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Creamy Spinach Stuffed Salmon Recipe

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4.3 from 13 reviews

This Creamy Spinach Stuffed Salmon recipe features tender salmon fillets filled with a luscious mixture of cream cheese, spinach, parmesan, and garlic, then cooked to perfection either on the stovetop or oven-baked. A quick garlic butter sauce adds a flavorful finishing touch, making it a delicious and elegant meal ready in just 25 minutes.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Salmon and Seasoning

  • 4 skinless salmon fillets
  • 1 pinch salt (to season)
  • 1 pinch pepper (to season)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)

Spinach Filling

  • 4 ounces frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (finely grated)
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch pepper

Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the salmon fillets: Place each salmon fillet on a flat surface. Season both sides with salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Cut a slit or pocket about three-quarters through each fillet, careful not to slice all the way through.
  2. Prepare the spinach filling: Squeeze excess liquid out of the thawed spinach and discard the liquid. In a medium bowl, mix together the spinach, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Stuff the salmon fillets: Fill each salmon pocket with 1-2 tablespoons of the spinach mixture, spreading it evenly inside using the back of a spoon.
  4. Cook by stovetop method: Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil together in a skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed salmon and cook until golden on the bottom, about 6 to 7 minutes. Carefully flip the fillets and cook the other side until golden and cooked through, another 6-7 minutes depending on fillet size. Optionally, cover with a lid and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes if needed.
  5. Prepare garlic butter sauce (stovetop): Transfer cooked salmon to a warm plate. In the same pan, melt remaining butter in the leftover oil and juices. Add minced garlic and remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and serve the sauce alongside the salmon.
  6. Alternatively, cook by oven baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed salmon fillets in a lightly greased shallow baking pan. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until salmon is cooked through, opaque in the center, and flakes easily with a fork.
  7. Prepare garlic butter sauce (oven): Pour the pan juices into a skillet or frying pan. Add butter, garlic, and lemon juice, cooking over medium heat until garlic is fragrant (about 30 seconds). Remove from heat and serve the sauce with the salmon fillets.

Notes

  • Make sure to thoroughly drain the spinach to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
  • You can use either stovetop frying or oven baking methods depending on your preference and equipment.
  • If cooking stovetop, covering the pan after flipping helps cook the salmon evenly and keeps it moist.
  • Ensure the salmon pockets are not cut all the way through to keep the filling intact during cooking.
  • This recipe pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat