Juicy salmon fillets are filled with a luscious spinach, garlic, and cream cheese mixture, then pan-seared to crispy perfection. This stuffed salmon recipe is rich, flavorful, and perfect for an impressive yet easy dinner!
4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on, boneless)
2 cups fresh spinach
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salt, to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 to 4 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese until fully combined. Let the mixture cool slightly.
Carefully cut a horizontal pocket into each salmon fillet, being careful not to slice all the way through.
Stuff each salmon pocket generously with the spinach and cream cheese filling.
In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the stuffed salmon fillets.
In the same skillet, heat another drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Sear the salmon fillets, skin-side down, for 3 to 4 minutes until crispy. Flip and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon before serving.
Serve immediately with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, quinoa, or rice.
Make sure not to overstuff the fillets to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking
For an extra crispy skin, ensure the skillet is hot before adding the salmon
If preferred, bake the stuffed salmon at 375°F for 15–18 minutes instead of pan-searing
Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days