01 -
First, get your oven going at 375°F (190°C) so it's heated by the time your salmon is ready to cook. While it heats, gather all your supplies and ingredients so you're good to go.
02 -
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the garlic and let it cook for about a minute until the smell fills the kitchen. Toss in the spinach and let it cook down for 2-3 minutes until it looks soft and bright green. Afterward, take it off the stove and let it cool.
03 -
Mix the cooked spinach with cream cheese, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs (if you're using them) in a bowl. Stir everything until it's blended well, then add salt and pepper to taste. This cheesy mix is your filling.
04 -
Cut a horizontal slit along the side of each salmon fillet, being careful not to go all the way through. The goal is to create a pocket for your filling. Sprinkle the inside and outside of the salmon with salt and pepper once you're done.
05 -
Carefully spoon some of the spinach and cheese blend into the pocket you created in each fillet. If the filling spills out a little, it's no problem—it'll look gorgeous after cooking.
06 -
In an oven-safe skillet, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Lay the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook them for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip them gently, then move the skillet to your hot oven. Let the salmon bake for around 10-12 minutes or until it's flaky and cooked perfectly.
07 -
Place the cooked salmon on plates, and put some lemon wedges on the side. Squeeze the lemon over the fish for a fresh citrus flavor that complements the rich stuffing. Enjoy while it's warm!