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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare a creamy spinach and parmesan filling by blending the ingredients until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Carefully create a horizontal pocket in each salmon fillet, ensuring not to cut completely through the fish.
- Generously stuff the salmon pockets with the prepared spinach mixture, allowing it to fill the entire cavity.
- Craft a robust blackening spice blend by combining aromatic ground spices in precise proportions.
- Thoroughly massage the spice mixture onto the exterior of the stuffed salmon, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Sear the seasoned salmon in a scorching hot skillet for 2 minutes on each side, developing a deep caramelized crust.
- 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.
- Verify doneness by checking that the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- 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