Creamy Garlic Salmon is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfectly seared salmon fillets bask in a rich, creamy garlic sauce that elevates dinner any night of the week. Whether you’re serving it to impress guests or whipping up a cozy meal for your family after a long day, this recipe is bound to become a go-to favorite. Plus, it comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or special occasions alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you why this dish deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation. It’s quick to prepare, comforting in flavor, and absolutely delicious! Imagine sitting down to a plate of succulent salmon enveloped in a creamy garlic sauce; it’s a meal that brings smiles all around the table. Plus, it’s kid-approved and perfect for seafood lovers and skeptics alike.
"This recipe is a game changer! The creamy sauce is so good, we couldn’t get enough. Definitely making this again!"
How to Make Creamy Garlic Salmon
This delightful dish is a straightforward process that begins with sautéing garlic, followed by perfectly cooking salmon and finishing things off with a luscious cream sauce. Gather your ingredients, and let’s dive right in!
Ingredients
To prepare this dish, you’ll need:
- Salmon fillets
- Garlic
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Salt
- Pepper
- Parsley (for garnish)
Quick tip: If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream, though the flavor and consistency may vary slightly.
Directions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter until melted.
- Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.
- Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, cooking each side for about 4-5 minutes until they’re flaky and cooked through.
- Pour in the heavy cream, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir gently until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with your choice of rice, pasta, or seasonal veggies.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Garlic Salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. For a light touch, consider a fresh green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette. If you’re looking for heartiness, fluffy rice or al dente pasta complements the richness of the sauce wonderfully. You could even throw in some sautéed asparagus or roasted broccoli for added texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
To keep any leftover creamy garlic salmon fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you’re looking to freeze it, portion the salmon in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for the best taste. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream to loosen the sauce back up for that creamy texture.
Pro Tips
For best results, ensure your skillet is preheated before adding the salmon to avoid sticking. Use a fish spatula to flip the fillets easily without breaking them apart. If you like a kick of heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
Variations
Why stick to just one flavor? Get creative! Swap the garlic for shallots for a milder sweetness or add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the dish. For a richer taste, consider adding some grated parmesan cheese to the sauce. Keeping it fresh with herbs like dill or chives can also add a delightful twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the salmon fully before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout.
2. What can I use instead of butter?
You can substitute olive oil or ghee if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
3. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Just keep the salmon and sauce separate from any sides until you’re ready to enjoy them to prevent sogginess.
Related recipes: Garlic Butter Shrimp | Lemon Butter Chicken
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Creamy Garlic Salmon
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A comforting dish featuring seared salmon fillets in a rich, creamy garlic sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- Garlic
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Salt
- Pepper
- Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter until melted.
- Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, cooking each side for about 4-5 minutes until flaky and cooked through.
- Pour in the heavy cream, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir gently until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with your choice of rice, pasta, or seasonal veggies.
Notes
For best results, preheat your skillet to avoid sticking. A fish spatula can be used to flip the fillets easily.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg