Description
Savor Mediterranean magic with this spinach stuffed salmon recipe that blends zesty herbs and creamy feta into a luxurious seafood experience. Rich flavors and elegant presentation make this dish perfect for sophisticated dinner guests seeking delightful culinary moments.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 salmon fillets (6-ounces)
- 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese (softened)
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1/2 cup (57g) mozzarella (shredded)
- 1/3 cup (33g) parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (15g) frozen spinach (thawed and drained of water)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the vibrant spinach stuffing by thoroughly blending softened cream cheese with mozzarella, Parmesan, thawed spinach, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl. Allow mixture to rest at room temperature while prepping salmon.
- Position salmon fillets skin-side down on a cutting board. Massage olive oil, salt, and pepper into the fish. Carefully slice a deep pocket along the thickest section of each fillet, ensuring sufficient space for stuffing.
- Generously fill each salmon pocket with spinach mixture, allowing some filling to naturally overflow for enhanced flavor development.
- Preheat skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil, butter, and lemon juice until ingredients begin sizzling. Carefully place salmon fillets skin-side down, cooking undisturbed for approximately 6 minutes to achieve crispy skin texture.
- Gently flip salmon fillets and baste with pan juices. Continue cooking for an additional 5-6 minutes until fish is completely cooked through and skin appears golden and crisp.
- Transfer salmon to serving plates, finishing with a light drizzle of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately while warm for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth blending and even cooking, especially for cream cheese and spinach mixture.
- Create a clean, deep pocket in salmon fillets carefully to maximize stuffing capacity without tearing the fish.
- Pat salmon dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfectly crispy exterior when searing.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking to maintain consistent heat and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Let salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the fish moist and tender.
- For a lighter version, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt and reduce butter quantity.
- Swap mozzarella for feta cheese to add a tangy Mediterranean twist to the stuffing.
- Gluten-free diets can enjoy this recipe as-is without modifications.
- Add extra red pepper flakes for more heat or reduce for a milder flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 486
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 106mg