Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon recipe offers a rich and indulgent way to enjoy tender, seared salmon fillets bathed in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce enriched with parmesan and a hint of lemon. Perfect for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner, this dish combines simple ingredients with elegant flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- â…“ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and sear them for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and just cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Build the Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the chicken broth or dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Allow the liquid to reduce by half over 2 to 3 minutes.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and Italian seasoning into the skillet. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly to a creamy consistency.
- Finish & Serve: Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to let the flavors meld and ensure the salmon is heated through. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot, optionally sprinkling red pepper flakes if you desire a spicy kick.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh salmon fillets with the skin on to help keep the fish moist while searing.
- Feel free to substitute chicken broth with dry white wine or vegetable broth depending on preference and dietary needs.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a little longer or add a small slurry of cornstarch mixed with water.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes depending on your taste preference.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and gently reheated on the stovetop.
