Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon recipe features perfectly seared salmon fillets smothered in a rich, luscious garlic butter cream sauce enhanced with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. It's a simple yet elegant dish that comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (5-8 oz. each)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season Salmon: Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper evenly to enhance the natural flavors.
- Sear Salmon: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Pan-fry the salmon until golden brown on each side, roughly 4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once done, drain some excess oil leaving a bit for the sauce.
- Add Butter and Baste: Melt butter in the same pan and tilt it to spoon the melted butter generously over the salmon fillets for added richness.
- Sauté Garlic: Remove the salmon from the pan and sauté the minced garlic in the remaining butter and oil until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Deglaze with Wine (Optional): Add the dry white wine to the pan and simmer for 2 minutes until it reduces and the alcohol evaporates, adding depth to the sauce.
- Make Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted into the sauce. Season with chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, developing a creamy texture.
- Reheat Salmon: Place the salmon back into the pan with the sauce, simmering for a few more minutes until warmed through and coated with sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy garlic butter sauce over the salmon, garnish with additional parsley, and serve hot for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Herbs – Substitute fresh parsley with thyme or dill for different flavor profiles.
- Add more flavor – Sauté diced shallots or onions with the garlic or season the salmon with garlic and onion powder before searing.
- Zest it up – Add capers or lemon slices to the sauce, or marinate salmon in lemon juice for 15-30 minutes before cooking. A drizzle of lemon juice before serving brightens the dish.
- Add some heat – Incorporate red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Spinach – Stir in baby spinach to the cream sauce for added nutrients and color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
