Salmon And Shrimp With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Savory Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Seafood enthusiasts adore this mouthwatering salmon and shrimp with creamy garlic sauce that combines ocean-fresh flavors in one delectable dish.

The rich, velvety sauce perfectly complements the tender seafood, creating a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Each bite delivers a luxurious blend of perfectly cooked salmon and succulent shrimp.

The creamy garlic sauce adds a decadent touch that elevates the entire plate.

Delicate herbs and a hint of lemon brighten the robust flavors, making this recipe a standout for elegant dinners.

Prepare to impress your guests with this simple yet sophisticated seafood masterpiece that comes together in minutes.

Dive into a culinary experience that promises to become a new family favorite.

What Makes This Salmon And Shrimp Dish So Tasty

What Makes This Salmon And Shrimp Dish So Tasty
  • A Culinary Delight for Busy Food Lovers
  • Elevate your home cooking skills with this restaurant-quality dish that requires minimal cooking expertise, making it perfect for both novice and experienced home chefs.
  • Streamline your cooking process with a single pan, reducing cleanup time and simplifying meal preparation without compromising on flavor or presentation.
  • Combine succulent salmon and tender shrimp in a luxurious garlic cream sauce that delivers maximum taste with minimal ingredients, creating a satisfying and nutritious meal that will impress family and friends.
  • Adaptable for romantic dinners, quick weeknight meals, or special gatherings, this recipe offers a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience that suits multiple occasions.

Ingredients For Salmon And Shrimp In Garlic Cream Sauce

Main Protein:
  • Salmon Fillets: Fresh, tender fish that provides a rich and delicate flavor to the dish.
  • Shrimp: Succulent seafood that adds a sweet and delicate taste to the recipe.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth base for the creamy garlic sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps develop the sauce's smooth texture.
  • Garlic: Offers a bold, aromatic flavor that is essential to the sauce's character.
Seasoning and Garnish:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor of the seafood.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and mild spiciness to the dish.
  • Lemon: Adds a bright, fresh citrus note that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbal finish and visual appeal to the dish.
Cooking Oil:
  • Olive Oil: Used for searing the seafood and providing a light, clean cooking base.

How To Make Salmon And Shrimp With Creamy Garlic Sauce

How To Make Salmon And Shrimp With Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Seafood

Pat salmon fillets and shrimp dry using paper towels.

Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Allow seafood to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Sear Salmon

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place salmon fillets skin-side down.

Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked.

Maintain minimal movement to develop a beautiful crust.

Transfer salmon to a separate plate.

Step 3: Cook Shrimp

Use the same skillet to cook shrimp.

Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.

Remove shrimp and set aside with salmon.

Step 4: Build Sauce Base

Melt butter in the skillet.

Add:
  • Minced garlic
  • Red pepper flakes

Sauté for one minute until aromatic, avoiding browning the garlic.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

Incorporate:
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese

Reduce heat to low.

Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce slightly thickens.

If needed, add a splash of stock to adjust consistency.

Step 6: Combine Seafood and Sauce

Return salmon and shrimp to the skillet.

Spoon creamy sauce over seafood.

Heat for 2 additional minutes to blend flavors.

Finish with fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Plate and enjoy while sauce remains warm and creamy.

Helpful Hints For Salmon And Shrimp In Garlic Sauce

Helpful Hints For Salmon And Shrimp In Garlic Sauce
  • Pat salmon and shrimp thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a crispy, golden sear without excess moisture.
  • Use medium heat to prevent burning and achieve even cooking for both salmon and shrimp, maintaining their delicate textures.
  • Reduce heat to low when adding cream and cheese to prevent curdling and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Sauté garlic quickly to release flavor without browning, which can make the sauce bitter and less appealing.
  • Keep chicken or vegetable stock nearby to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick, ensuring the perfect creamy texture.

Saving And Reheating Salmon And Shrimp Leftovers

  • Store leftover salmon and shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, separating seafood from sauce to maintain texture.
  • Carefully transfer cooled seafood and sauce into freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Place seafood and sauce in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Warm seafood gently in skillet over low heat. Add splash of cream or stock to restore sauce consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and maintain moisture. Heat until seafood is thoroughly warm but not overcooked.

Perfect Pairings For Salmon And Shrimp In Cream Sauce

  • Savor Seafood Wine Harmony: Crisp Chardonnay perfectly complements the creamy garlic sauce, balancing the rich salmon and delicate shrimp with its buttery undertones and bright acidity.
  • Elevate with Crusty Bread Pairing: Warm, rustic sourdough or French baguette becomes the ideal sidekick, allowing diners to soak up every drop of that luxurious garlic cream sauce.
  • Match with Fresh Salad Companion: Zesty arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the dish's richness, providing a refreshing counterpoint and adding vibrant green complexity to the plate.
  • Accent with Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives or dill over the seafood, introducing a subtle herbaceous note that enhances the dish's delicate seafood flavors and adds visual appeal.

Creative Twists On Salmon And Shrimp With Garlic Sauce

  • Keto-Friendly Version: Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream and use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice. Swap Parmesan for a low-carb cheese like aged cheddar to maintain the creamy texture while keeping carbohydrates minimal.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Select nutritional yeast as a Parmesan cheese alternative to preserve the rich, savory flavor profile while keeping the recipe dairy-free.
  • Mediterranean Herb Variation: Incorporate fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil into the sauce. Use Greek yogurt as a cream replacement to add tanginess and create a lighter, herb-infused version of the original recipe that feels fresh and vibrant.
  • Spicy Cajun Style: Add Cajun seasoning to the seafood before cooking and increase red pepper flakes. Include smoked paprika and cayenne pepper in the sauce to create a bolder, more intense flavor that brings New Orleans-inspired heat to the dish.

FAQs

  • Why should I pat the seafood dry before cooking?

Patting seafood dry helps remove excess moisture, allowing it to develop a beautiful golden sear and preventing steaming. This technique ensures a crispy exterior and locks in the natural flavors of the salmon and shrimp.

  • Can I substitute heavy cream in the sauce?

While heavy cream provides richness, you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. Just keep in mind that the sauce might be less thick and creamy. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative.

  • How do I know when the salmon and shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout. Shrimp are ready when they turn pink and curl into a C-shape. Avoid overcooking to prevent dry or rubbery texture. Cooking times are typically 4-5 minutes for salmon and 2-3 minutes for shrimp.

  • What if I don't have Parmesan cheese?

If you’re out of Parmesan, try other hard cheeses like pecorino romano or asiago. These will add similar salty and nutty notes to the sauce. In a pinch, nutritional yeast can also provide a cheesy flavor for dairy-free alternatives.

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Salmon And Shrimp With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Salmon And Shrimp With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe


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4.7 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Mediterranean-inspired Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce brings ocean-fresh seafood together in a luxurious dance of flavors. Elegant yet simple, this dish delivers restaurant-quality comfort that will delight anyone seeking a quick gourmet experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein Ingredients:

  • 2 salmon fillets
  • 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Seasoning and Aromatic Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Sauce and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated vegetarian Parmesan-style cheese (or a plant-based Parmesan alternative)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon (approximately 30 milliliters or 1 fluid ounce)

Instructions

  1. Prepare seafood by gently patting salmon fillets and shrimp dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper, allowing them to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully place salmon fillets skin-side down, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer salmon to a separate plate.
  3. Using the same skillet, add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the salmon.
  4. Reduce heat and melt butter in the skillet. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 60 seconds until aromatic. Avoid browning the garlic to prevent bitterness.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, reducing heat to low. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens. If sauce becomes too dense, incorporate a small amount of stock to achieve desired consistency.
  6. Reintroduce salmon and shrimp to the skillet, coating them generously with the creamy sauce. Warm for an additional 2 minutes to blend flavors thoroughly.
  7. Finish the dish by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the seafood and garnishing with chopped parsley. Serve immediately while the sauce remains creamy and warm.

Notes

  • Ensure seafood is patted completely dry to achieve a perfect golden sear, preventing soggy texture and promoting beautiful caramelization.
  • Room temperature seafood guarantees even cooking, preventing undercooked centers or overcooked exteriors.
  • Choose high-quality, fresh salmon and shrimp for maximum flavor and tender texture.
  • Use a cast-iron or stainless steel skillet to develop superior crust and enhance sauce development.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal spice tolerance, creating a customizable heat level.
  • Quick cooking prevents seafood from becoming tough, maintaining delicate protein structure.
  • For lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, reducing overall calories.
  • Gluten-free adaptation works perfectly by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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