Silky Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe for Seafood Lovers

The aroma of garlic butter salmon wafts through kitchens, promising a delectable meal that combines rich flavors and elegant simplicity.

Seafood enthusiasts adore this creamy garlic butter salmon recipe for its incredible taste and quick preparation.

Tender salmon fillets melt in your mouth, coated in a luxurious sauce that brings restaurant-quality dining right to your table.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of buttery, garlicky goodness that transforms an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Fresh ingredients and minimal cooking time make this dish a weeknight winner for anyone seeking a delicious and nutritious meal.

The combination of fresh salmon, garlic, and butter creates a symphony of flavors that will impress even the most discerning palate.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible salmon dish that turns an everyday dinner into a gourmet experience.

Why Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Is So Rich

• Transform simple salmon into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal cooking skills required.
• One-pan technique means less cleanup and more enjoyment, letting you create a gourmet dish without complicated techniques.
• Perfect for romantic dinners, family meals, or impressing guests with a dish that looks sophisticated but comes together effortlessly.
• Easy to adapt with different herbs, swap protein, or adjust seasoning to match personal taste preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

• Salmon Fillets: A tender and flaky fish that serves as the star of this creamy, luxurious dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help create a golden sear on the salmon and form the base of the creamy sauce.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Add depth and aromatic complexity to the salmon and sauce.
• Fresh Parsley, Lemon Juice: Bring brightness and fresh herbal notes to the final dish.

• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Create a rich, velvety sauce that coats the salmon with creamy, savory goodness.

Directions for Cooking Garlic Butter Salmon

Step 1: Prepare Salmon Fillets

Pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to ensure a crispy exterior.

Season the fish with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the fillets skin-side up and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.

Flip the fillets and cook for another 4-5 minutes.

Transfer the salmon to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté for approximately 3 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and turns a light golden color.

Move the garlic around the pan to prevent burning, which can create a bitter taste.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pan

Pour chicken broth into the skillet and use a spatula to scrape up the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Allow the liquid to simmer for 4 minutes, reducing slightly and concentrating the flavors.

Step 4: Develop Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat and incorporate heavy cream into the pan.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Add Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens to a velvety consistency.

Step 5: Combine Salmon and Sauce

Gently return the salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the rich, creamy sauce.

Use a spoon to drizzle the sauce over the fish, ensuring complete coverage.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a vibrant touch of color and additional flavor.

Step 6: Final Flavor Boost

Immediately before serving, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon.

The citrus will brighten the dish and add a zesty, tangy element that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce.

Handy Cooking Tips for Smooth Garlic Sauce

• Pat fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy, golden exterior and prevent soggy skin during cooking.
• Sauté minced garlic until lightly golden, but avoid burning – burnt garlic turns bitter and can ruin the entire sauce's flavor profile.
• Use medium-high heat when searing salmon to achieve a beautiful golden crust without overcooking the delicate fish.
• Deglaze the pan with chicken broth to capture those delicious browned bits, adding extra richness and complexity to the sauce.
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice just before serving to cut through the creamy sauce and lift the entire dish's taste with a zesty finish.

How to Keep and Reheat Garlic Butter Salmon

• Store salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate to prevent soggy fish and maintain texture.
• Wrap individual salmon portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Place salmon on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat at 50% power for 30-45 seconds, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.
• Warm salmon gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream over low heat. Add extra sauce to prevent drying, stirring carefully to maintain moisture and prevent breaking fish apart.

What Pairs Well with Garlic Salmon

• Savor Complementary Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the salmon's richness and matches the creamy sauce's texture.
• Craft Perfect Side Dish Companion: Prepare roasted asparagus or garlic-infused wild rice to echo the recipe's buttery, garlicky notes while providing a balanced vegetable and grain complement.
• Enhance Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds over the salmon to add delightful crunch and nutty undertones that elevate the dish's creamy profile.
• Create Fresh Herb Accent: Garnish with additional fresh dill or chives alongside the parsley to introduce bright, zesty aromatics that refresh the palate and complement the rich salmon preparation.

Flavor Variations for Creamy Garlic Salmon

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Swap butter for olive oil or vegan butter alternative for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Use extra virgin olive oil instead of butter, and increase the cream content. Skip the broth and use more heavy cream to create a richer sauce that fits ketogenic diet requirements.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Add fresh dill, oregano, and basil to the seasoning. Replace chicken broth with white wine for a more complex flavor profile. Top with crumbled feta cheese for an authentic Mediterranean touch.
• Spicy Cajun Salmon: Mix Cajun seasoning into the salt and pepper blend. Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce. Incorporate smoked paprika for an extra layer of heat and depth in the recipe.

FAQs

• How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

Look for an internal temperature of 145°F using a meat thermometer. The fish should be opaque and easily flake with a fork. Overcooking can make salmon dry, so watch it closely.

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw completely in the refrigerator first and pat dry thoroughly. Excess moisture prevents that beautiful golden sear on the fish.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce won’t be as rich and thick. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt or coconut milk.

• Is this recipe suitable for people who don't like strong fish taste?

Absolutely! The garlic butter sauce and lemon juice help mellow the salmon’s natural flavor, making it more mild and appealing to those who typically avoid fish.

Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent salmon meets heavenly garlic butter in this irresistible dish that promises restaurant-quality dining at home. Rich flavors and luxurious textures merge to create a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 salmon filets (5–6 ounces / 142–170 grams each)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese (non-animal rennet, divided)
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
• Juice of 1/2 a lemon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the salmon by thoroughly drying the fillets with paper towels to ensure a crisp exterior. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, creating an even coating.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place salmon fillets skin-side up, cooking for 4-5 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip and cook an additional 4-5 minutes until fish is fully cooked.
3. Remove salmon from the pan and set aside. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat, adding minced garlic and sautéing for 3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
4. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, using a spatula to release caramelized bits from the pan bottom. Allow the liquid to simmer and reduce for 4 minutes, concentrating the flavors.
5. Reduce heat and incorporate heavy cream, stirring continuously. Season with salt and pepper, then mix in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
6. Gently return salmon to the skillet, nestling the fillets into the creamy sauce. Spoon sauce over the fish to ensure complete coverage.
7. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and vibrancy. Finish by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the dish to enhance and brighten the overall flavor profile.

Notes

• Pat salmon fillets completely dry to ensure a crispy, golden exterior that seals in moisture and creates a beautiful sear.
• Use high-quality fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture, preferring wild-caught varieties when possible.
• Avoid overcooking salmon by removing it from heat when it’s still slightly translucent in the center – the residual heat will continue cooking the fish.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.
• Gluten-free diners can replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative for similar rich flavor.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the dish fully pescatarian-friendly.
• Fresh herbs like dill or chives can be excellent alternatives to parsley, adding unique aromatic dimensions to the sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg