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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gently return salmon to the skillet, nestling the fillets into the creamy sauce. Spoon sauce over the fish to ensure complete coverage.
- 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