🔥 Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan

(Mediterranean Style)

✨ Ingredients (Serves 2–4)

For the Salmon

• 2–4 salmon fillets (skin on or off)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Blackened Seasoning (Mediterranean Inspired)

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, deeper flavor)

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• ¼ tsp turmeric (Mediterranean touch)

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Spinach–Parmesan Stuffing

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup ricotta or Greek yogurt (Mediterranean option)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional:

  • 2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

  • 1 tbsp lemon zest

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🍽️ Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Stuffing

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan.

2. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds.

3. Add spinach and cook until wilted (1–2 minutes).

4. Remove from heat and mix in:

   • Ricotta or Greek yogurt

   • Parmesan

   • Salt & pepper

   • (Optional) sun-dried tomatoes + lemon zest

5. Let the mixture cool slightly.

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2️⃣ Prep the Salmon

1. Using a sharp knife, make a deep slit in the center of each salmon fillet to create a pocket.

2. Brush the outside with olive oil.

3. Rub generously with the blackened seasoning mixture.

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3️⃣ Stuff the Salmon

• Spoon the spinach-parmesan filling into each pocket.

• Pack it in firmly so it stays in place during cooking.

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4️⃣ Cook the Salmon (Choose One Method)

🔥 Pan-Seared + Oven Finish (Best Results)

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high with a little olive oil.

2. Sear salmon 2–3 minutes per side.

3. Transfer to oven at 200°C / 400°F for 8–12 minutes.

🔥 Oven Only

• Bake at 200°C / 400°F for 14–18 minutes.

🔥 Air Fryer

• 190°C / 375°F for 10–12 minutes.

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5️⃣ Finish & Serve

• Squeeze fresh lemon on top.

• Garnish with parsley or basil.

• Serve with:

  • Roasted veggies

  • Lemon couscous

  • Greek salad

  • Garlic spinach

  • Quinoa

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🌿 Mediterranean Tips

• Add feta to the stuffing for a stronger Mediterranean punch.

• Add olive tapenade or sun-dried tomatoes on top before baking.

• Replace ricotta with thick Greek yogurt for a lighter dish.