Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan

### Instructions

#### **Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing**
1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts down, about 3-4 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and add the red pepper flakes (if using) for a little heat.
3. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the spinach to cool slightly.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the cooked spinach, cream cheese, ricotta cheese (if using), and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the mixture is well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Set aside.

#### **Step 2: Prepare the Salmon**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. If the salmon fillets have skin on, carefully remove the skin using a sharp knife. You can keep the skin on if you prefer, but removing it makes the stuffing easier to work with.
3. Use a sharp knife to cut a slit along the side of each salmon fillet to create a pocket for the stuffing. Be careful not to cut all the way through the fillet.
4. Stuff each salmon fillet with the spinach and Parmesan mixture, dividing the stuffing evenly between the four fillets. Press gently to ensure the stuffing stays in place.

#### **Step 3: Blacken the Salmon**
1. In a small bowl, combine all of the blackened seasoning ingredients. Mix well until fully combined.
2. Rub the blackened seasoning mixture generously over both sides of each salmon fillet. Make sure each fillet is evenly coated with the spices for that bold, blackened flavor.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed salmon fillets to the skillet, skin-side down (if the skin is still on).
4. Sear the salmon for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the fish develops a crispy, blackened crust. Be careful not to burn the spices, but ensure the fillets are nicely browned.

#### **Step 4: Bake the Salmon**
1. Once the salmon fillets are seared on both sides, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
2. Bake the salmon for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon should be cooked through, with a tender, flaky texture. You can check for doneness by gently pressing the center of the fillet with a fork—if it flakes easily, it’s ready.

#### **Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**
1. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the salmon rest for a minute before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, and serve with your favorite side dishes. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or a simple grain like quinoa or rice.

### Tips for Perfect Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan

– **Customize the Stuffing:** Feel free to add other ingredients to the stuffing, such as chopped artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a little crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor.
– **Make it Spicy:** If you love heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the blackened seasoning or add extra red pepper flakes to the stuffing.
– **Choose the Right Salmon:** Wild-caught salmon has a richer flavor, but farmed salmon works well for this recipe too. Choose fillets that are firm and not too thin to avoid overcooking.
– **Don’t Overcook the Salmon:** Salmon is best when it’s still moist and tender. Keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure the fillets don’t dry out.

### Why You’ll Love Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan

This dish offers a perfect balance of rich and creamy stuffing with the bold, spicy flavors of blackened seasoning. The tender, flaky salmon complements the savory stuffing, making every bite an explosion of flavor. Whether you’re an avid seafood fan or just starting to explore fish dishes, this **Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan** is a crowd-pleaser that will elevate any meal.

The combination of flavors is incredibly satisfying—rich and creamy from the cheese and spinach stuffing, with a bit of spice and crispness from the blackened crust. Plus, it’s packed with healthy omega-3s from the salmon and nutrients from the spinach, making it both a delicious and nutritious choice.

### Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to wow your family or dinner guests with a flavorful, easy-to-make seafood dish, **Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan** is the way to go. This recipe takes a simple salmon fillet and transforms it into something extraordinary, all while being relatively quick and easy to prepare. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will be a hit every time.

So, grab your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and treat yourself to a plate of **Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan**—a truly delightful seafood feast!