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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Reintroduce salmon and shrimp to the skillet, coating them generously with the creamy sauce. Warm for an additional 2 minutes to blend flavors thoroughly.
- 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