Description
This creamy garlic butter salmon recipe is a rich, easy, and utterly irresistible dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender salmon fillets are perfectly seared and then smothered in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce with parmesan, lemon, and Italian seasoning, creating a flavorful and comforting meal that will please the whole family.
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 with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for another 4–5 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook 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 lift any browned bits. Allow the liquid to reduce by half, which should take approximately 2–3 minutes.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy and smooth.
- Finish & Serve: Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the cream sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together gently for 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors and heat through the salmon. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot. Optionally, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Notes
- Use chicken broth for a milder flavor or dry white wine to add extra depth to the sauce.
- Ensure not to overcook the salmon to retain its moisture and tender texture.
- You can adjust the thickness of the sauce by simmering it longer or adding more cream.
- Serve this dish with steamed vegetables or over a bed of rice or pasta for a complete meal.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and parmesan with a dairy-free alternative.
