Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach and Parmesan Flavor

Ingredients

• 4 fillets salmon (6 oz each)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 2 cream cheese, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 2 dried thyme
• to taste salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
• as needed lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling: In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, around 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Mix the stuffing: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach and garlic, softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined and set aside.
3. Prepare the salmon: Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket in the center of each salmon fillet, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season the fillets with paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper on both sides.
4. Stuff the salmon: Take the spinach and cheese mixture and carefully stuff it into each salmon pocket. Be generous with the filling, but ensure it is securely stuffed to prevent it from falling out while cooking.
5. Cook the salmon: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the stuffed salmon fillets, skin side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, then carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and the outside is blackened and crispy.
6. Rest and serve: Remove the salmon from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh squeeze of citrus to brighten the dish.