Ingredients
Scale
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients—fresh salmon and vibrant spinach make all the difference. Whenever I shop for this recipe, I look for wild-caught salmon if possible, but fresh farmed works too. For the spinach, baby leaves are tender and cook quickly, which keeps the stuffing light and fresh. Parmesan adds that salty, nutty punch that brings everything together. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap parmesan for pecorino or add a pinch of nutmeg to the spinach mixture for a warm twist.
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra texture)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano and basil)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chopped spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted and most moisture evaporates, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs (if using), lemon juice, dried herbs, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into the side of each salmon fillet, making sure not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff each salmon fillet generously with the spinach and parmesan mixture. Press gently to secure the stuffing.
- Place the stuffed salmon on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle a little olive oil on top and sprinkle extra Parmesan if desired.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The stuffing should be golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to handle.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Salmon Stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan, recipe, cooking, food
