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To create a delicious creamy garlic spinach stuffed salmon, gather these simple ingredients: - 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Lemon wedges, for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish flavorful and creamy. The salmon fillets serve as a perfect base, while the spinach and garlic add depth. Cream cheese and Parmesan give the stuffing its rich texture. Seasonings like red pepper flakes bring a slight kick, and lemon juice brightens it all up. Don’t forget the olive oil for cooking and the lemon wedges for serving, which add a fresh touch to each bite. Enjoy preparing this dish with these fresh and tasty ingredients! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key. A hot oven ensures even cooking. While the oven warms up, you can prepare the filling. In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté them for about 1 minute. The garlic should smell great. Next, add 1 cup of chopped spinach. Cook it until it wilts, which should take 2 to 3 minutes. Once done, take it off the heat. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach mix with 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is creamy and well mixed. Take your 4 salmon fillets and make a pocket in each. Slice them horizontally, but don’t cut all the way through. This pocket will hold the filling. Next, fill each salmon fillet with the creamy spinach mixture. Press gently to secure the filling inside. Place the stuffed salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. The salmon should be cooked through and flake easily with a fork. Once baked, remove them from the oven. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish with lemon wedges for a zesty touch. When picking salmon, look for bright, shiny skin. The flesh should be firm and spring back when pressed. Fresh salmon has a clean, ocean smell, not fishy. If you can, buy wild-caught salmon. It often has better taste and texture. To stuff salmon well, first cut a pocket in each fillet. Use a sharp knife and make the cut deep but not all the way through. This keeps your filling inside. Pack the creamy spinach mixture tightly for the best flavor. Use a spoon or your fingers to help push it in. Cooking time for salmon can vary. Bake stuffed salmon at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes. It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork. If your fillets are thicker, add a few extra minutes. Always check the center; it should be opaque and moist. Pro Tips Fresh Spinach is Key: Always use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture. Wilted spinach can lead to a mushy filling. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a less spicy filling, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. Check for Doneness: Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. Use a meat thermometer for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to substitute the Parmesan with feta or mozzarella for a different flavor profile! {{image_2}} You can change the stuffing to suit your taste. Try adding cooked shrimp for a seafood twist. Crumbled feta cheese gives a nice tang. Or, use sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor. You can also mix in herbs like dill or basil. Each option brings its own unique taste. Experiment with what you like best! If you want to switch the fish, go ahead! Try using tilapia, cod, or trout. These fish also work well with the creamy spinach mix. Each fish has a different flavor and texture. Just adjust cooking time based on the fish you choose. This keeps the dish fresh and exciting. To enhance the taste, add spices or herbs to the filling. A pinch of smoked paprika brings depth. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add brightness. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can give a savory kick. Feel free to mix and match flavors that you love. This way, every bite remains fun and surprising! To store your creamy garlic spinach stuffed salmon, let it cool first. Once cooled, place the salmon in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you have extra filling, store that in a separate container. To reheat your stuffed salmon, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Heat on low power for 1-2 minutes. Check that it is warm all the way through. If you want to freeze stuffed salmon, do it before baking. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw the salmon in the fridge overnight. Bake it as you normally would for fresh salmon. You can tell salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. The inside should be a light pink color. Use a food thermometer if you have one. The safe internal temperature for salmon is 145°F (63°C). It is best to check it after about 15 minutes of baking. Yes, you can make the filling ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge for up to two days. This way, you save time when you are ready to cook. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before stuffing the salmon. Stuffed salmon goes well with many side dishes. I love serving it with steamed asparagus or a fresh salad. Roasted vegetables also make a great choice. You can even add rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. Yes, you can grill stuffed salmon! Just wrap the salmon in foil to keep the filling from falling out. Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to check for doneness as it cooks faster on the grill. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious stuffed salmon. We covered the key ingredients, from salmon and spinach to cream cheese and seasonings. You learned step-by-step instructions to prepare, stuff, and bake the salmon perfectly. I also shared tips on choosing fresh salmon and ideas for variations. Remember, you can adjust the stuffing to suit your taste. Enjoy experimenting and make this dish your own! With the right methods, stuffed salmon can be a quick and tasty meal for any night.

Creamy Garlic Spinach Stuffed Salmon

Delicious salmon fillets stuffed with a creamy garlic spinach mixture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets salmon (6 oz each)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • as needed lemon wedges, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach and garlic with cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well-mixed and creamy.
  • Carefully cut a pocket into each salmon fillet by slicing it horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through.
  • Stuff each salmon fillet with the creamy spinach mixture, pressing gently to secure the filling.
  • Place stuffed salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  • Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with lemon wedges for a zesty finish.

Notes

Serve the stuffed salmon on a colorful platter, drizzled with a bit of olive oil, alongside some steamed asparagus or a fresh side salad for a beautiful meal.
Keyword creamy, garlic, salmon, spinach, stuffed