Description
This Creamy Garlic Salmon delivers tender, flaky fish in a luscious garlic-cream sauce, perfect for cozy fall dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus zest from half a lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon: Pat the fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Sear the salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and sear 4–5 minutes until crispy. Flip and cook 1–2 minutes until lightly golden but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Build the sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet, add shallot and sauté 1–2 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze and simmer: Pour in white wine or broth to deglaze, scraping up browned bits. Let it reduce by half, about 2–3 minutes.
- Finish the cream: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Dijon, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and finish: Return salmon to the skillet, spooning sauce over each fillet. Cover and simmer 2–3 minutes until salmon reaches desired doneness (internal temperature 125–130°F for medium). Sprinkle parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.
- Serve: Plate the salmon with a generous spoonful of sauce over each fillet. Serve alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Notes
Use room-temperature salmon for even cooking and to avoid overcooking the exterior. Ensure not to overcrowd the pan when searing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American