If you crave a dish that bursts with bright, fresh flavors while being incredibly easy to whip up, the Lemon Garlic Salmon and Shrimp Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. This one-pan wonder brings together tender salmon fillets and succulent shrimp sautéed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, enlivened by a splash of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests without a fuss, delivering a satisfying seafood experience that’s both healthy and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together beautifully, each adding its own touch of flavor, texture, or color to create the perfect harmony in the Lemon Garlic Salmon and Shrimp Skillet Recipe.
- Salmon fillets (2, about 6 oz each): Rich and flaky, they provide the hearty base for this dish.
- Large shrimp (8 oz, peeled and deveined): Adds a tender, slightly sweet contrast to the salmon.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with its irresistible savory aroma.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Creates a luscious, silky sauce that brings everything together.
- Lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon): Brightens the dish with a refreshing zing.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Adds a vibrant splash of green and fresh flavor at the end.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors perfectly.
- Cayenne pepper (a pinch, optional): For those who love a subtle spicy kick.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Salmon and Shrimp Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by giving your salmon fillets a quick rinse and patting them dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Peel and devein your shrimp if not already done. Having everything prepped upfront makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Place your skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. This step is key because the garlic infuses the butter with intense flavor, creating the aromatic base of your skillet dish.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Next, add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, flipping once, until they turn a lovely pink and curl up slightly. This quick cooking keeps them tender and juicy, complementing the salmon perfectly.
Step 4: Pan-Seared Salmon
Now nestle your salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Season with salt and pepper and let them cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes. This creates a glorious golden crust on the salmon skin, locking in moisture and flavor.
Step 5: Add Lemon and Simmer
Carefully squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon and shrimp, then reduce the heat slightly. Simmer everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. This citrusy zing elevates the entire dish, making it bright and refreshing.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the skillet for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness. Serve this beautiful seafood medley hot, ideally with rice or your favorite veggies alongside.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Salmon and Shrimp Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling freshly chopped parsley not only adds a burst of vibrant green but also a subtle earthy note that complements the garlic and lemon perfectly. A few lemon wedges on the side are also a lovely touch for guests to add a little extra zing if they wish.
Side Dishes
This skillet pairs wonderfully with steamed white or brown rice to soak up the buttery garlic sauce. Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a fresh green salad make excellent vegetable accompaniments, balancing the richness of the salmon and shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stylish touch, serve the salmon and shrimp skillet over a bed of linguine tossed lightly with olive oil and lemon zest. Or plate the seafood alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting twist. A rustic cast iron skillet presentation can also make the meal feel homey and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Freezing
The Lemon Garlic Salmon and Shrimp Skillet Recipe can be frozen, but seafood textures may change slightly. Freeze in a sealed container for up to one month, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the delicate flavors and avoid overcooking. Alternatively, use a microwave at medium power in short intervals until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before cooking to achieve the best texture and prevent excess water from diluting the flavors.
Is it necessary to use fresh lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice makes a noticeable difference in brightness and freshness, but bottled lemon juice can be a convenient backup in a pinch.
Can I substitute the butter with olive oil?
Yes, olive oil works well and adds a fruity depth. However, butter lends a richer, creamier sauce that perfectly balances the garlic and lemon in this recipe.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked properly?
The salmon should have a golden crust and flake easily with a fork but remain moist inside. Overcooking can make it dry, so keep a close eye especially in the last couple of minutes.
Can I add other herbs besides parsley?
Definitely! Fresh dill, basil, or chives also complement the flavors beautifully and can add a fresh twist to the classic skillet.
Final Thoughts
Sharing the Lemon Garlic Salmon and Shrimp Skillet Recipe with you feels like giving a warm hug on a plate. It’s an effortless, flavorful dish that brings the best from the sea right into your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or treating yourself, I promise this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite. Give it a try and enjoy every bite of that perfect lemony, garlicky goodness.
Print
Lemon Garlic Salmon and Shrimp Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A delicious and simple seafood dish featuring tender salmon fillets and juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter with a hint of lemon and fresh parsley, perfect for a quick and elegant meal.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 8 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Seasonings & Flavorings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Rinse the salmon fillets thoroughly under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done, ensuring they are clean and ready to cook.
- Heat Butter and Garlic: Place a skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, infusing the butter with garlic flavor.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for approximately 3 to 4 minutes, turning as needed, until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Cook Salmon: Arrange the salmon fillets skin-side down in the same skillet. Season them with salt, pepper, and the optional cayenne pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes to allow the skin to crisp and the salmon to develop a golden-brown color.
- Finish with Lemon and Simmer: Squeeze the juice of one fresh lemon over the shrimp and salmon, then reduce heat slightly and simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This helps to cook the salmon through gently until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the seafood for added color and freshness. Serve the salmon and shrimp hot, accompanied by rice or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are fully peeled and deveined before cooking for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not move the salmon fillets while cooking skin-side down to achieve a crispy skin.
- Adjust seasoning with cayenne pepper according to your desired spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or sautéed vegetables.
- Use fresh lemon juice immediately after squeezing for the best citrus flavor.
