This creamy garlic butter salmon is a fantastic dish that brings rich flavors together in one meal. It’s quick to make and perfect for a cozy dinner!
The best part? That creamy garlic sauce just makes everything better! I love drizzling it on veggies or pasta too. It’s simply irresistible! 😋
Making this salmon is a breeze; just sear it in a pan, add the sauce, and you’re ready to enjoy a delicious meal in no time. What’s not to love?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: I recommend using fresh salmon fillets for the best flavor. If you don’t have salmon, try using trout or chicken breasts as a substitute. Both would work nicely with the garlic butter sauce!
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in the sauce. If you prefer a plant-based option, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute can work here, though the flavor will change slightly.
Heavy Cream: This gives richness to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you might use half-and-half or even a dairy-free cream alternative like cashew cream for a creamy texture without dairy.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for amazing flavor in this dish. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder, but fresh adds a more vibrant taste!
How Do I Get Salmon Perfectly Crispy?
Achieving crispy skin or a nice sear on your salmon is all about the cooking technique. Here’s how to perfect it:
- Start with a hot skillet. Preheat it with olive oil until it’s shimmering.
- Press the salmon down lightly with a spatula when you first add it to the skillet. This helps prevent curling and promotes even browning.
- Let it cook undisturbed! Don’t flip it too soon; allow about 4-5 minutes for the first side until it’s golden brown.
- When flipping, try to do it gently to keep that crispy skin intact.
Finishing the salmon with the creamy sauce gives it a wonderful flavor while keeping it juicy inside. Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on or off as preferred
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a mild kick)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon takes about 15 minutes of preparation and cooking time. You can be enjoying a tasty meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Salmon:
Using salt and black pepper, season both sides of your salmon fillets generously. This adds flavor right from the start!
2. Cook the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin side down if that’s how you have them. Don’t move the salmon; let it cook for about 4-5 minutes so the skin gets crispy and golden brown.
3. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Gently flip the salmon fillets over and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until they’re fully cooked and flake easily with a fork. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate and set aside.
4. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Allow it to melt. Then, add in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn!
5. Add the Cream and Cheese:
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, mixing it with the garlic butter sauce and scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and keep cooking, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
6. Mix in Lemon and Parsley:
Add the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley to the sauce. Stir everything together, and taste to see if you need to add more salt and pepper.
7. Combine and Heat Through:
Return the salmon to the skillet and spoon some of the creamy sauce over the top. Let it warm through for 1-2 minutes on low heat.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate your salmon, drizzling it generously with the creamy garlic butter sauce. Garnish with extra parsley if you like. This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted asparagus and creamy mashed potatoes or your favorite side dishes!
Enjoy your rich, flavorful Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way is to defrost it in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about 30 minutes before cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will vary slightly.
How to Store Leftover Salmon?
Store any leftover salmon and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, being careful not to overcook the fish.
What Should I Serve with Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon?
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, and creamy mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal. You can also serve it over pasta to soak up the delicious sauce!