This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon is a tasty treat! It features flaky salmon cooked in a rich and creamy garlic butter sauce that makes it simply irresistible.
Every bite feels like a hug for your taste buds! I love serving it with some rice or veggies to soak up that yummy sauce. It’s a quick dish that feels fancy—perfect for any night!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is the star here, but if it’s not available, you can use trout or even tilapia. Just adjust cooking times as needed; thinner fish will cook faster.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps sear the salmon. You can swap it with avocado oil or melted butter for a richer taste. I often mix oils for added depth.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for controlling the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, go with coconut oil or a vegan butter replacement, but the flavor will change a bit.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, half-and-half or a non-dairy cream like cashew or coconut cream works well, though the texture may be slightly different.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan offers the best flavor. If you’re vegetarian, ensure it’s made without animal rennet. Nutritional yeast is a nice dairy-free alternative.
How Do You Cook Salmon Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking salmon right makes all the difference! Here are few tips to get a perfectly cooked fillet:
- Start with room temperature fish. Let the salmon sit out for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. It helps cook evenly.
- Heat your skillet Well: Ensure your skillet is hot enough; this helps achieve a golden crust. Test with a drop of water—if it sizzles, it’s ready!
- Timing Matters: A good rule of thumb is to cook salmon for about 4-5 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer; aim for 125°F for medium doneness.
By paying attention to these details, you’ll end up with salmon that’s flaky and delicious every time! Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Salmon: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- Seasoning: Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooking Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- Garlic: 5 cloves garlic, minced
- Cream: 1 cup heavy cream
- Broth/Wine: 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
- Cheese: 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon: 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Herbs: 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or fresh chopped parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional Sides: mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and roughly 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 25 minutes before you can dig in. Quick and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Salmon:
Start by seasoning your salmon fillets on both sides with salt and black pepper. This will add flavor to the fish.
2. Sear the Salmon:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the salmon fillets. Sear them until they are golden brown on each side and cooked through, which will take about 4-5 minutes per side depending on their thickness. Once cooked, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Lower the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about a minute until it becomes fragrant but be careful not to let it brown!
4. Create the Sauce Base:
Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and reduce just a bit.
5. Make It Creamy:
Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Next, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and slightly thickened, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
6. Add Flavor:
Stir in the lemon juice and your choice of dried Italian herbs or fresh chopped parsley. Taste your sauce and season it with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Combine and Warm Up:
Return the cooked salmon to the skillet and gently spoon the garlic butter cream sauce over it. Let everything warm together for about 1-2 minutes.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy garlic butter salmon right away, topped with additional chopped parsley if you like. It goes wonderfully with mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli or your favorite sides. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely before cooking. The best way is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also thaw it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, half-and-half works in a pinch, or you can use a non-dairy cream like coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may change slightly with these substitutes.
How Do I Store Leftover Salmon?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce from thickening too much.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Skillet?
Yes, adding vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes to the skillet is a great way to boost nutrition! Just add them after sautéing the garlic, letting them cook until tender before adding the cream and cheese.
