Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

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If you are craving a restaurant-quality seafood dish that feels indulgent yet takes under 20 minutes to prepare, Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon is an absolute dream! Featuring tender, pan-seared salmon fillets bathed in a velvety, rich garlic butter cream sauce, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It is luxurious enough for special occasions, yet fast enough for a cozy weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

  • Salmon Fillets: 4 skin-on or skinless salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170g each).
  • Seasoning: ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper, and ½ tsp garlic powder.
  • Olive Oil: 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for searing).

For the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • Unsalted Butter: 2 tbsp.
  • Garlic: 5 cloves minced.
  • Chicken or Vegetable Broth: ⅓ cup low-sodium broth (or dry white wine like Pinot Grigio).
  • Heavy Cream: 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or double cream).
  • Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (to balance the richness).
  • Fresh Herbs: 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley or dill.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep and Season the Salmon:
    • Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels on all sides.
    • Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Pan-Sear the Salmon:
    • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Add the salmon fillets and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
    • Transfer the salmon fillets to a plate and set aside.
  3. Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:
    • Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet.
    • Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant (be careful not to burn it!).
    • Pour in the broth (or white wine), scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan, and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce.
    • Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
    • Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, then add the fresh lemon juice.
  4. Combine and Serve:
    • Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet.
    • Spoon the silky garlic butter sauce continuously over the salmon until heated through.
    • Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or dill, and serve immediately!

Chef’s Tips for Success

  • Grate Your Own Parmesan: Pre-shredded packaged cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make cream sauces gritty. Freshly grated Parmesan melts into a silky texture!
  • Don’t Let Cream Boil: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer; boiling heavy cream vigorously can cause it to separate.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pair with garlic parmesan pasta, steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or crusty French bread to mop up the luxurious sauce.

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