolls

• Pat salmon fillets dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• Use a sharp knife at a slight angle when creating pockets to prevent tearing the salmon and ensure even filling distribution.
• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature before mixing to blend smoothly with spinach and parmesan for a creamy filling.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on heat preference, reducing for mild palates or increasing for spice lovers.
• Sprinkle chopped fresh dill or parsley over the finished salmon to add brightness and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Flavor Variations on Blackened Salmon Rolls

• Mediterranean Herb Salmon: Replace spinach with chopped fresh dill, basil, and mint. Add crumbled feta cheese instead of parmesan for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Cajun Crab Stuffed Salmon: Swap spinach for lump crab meat, mix with cream cheese and green onions. Use Cajun seasoning blend for a spicier, Southern-style preparation.
• Asian Fusion Salmon: Use chopped bok choy and water chestnuts for filling. Season with ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil instead of traditional blackening spices.
• Southwest Salmon Roll: Incorporate roasted green chiles, pepper jack cheese, and cilantro into the filling. Use chili powder and cumin in the blackening seasoning for a Southwestern kick.

Ideal Pairings with Blackened Salmon Stuffed Rolls

• Elevate Citrus Freshness: Pair with a crisp, zesty lemon-infused sparkling water or a bright Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, spicy blackened salmon and complement its creamy spinach filling.
• Herbaceous Wine Match: Choose a light-bodied Pinot Grigio or an unoaked Chardonnay with herbal undertones that will enhance the garlic and parmesan notes without overwhelming the delicate fish.
• Cool Cucumber Contrast: Serve alongside a chilled cucumber salad dressed with dill and light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the salmon's bold, spicy blackening seasoning.

Storage Instructions for Blackened Salmon Rolls

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent moisture loss. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Wrap individual salmon portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place salmon on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking to prevent overcooking. Stop when the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

FAQs

• Is the spinach filling difficult to prepare?

The spinach filling is super easy to make. Just mix spinach, parmesan, cream cheese, and minced garlic in a small bowl. It takes less than 5 minutes and requires no special cooking skills.

• Can I adjust the spice level of the blackening seasoning?

Absolutely! You can reduce or increase cayenne pepper to control the heat. For a milder version, use less cayenne or omit it completely. For extra heat, add more cayenne or include red pepper flakes.

• What type of salmon works best for this recipe?

Fresh salmon fillets with skin removed work perfectly. Choose center-cut salmon pieces that are similar in size to ensure even cooking. Wild-caught or farm-raised salmon both work great.

Blackened Salmon Stuffed With Spinach & Parmesan Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Savory Blackened Salmon blends Mediterranean and Cajun flavors, creating a delightful seafood experience. Rich parmesan and tender spinach nestled inside perfectly seasoned salmon promise a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1/2 cup baby spinach, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) black pepper

Aromatics:

• 1 clove garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Prepare a creamy spinach and parmesan filling by blending the ingredients until smooth and well-incorporated.
2. Carefully create a horizontal pocket in each salmon fillet, ensuring not to cut completely through the fish.
3. Generously stuff the salmon pockets with the prepared spinach mixture, allowing it to fill the entire cavity.
4. Craft a robust blackening spice blend by combining aromatic ground spices in precise proportions.
5. Thoroughly massage the spice mixture onto the exterior of the stuffed salmon, ensuring complete and even coverage.
6. Sear the seasoned salmon in a scorching hot skillet for 2 minutes on each side, developing a deep caramelized crust.
7. Transition the skillet directly into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and roast for 10-12 minutes, allowing the fish to cook through while maintaining its moisture.
8. Verify doneness by checking that the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
9. Let the fish rest for 3-4 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a succulent final presentation.

Notes

• Create an even pocket in the salmon by carefully slicing with a sharp knife, ensuring not to cut through the entire fillet.
• Use fresh spinach and pat it dry thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the filling soggy.
• Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother filling consistency.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal spice tolerance, reducing for milder palates or increasing for heat lovers.
• Check salmon’s doneness by gently pressing the thickest part – it should flake easily and appear opaque throughout.
• For a gluten-free version, confirm all spices are certified gluten-free before preparation.
• Substitute dairy-free cream cheese alternative for lactose-intolerant individuals while maintaining similar texture.
• Fresh garlic provides more robust flavor compared to pre-minced jarred versions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg