Creamy Stuffed Spinach Salmon Recipe
This Creamy Stuffed Spinach Salmon recipe features tender salmon fillets filled with a luscious mixture of spinach, cream cheese, parmesan, and a hint of red chili flakes. Pan-fried to golden perfection and finished with a buttery lemon sauce, it’s a quick and elegant meal perfect for a nutritious dinner in just 25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (skinless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Spinach Filling
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons water
- 4 oz cream cheese (at room temperature)
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Finishing Sauce and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Lemon wedges (to garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (to garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Brush 1 tablespoon of olive oil over both sides of the salmon fillets and season them with salt and pepper to taste.
- Create Pockets: Cut a slit horizontally through the middle of each salmon fillet to create a pocket without slicing all the way through. Set aside.
- Sauté Spinach: Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Add the fresh spinach and 2 tablespoons of water, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove and roughly chop the spinach.
- Make Filling: In a wide bowl, combine the chopped spinach, cream cheese, grated parmesan, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to form a creamy filling.
- Stuff Salmon: Spoon the spinach cheese mixture into the salmon pockets carefully, filling each fillet evenly.
- Cook Salmon: Reheat the skillet over medium heat, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Place the stuffed salmon fillets in the skillet and fry until the bottoms are crispy and golden, about 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes, totaling about 7-8 minutes, until salmon is cooked through. Transfer the salmon to a plate.
- Prepare Sauce and Finish: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and lemon juice. Simmer the sauce for 30 seconds, then return the salmon to the skillet. Cook for an additional minute to coat the salmon in the lemon butter sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the stuffed salmon with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley. Serve warm for a delicious, creamy meal.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Adjust red chili flakes according to your spice preference.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets.
- If preferred, use low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories.
- The lemon butter sauce adds a bright finishing touch and a lovely gloss to the dish.
