The Ultimate Creamy Spinach Stuffed Salmon Recipe: Pan-Seared or Oven-Baked Perfection

Prepare to elevate your salmon experience with this truly exceptional Pan-Seared or Oven-Baked Stuffed Salmon. Each succulent fillet is generously filled with a luscious, Creamy Spinach Dip, infused with garlic and parmesan, and then cooked to perfection in aromatic garlic butter. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a delightful culinary adventure that promises to be a new favorite way to enjoy salmon!

Forget bland fish dishes! Our Stuffed Salmon recipe bursts with an incredible, rich filling made from cream cheese, fresh spinach, sharp parmesan, and fragrant garlic. The harmonious blend of textures and flavors makes this dish truly stand out – it’s so good, it easily surpasses anything you might find in a restaurant. What’s even better? This versatile recipe offers both pan-fried and oven-baked methods, ensuring a perfect cook every time, whether you’re aiming for a crispy exterior or a tender, melt-in-your-mouth finish. Plus, it’s a fantastic low-carb option for those mindful of their diet.

Discover the Magic of Stuffed Salmon: A Recipe You’ll Adore

If you’ve never ventured into the world of stuffed salmon, this is your golden opportunity to create something truly spectacular. This recipe is designed for ease and speed, ensuring you can whip up an absolutely incredible meal in minutes. It flawlessly ticks all the boxes for a diverse and delicious salmon experience:

• Rich & Flavorful Filling: Succulent salmon fillets are generously filled with a creamy, savory mixture of cream cheese, nutrient-packed spinach, pungent garlic, and sharp parmesan cheese. This combination creates a depth of flavor and a luxurious texture that truly elevates the dish.
• Perfectly Cooked, Every Time: Whether you prefer the satisfying crunch of a pan-fried exterior or the gentle, moist tenderness of oven-baked fish, this recipe offers clear instructions for both methods. You choose your path to perfection!
• Irresistible Garlic Butter Finish: After cooking, each fillet is served in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, brightened with a hint of lemon juice. This final touch adds an extra layer of decadence and zest, complementing the rich filling beautifully.
• Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying and impressive. It’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to grace your table for special occasions. Prepare to receive rave reviews!

How To Make Stuffed Salmon: A Step-by-Step Guide

Inspired by the immense popularity and deliciousness of my Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken recipe, this Stuffed Salmon version delivers equally impressive flavors with remarkable ease. Many people often worry about the salmon falling apart during pan-frying or flipping, but I’m thrilled to assure you that with a few simple techniques, it holds together beautifully! However, if you’re still a bit apprehensive about cooking on the stovetop, rest easy! I’ve included a reliable oven-baked method in the recipe instructions below, allowing you to relax while your magnificent salmon bakes to flaky perfection.

Here are some crucial tips to ensure your stuffed salmon turns out flawlessly:

1. Precise Pocket Cutting: The key to a well-stuffed fillet is creating an evenly sized pocket. When cutting the slit into the side of each salmon fillet, aim for the very center. This ensures that both the top and bottom sections of the fillet have a similar thickness, which helps prevent the salmon from breaking apart and promotes even cooking. Stop cutting about three-quarters of the way through, leaving a hinge so the pocket can hold its filling securely.
2. Mindful Stuffing Quantity: While it might be tempting to overfill, resist the urge! Use just 1 to 2 tablespoons of the creamy spinach mixture per fillet. This amount is ideal for minimizing any oozing out during the cooking process, keeping your presentation neat and all that delicious filling locked inside.
3. Assistance for Pan-Frying: If you’re pan-frying, a little extra support can go a long way. When transferring the salmon to your pan or moving it around, use the end of a wooden spoon or a thin spatula to gently help push the fillet onto your main spatula. This prevents unnecessary stress on the stuffed pocket.
4. Flipping with Care: Flipping stuffed salmon requires a gentle hand. Use a second wooden spoon or spatula to support the top section of the salmon fillet as you carefully turn it. This two-handed technique provides stability and prevents the top from tearing away from the bottom.
5. Ensuring Even Cooking: Once you’ve flipped the salmon to cook on the second side, consider covering the pan with a lid for the last couple of minutes. This creates a steamy environment that helps the salmon cook through evenly and gently, ensuring it’s tender and moist inside without drying out, especially around the thicker parts.

Don’t let any leftover cream cheese mixture go to waste! It’s far too delicious. You have a couple of fantastic options:

• Transform into a Creamy Sauce: For an extra layer of flavor with your salmon, you can easily turn any remaining filling into a rich, creamy sauce. Simply follow the instructions in the Notes section of the recipe card to whisk it into a delectable topping for your finished dish.
• Save as a Dip: Alternatively, the reserved mixture makes a fantastic dip for crackers, vegetables, or even as a spread for sandwiches. Just transfer it to an airtight plastic container and refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for future enjoyment.

How to Thaw Cooked Salmon Fillets (for meal prep)

If you’re preparing this dish ahead of time or enjoying leftovers later, proper thawing is key to maintaining texture and flavor:

• Overnight Refrigeration: The safest and best method for thawing cooked salmon fillets is to transfer them from the freezer directly to the refrigerator. Allow them to defrost slowly overnight.
• Pat Dry Before Cooking: Before reheating or using, always remember to gently pat the thawed fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps remove any excess moisture, ensuring the salmon heats through beautifully and retains its desired texture.

Low Carb / Keto Stuffed Salmon: A Guilt-Free Indulgence

One of the many wonderful things about this recipe is that it naturally aligns with low-carb and Keto dietary plans! With its crispy exterior, creamy, flavorful filling, and tender, flaky salmon inside, it offers a truly satisfying meal without the carb count. It’s a fantastic option for anyone looking for a hearty, healthy, and delicious dish that fits their lifestyle.

Perfect Low Carb Sides for Stuffed Salmon

Complement your low-carb stuffed salmon with these equally delicious and healthy side dishes:

• Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli & Green Beans: A vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly easy sheet pan vegetable side.
• Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted with garlic and a sprinkle of cheese.
• Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with a delightful garlic flavor.
• Lo Carb Cauliflower Fried Rice: A delicious and light alternative to traditional fried rice, packed with flavor and vegetables.

Classic Sides to Serve with Stuffed Salmon

For those not following a low-carb diet, these classic sides perfectly complement the rich flavors of our stuffed salmon:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate comfort food that pairs beautifully with the rich salmon and garlic butter sauce.
• Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes: A flavorful alternative with a delightful crispy texture.
• Fluffy Rice: Simple white or brown rice can absorb the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Pasta: A light pasta dish, perhaps tossed with lemon and herbs, would be an excellent accompaniment.
• Crusty Bread: Don’t forget some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible garlic butter!

Best Wine Pairings for Stuffed Salmon

This Creamy Spinach Stuffed Salmon is a rich and decadent dish, deserving of a thoughtfully chosen wine to enhance its flavors. Here are some of the best wine pairings:

• Chardonnay (unoaked or lightly oaked): A classic pairing for salmon. Look for an unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnay to complement the creamy filling without overpowering the fish. Its crisp acidity and sometimes buttery notes will harmonize wonderfully.
• Sauvignon Blanc: With its bright acidity and herbaceous notes, Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and garlic butter, offering a refreshing contrast.
• Pinot Gris (Pinot Grigio): This white wine is typically dry, crisp, and refreshing, often featuring notes of citrus and green apple. It’s a versatile choice that won’t compete with the robust flavors of the salmon.
• A Crisp Rosé: A dry, crisp rosé, particularly one with good acidity, can be a surprisingly excellent match. Its fruity undertones can complement the salmon while its crispness provides a refreshing balance to the rich filling.
• Light-Bodied Pinot Noir (Red Option): For those who prefer red wine, a very light-bodied and fruit-forward Pinot Noir, served slightly chilled, can work. Its subtle earthy notes and red fruit profile can surprisingly complement salmon without being too heavy.

Watch How We Make Creamy Spinach Stuffed Salmon in Garlic Butter!

Need More Salmon Recipes? Explore These Delicious Options!

If you’re hooked on salmon and looking for more incredible ways to prepare this versatile fish, check out these other fantastic recipes from our collection:

• Tuscan Salmon: A creamy and vibrant dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
• Easy Honey Garlic Salmon: A perfect balance of sweet and savory, quick enough for any weeknight.
• Parmesan Crusted Salmon: For those who love a crispy, cheesy coating on their fish.
• Lemon Herb Baked Salmon: A simple yet flavorful dish with fresh herbs and bright lemon.
• Spicy Sriracha Salmon: For a kick, try salmon glazed with a tangy and spicy Sriracha sauce.