This 20-minute one-skillet salmon with creamy garlic butter sauce is quick to make with minimal effort. Enjoy perfectly pan-seared salmon complemented by a rich, garlicky cream sauce. It’s the ultimate treat for any occasion!
Learn how to make the best salmon ever with a super creamy garlic sauce that perfectly complements the salmon’s taste. Imagine a tender, juicy pan-seared salmon coated in a garlic butter sauce.
This Garlic Butter Salmon is ready in just 20 minutes, making it a great choice for a complete meal alongside your favorite healthy sides.
Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it’s also suitable for low-carb, keto, and gluten-free diets, and it’s bursting with delicious flavors.
If you’re searching for a tasty and simple sauce for salmon, perfect for lunch or dinner with your family, then this creamy salmon recipe is exactly what you need.
Why Are You Going To Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon
- Incredible Flavor: Prepare to be amazed by the mouthwatering combination of tender salmon and a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce.
- Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of cooking time, it’s a breeze to whip up. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without the fuss.
- Versatile: This dish pairs wonderfully with various healthy sides, allowing you to customize your meal according to your preferences.
- Diet-Friendly: It’s a versatile recipe suitable for various dietary preferences, including low-carb, keto, and gluten-free diets. You can enjoy it guilt-free!
- Family Favorite: Whether it’s lunch or dinner, this creamy salmon recipe is a hit with family members of all ages. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together at the table.
- One-Pan Wonder: Say goodbye to messy clean-up. This is a one-pan meal, so you can savor every bite without worrying about many dishes.
Ingredients Needed
Another great thing about this salmon with creamy garlic sauce recipe is that it requires only a few easy-to-find ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Here is a list of everything you will need:
- Salmon Fillets – Whether you opt for fresh or frozen salmon, ensure the fillets are brightly colored and firm to the touch.
- Olive Oil – Used to cook the salmon, olive oil is a fantastic choice. However, you can substitute it with other vegetable oils if preferred.
- Salt and pepper – These common seasonings are added to taste, enhancing all the flavors in the dish. Adjust the amount to suit your preference.
- Garlic Powder – Garlic powder is used to season the salmon fillets. Consider using a salmon seasoning blend, which often includes ingredients like dill, paprika, and lemon zest, to enhance the salmon’s flavor.
- Butter – Unsalted butter is essential to create the creamy garlic sauce that complements the salmon beautifully. You can also use salted butter, but make sure to add less salt to the sauce.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is a key component in making the flavorful sauce that coats the salmon.
- Chicken Broth – The chicken broth adds depth and flavor to the sauce. You can also use vegetable broth as an alternative.
- Heavy Cream – Use high in fat-heavy cream to create an incredibly creamy sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese – Not only does Parmesan cheese thicken the sauce, but it also contributes a delightful depth of flavor.
- Parsley – You will need fresh chopped parsley to garnish. Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or chives to elevate the dish’s herbal notes. These can be used as garnishes or incorporated into the sauce.
- Lemon – A squeeze of lemon juice provides a vibrant burst of flavor that perfectly complements the salmon’s rich buttery texture.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon
This salmon recipe is super easy to make with common ingredients that pair perfectly and enhance the flavors of salmon. You’ll be amazed by how effortlessly, qucik, and easy is to cook salmon using this method.
How to Pan Sear Salmon
Before You Begin:
- Choosing the Right Salmon: When selecting salmon, look for fillets that are brightly colored and firm to the touch. Fresh or frozen salmon works well for this recipe.
- Room Temperature: Remove the salmon from the fridge approximately 15 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
To perfectly cook salmon:
- In a large non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place each piece of salmon in the pan, skin side up.
- Let the salmon cook for about 4 minutes on the first side. You’ll notice the color changing as it cooks – once the color has moved up to the center of the fillet, it’s time to flip.
- Gently flip the salmon fillets over and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes, or until the salmon easily flakes with a fork and reaches your desired level of doneness. Remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside.
How To Make Garlic Butter Sauce For Salmon
In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 3 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and tender.
Pour the chicken broth or white wine over the garlic and continue to cook for 4 minutes, using a spatula to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
If you’re using white wine, pour in a dry white wine such as Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, or Sémillon. Allow it to simmer down slightly while using a spatula to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This step adds a delightful depth of flavor to your sauce.
Reduce the heat to low, then add the heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer gently. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce and thicken it. Simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
Return The Salmon To The Pan
Carefully place the cooked salmon fillets back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy garlic sauce.
Spoon the sauce over the salmon to coat it evenly. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and a pop of color.
Finish by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the salmon and sauce to brighten the flavors.
Serve your delicious pan-seared salmon with creamy garlic sauce immediately, and enjoy this culinary masterpiece!
Tips For Making The Best Salmon With Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Perfect Searing: Place the salmon skin-side up in the hot pan and resist the temptation to move it around. This helps achieve a crispy crust. Flip it when the color has moved up to the center.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a hint of heat and added flavor complexity, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be sprinkled into the sauce.
- Coconut Milk: If you prefer a dairy-free option, coconut milk can be used as a substitute for heavy cream in the sauce.
- Enjoy Fresh: This dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking to savor the salmon’s tender, juicy texture and the creamy garlic sauce at its finest.
- Creamy Garlic Sauce: When making the sauce, use unsalted butter. If using salted butter, adjust the added salt accordingly. Dry white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, can elevate the sauce’s flavor.
What To Serve with Creamy Salmon
If you want to create a complete meal, you can pair this dish with various side dish recipes. Here are some interesting ideas:
- Roasted Asparagus
- Zucchini Noodles
- Cauliflower rice
- Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
- Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Storing Ideas
- Fridge: Store the leftovers of this salmon with creamy garlic sauce recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 days.
- Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing this recipe since the sauce may curdle once thawed.
More Salmon Recipes
Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 salmon filets 5-6 oz. each
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp parsley freshly chopped
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
Instructions
- Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat, adding the olive oil.1 tbsp olive oil
- Pat dry the salmon fillets, then season them with a pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, and garlic powder.Salt and pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder
- Place the salmon fillets in the pan with the skin side up. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes on the first side. Carefully flip the salmon fillets over and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes on the other side or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Cook until the salmon easily flakes with a fork. The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets and your desired level of doneness.4 salmon filets
- Once cooked to your liking, remove the salmon from the pan and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Pour in the chicken broth and cook for approximately 4 minutes while using a spatula to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.6 cloves garlic, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream. Allow the mixture to gently simmer. Season it with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper to your taste. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.1 1/2 cups heavy cream, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- Carefully return the cooked salmon fillets to the pan, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley to add color and flavor.2 tbsp parsley
- Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the salmon and sauce, infusing the dish with a refreshing citrus note.Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- Serve your creamy garlic salmon immediately and savor the delicious flavors.
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How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.
