Stuffed Salmon

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5 from 32 votes
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This stuffed salmon recipe cooks in under 20 minutes and makes an easy, elegant dinner. It yields tender and flaky salmon with a creamy, cheesy spinach center.

stuffed salmon.

★★★★★ REVIEW 

“Just made it, along with twice-baked potatoes and broccoli. It was amazing…I was not a fan of salmon, but this one has made me a fan… Thank you for sharing…” – Joyce

Table of Contents
  1. Ingredients needed
  2. How to make stuffed salmon
  3. Arman’s recipe tips
  4. Storage instructions
  5. Serving suggestions
  6. Stuffed Salmon (Recipe Card)

This cheese and spinach-stuffed salmon is one of my go-to dinners when I need something elegant and satisfying…but easy to make. From prep to plate, stuffed salmon cooks in just 20 minutes. It’s accidentally low-carb and full of flavor- Every bite features perfectly cooked, flaky fish with a creamy, cheesy spinach filling. It’s no wonder my family requested it every week!

I typically cook the salmon in the skillet, but I’ve included alternative cooking methods so you have options.

If you love cooking salmon like we do, try my salmon Wellington, salmon bowls, miso salmon, and coho salmon next.

Ingredients needed

  • Salmon. I like to use skinless fillets of an even size and thickness for this recipe. Opt for thicker salmon, as it makes it easier to stuff.
  • Olive oil and butter. We’ll use olive oil to rub into the salmon with the seasonings, and the butter to pan-fry them.
  • Kosher salt and black pepper. To taste. 
  • Lemon juice. Finishing the salmon with a splash of lemon juice gives it a refreshing citrusy kick.

For the spinach filling. 

  • Spinach. I prefer using baby spinach as there is much less prep work than traditional English spinach. Of course, if that is all you have, that is fine. Frozen spinach also works, but you’ll need to thaw it first.
  • Cream cheese and parmesan cheese. For crreaminess, richness, and flavor.
  • Italian seasoning. I find the all-in-one mix adds extra flavor.
  • Salt and pepper. To taste. 

How to make stuffed salmon

This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

sliced salmon filets.

Step 1 – Prep. Pat salmon dry, rub with olive oil, and season both sides with salt and pepper. Slice slits lengthwise.

spinach and cheese filling.

Step 2 – Make the filling. Sauté spinach with a splash of water, drain, and add to a bowl. Mix in cream cheese, parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

stuffed raw salmon fillets.

Step 3 – Stuff. Stuff salmon pockets with the cheese mixture and secure with toothpicks if needed.

seared stuffed salmon.

Step 4- Cook. Heat butter in a non-stick pan and cook stuffed fillets for 6–7 minutes per side on medium heat.

Arman’s recipe tips

  • The cuts in the salmon should be deep enough to fit some filling but not as deep as to cause the salmon to break. If anything, err on the side of caution.
  • Use center-cut salmon fillets. The centerpieces of salmon are thicker and work well for stuffing. 
  • You’ll know the salmon is cooked once it reaches an internal temperature of 145F. Use a meat thermometer to check.
  • Prepare the filling ahead of time. You can prepare the cheese filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Having the filling ready will make the dinner preparation even faster. 

Storage instructions

To store. Transfer leftover salmon to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

To reheat. The best way to reheat leftovers is in the oven. Loosely cover the fish with foil and reheat it in the oven at 180C/350F for 5-6 minutes.  

To freeze. You can also freeze leftovers too. Once the salmon cools, transfer it into an airtight container or bag and freeze it for up to 3 months. Defrost the salmon in the fridge before you reheat it. 

spinach stuffed salmon.

Serving suggestions

If you are wondering what is good to eat with stuffed salmon, here are some of my family’s favorites that pair beautifully with it:

If you tried this stuffed salmon recipe or any other recipe on my website, please rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. It really helps others thinking of making the recipe.

stuffed salmon recipe.

Stuffed Salmon

5 from 32 votes
This stuffed salmon recipe features a creamy cheese and spinach filling enveloped in perfectly cooked fish. It’s quick to make and easy to customize! Watch the video below to see how I make this in my kitchen.
Servings: 4 servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes

Video

Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • Pat dry the salmon fillets, then drizzle the olive oil over them. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Cut slits in the salmon lengthways, ensuring you don’t cut too deeply so that the salmon breaks. 
  • In a small saucepan, saute the spinach with one tablespoon of water until wilted. Drain the spinach, then add it to a bowl. Add the cream cheese, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, and mix well.
  • Stuff the salmon fillets with the spinach filling and if needed, use a toothpick to seal the ends.
  • Add the butter to a non-stick skillet and place over medium heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets and cook for dix minutes, flip, and cook for another six minutes Once the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145F, drizzle with lemon juice and serve.

Notes

Air fryer method: Just like air fryer salmon or air fryer salmon bites, add the stuffed salmon to a greased air fryer basket. Air fry at 200C/400F for 11 minutes. 
Oven baking method: Similar to my baked salmon in foil, this method is a little longer, but it’s much more hands-off. It’s also easier to control the filling. To bake, place the stuffed salmon on a greased baking tray or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until crisp on top.
TO STORE: Transfer leftover stuffed salmon to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. 
TO REHEAT: The best way to reheat cheese-stuffed salmon is in the fridge. Loosely cover the fish with foil and reheat it in the oven preheated to 180C/350F. 
TO FREEZE: You can also freeze leftovers too. Once the salmon cools, transfer it into an airtight container or bag and freeze it for up to 3 months. Defrost the salmon in the fridge before you reheat it.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 39gFat: 19gSodium: 630mgPotassium: 1045mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 2563IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 165mgIron: 2mgNET CARBS: 3g
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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      1. 5 stars
        Just made it, along with twice baked potatoes and broccoli.. It was amazing…I was not a fan of salmon, but this one has made me a fan… Thank you for sharing…