This recipe sounds incredible—it’s essentially a high-end steakhouse meal made right in your kitchen. The combination of the rich cream cheese filling and the buttery garlic shrimp creates a perfect texture contrast with the seared salmon.
As requested, here is the full, organized recipe for your records.
🐟 Creamed Spinach-Stuffed Salmon with Garlic Shrimp
Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 20 mins | Servings: 2
Nutrition: ~520 Calories | ~45g Protein per serving
Ingredients
For the Salmon & Filling
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2 large Salmon fillets (skin-on or off)
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1 cup Chopped spinach (fresh or frozen, squeezed very dry)
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2 oz Cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup Shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese
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1 tbsp Heavy cream
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1 Garlic clove, minced
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1 tbsp Olive oil
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1 tbsp Lemon juice
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Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and paprika (to taste)
For the Garlic Shrimp
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½ lb Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 tbsp Butter
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1 Garlic clove, minced
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1 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
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Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat
Recommended Sides
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Steamed Rice: 1 cup dry, cooked according to package instructions.
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Roasted Asparagus: 1 bunch, tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Creamed Spinach Filling
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the spinach, cream cheese, heavy cream, minced garlic, and shredded cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prep and Stuff the Salmon
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The Pocket: Using a sharp paring knife, cut a slit horizontally into the thickest part of the salmon fillet to create a pocket (be careful not to cut all the way through).
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The Stuffing: Spoon the spinach mixture generously into the pocket of each fillet.
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Season: Rub the outside of the salmon with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Sear the Salmon
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets in the pan. Sear for 4–5 minutes per side until the crust is golden brown and the salmon is cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove from the pan and let rest.
4. Sizzle the Garlic Shrimp
In the same skillet (or a fresh one), melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and shrimp. Sauté for 2–3 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Toss in the parsley and optional red pepper flakes.
5. Prepare the Sides
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Asparagus: While the salmon cooks, roast the asparagus at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes.
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Rice: Prepare your steamed rice using your preferred quick-cook method.
6. Assemble and Serve
Place a bed of rice on each plate, add the roasted asparagus, and top with the stuffed salmon fillet. Pile the garlic shrimp directly on top of the salmon and drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the entire dish.
💡 Pro-Tips for Success
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Keep it Dry: If using frozen spinach, squeeze it in a kitchen towel until no liquid remains. This prevents the filling from becoming watery inside the fish.
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Toothpick Hack: If your salmon fillets are thin and the stuffing is falling out, use a toothpick to “stitch” the opening closed while searing.
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The “Pan Flip”: Flip the salmon carefully using a wide spatula to ensure the stuffing stays intact.