Description
This Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Feta is a delicious and elegant seafood dish featuring tender salmon fillets filled with a savory mixture of sautéed spinach, creamy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe combines rich flavors and a pleasing texture while being easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Stuffing
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the stuffing: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in crumbled feta cheese, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix until combined and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prep the salmon: Rinse and pat dry the salmon fillets. Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly each fillet by slicing horizontally through the middle without cutting all the way through to form a pocket. Season the outside and inside of the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper evenly.
- Stuff the salmon: Spoon the spinach and feta mixture generously into each salmon pocket. Press the edges gently to seal the filling inside without squeezing out the stuffing.
- Cook the salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the stuffed salmon fillets in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking to keep the salmon moist and tender. Optionally, cover the skillet with a lid for the last 2 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked stuffed salmon onto serving plates. Serve warm with your choice of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your nutritious and flavorful meal!
Notes
- Ensure not to overfill the salmon pockets to prevent the stuffing from spilling out during cooking.
- For an extra crispy crust, you can finish the salmon under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after skillet cooking.
- Spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard for a different green flavor.
- Use fresh herbs like dill or parsley in the stuffing to enhance flavor.
- Leftover stuffed salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
