Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon recipe is a rich, easy-to-make dish featuring tender salmon fillets seared to perfection and topped with a luscious garlic butter cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe combines silky heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and a hint of lemon for a flavorful and indulgent experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 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
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the fillets and cook the other side for another 4 to 5 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.
- Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and let it melt over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth or dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Let the liquid reduce by half, which should take 2 to 3 minutes.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until it has thickened slightly to a creamy consistency.
- Finish & Serve: Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic butter sauce over them. Let the salmon simmer in the sauce for 1 to 2 minutes to reheat and meld flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley and, if desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and high-quality parmesan cheese.
- You can substitute chicken broth with dry white wine or vegetable broth according to preference.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes during the sauce preparation.
- Make sure not to overcook the salmon, as it can become dry; it should be opaque and flaky.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a side of pasta.
