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Pan-seared Creamy Spinach and Parmesan Stuffed Salmon fillets with a golden blackened crust served on a platter.

Creamy Spinach and Parmesan Stuffed Salmon

Restaurant-style pan-seared salmon stuffed with a garlic-infused spinach, Greek yogurt, feta, and Parmesan filling, coated in a smoky Mediterranean spice rub.[/recipe_summary]
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon & Blackened Rub:
  • - 4 center-cut salmon fillets approx. 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless
  • - 1-2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • - 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • - 1 tsp garlic powder
  • - 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • - 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • - 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Filling:
  • - 2 cups fresh baby spinach or 4 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed entirely dry
  • - 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • - 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • - 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • - 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • - 1 tsp fresh lemon zest
  • - Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

Prepare the Filling:
  1. Sauté fresh spinach in a pan with a drop of olive oil for 2 minutes until wilted. Let cool and squeeze out all excess liquid using paper towels. In a bowl, combine the squeezed spinach, Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Cut Pockets:
  1. Lay salmon fillets flat on a cutting board and pat completely dry. Using a sharp knife, slice a horizontal pocket into the side of each fillet, leaving a 1/2-inch border along the edges.
Season and Stuff:
  1. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Rub spices generously over the outside of all fillets. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of filling into each pocket.
Pan-Sear:
  1. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place stuffed salmon in the hot pan and cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until a deep crust forms.
Flip and Finish:
  1. Carefully flip with a fish spatula, reduce heat to medium, and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until cooked through and cheese is melty. Serve warm with lemon wedges.

Notes

- Do not overstuff the pockets to ensure filling remains intact during flipping.
- If using frozen spinach, squeeze out 100% of moisture to avoid a runny filling.
- Internal temperature of cooked salmon should reach 145°F (63°C).