Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

Salmon is not only a delicious fish but also packed with nutrients, making it a popular choice for many home cooks. The Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon recipe elevates this already flavorful fish to new heights by combining it with a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic and herbs. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion and can be served with various sides, making it versatile and appealing to all.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1 Preparing the Salmon

1. Select the salmon: Choose fresh salmon fillets with a bright color and no strong fishy odor. Make sure they are well-trimmed, with no bones remaining. If you find any pin bones, use tweezers to remove them.
2. Pat dry: Use paper towels to pat the salmon fillets dry. Removing excess moisture helps achieve a better sear and prevents steaming during cooking.
3. Season the salmon: Generously season both sides of each fillet with salt and black pepper. If desired, sprinkle a little Italian seasoning over the top.

2 Making the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Melt the butter: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Swirl the pan to coat the bottom evenly.
2. Add the garlic: Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
3. Add the cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
4. Stir in cheese and seasoning: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s fully melted and incorporated. Mix in the lemon juice and any additional seasonings, adjusting to taste.

3 Cooking the Salmon

1. Heat the skillet: In a separate large skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once melted and hot, carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin side down (if applicable).
2. Cook the salmon: Sear the salmon for about 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving it. This allows for a nice crust to form. Check for doneness; the salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
3. Flip the salmon: Gently flip each fillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the second side. If you have skin-on salmon, it should easily release from the pan when ready to flip.
4. Combine with the sauce: Once the salmon is cooked through, reduce the heat to low and pour the creamy garlic butter sauce over the fillets. Allow it to simmer for another minute or two to warm through and meld the flavors.

4 Combining and Serving

1. Plate the salmon: Carefully transfer the salmon fillets to serving plates, spooning the creamy sauce over the top.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor. If desired, add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
3. Serve: Serve immediately with your choice of sides and enjoy the rich, creamy flavors of this delightful dish!

Tips for Perfect Salmon

1 Choosing the Right Salmon

• Wild-caught vs. farmed: Wild-caught salmon, such as sockeye or king salmon, tends to have a richer flavor and firmer texture compared to farmed varieties. However, farmed salmon is more readily available and usually less expensive.
• Check for freshness: Look for moist, bright-colored fillets without any discoloration. The fish should smell fresh and mild, not overly fishy.

2 Cooking Techniques

• Pan-searing: This method helps achieve a beautifully seared exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your fillets.
• Oven baking: If you prefer, you can bake the salmon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Pour the sauce over the salmon and bake together for the last 5 minutes for a creamy finish.

3 Sauce Variations

• Add veggies: Feel free to add sliced mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. Simply sauté them with the garlic before adding the cream.
• Different cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or cream cheese for a unique twist on the sauce.
• Herbs and spices: Try adding fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or basil for added freshness. You can also experiment with spices like paprika or curry powder for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

1 Side Dishes

• Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make for healthy, colorful side options that complement the rich salmon.
• Rice or quinoa: Serve your creamy garlic butter salmon over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes pair beautifully with the salmon and sauce.

2 Garnishes and Enhancements

• Fresh lemon wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of brightness.
• Extra herbs: Garnish with fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives for added flavor and color.

Storing and Reheating

1 Storing

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover creamy garlic butter salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld even more, making for a delicious leftover meal.

2 Reheating

• Microwave: To reheat, place the salmon in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely with a paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Alternatively, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

• Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just ensure to thaw it properly in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

• You can use half-and-half for a lighter option or coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind that using lighter dairy products may alter the creaminess of the sauce.

How can I tell if the salmon is cooked through?

• The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). It should also appear opaque and flake easily with a fork.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently before pouring it over the cooked salmon.

Conclusion

The Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon recipe is a delightful combination of rich flavors and tender salmon fillets, making it a fantastic dish for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a special celebration or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.

With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish can become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Don’t hesitate to get creative with the sauce or sides—this recipe is all about personal preference and finding what you love best.

Yield: 4

Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

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Salmon is not only a delicious fish but also packed with nutrients, making it a popular choice for many home cooks. The Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon recipe elevates this already flavorful fish to new heights by combining it with a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic and herbs. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion and can be served with various sides, making it versatile and appealing to all.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon slices (for serving, optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon:

• Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Cook the Salmon:

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil.
• Once hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy.
• Carefully flip the salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and allow it to melt.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
• Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.

4. Add Cheese:

• Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

5. Combine:

• Return the cooked salmon to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Allow it to warm through for 1-2 minutes.

6. Serve:

• Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon slices if desired. Enjoy with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad!

Notes

Variations: Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storage: Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.

Serving Suggestions: This creamy garlic butter salmon pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or steamed vegetables.