– **Title**: Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 tablespoons butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Lemon wedges (for serving)
– **Instructions**:
1. **Prepare the Salmon**: Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. **Cook the Salmon**: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and the salmon is cooked halfway through. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
3. **Make the Garlic Butter Sauce**: In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. **Add Cream and Broth**: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add thyme, paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. **Combine Salmon and Sauce**: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cook for an additional minute to heat through and allow the salmon to absorb some of the flavors.
6. **Serve**: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your creamy garlic butter salmon over rice, pasta, or with a side of vegetables!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the star of this dish. If you can’t find salmon, try trout or even chicken breasts for a different twist. I love using wild-caught salmon for the best flavor!
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended here, but you can use ghee or vegan butter if you prefer. I often use half the amount of butter and add a splash more olive oil for a lighter touch.
Garlic: Fresh garlic truly enhances the flavor of the dish. If you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch, though it’s not as aromatic. My personal tip is to always use extra garlic for a bolder taste!
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creaminess. You can substitute it with half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter or dairy-free option. Just know the sauce won’t be quite as rich.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a lovely tang. If you don’t have it, try yellow mustard or even a bit of horseradish for a kick. I like to lean towards the Dijon for that perfect zing!
How Do I Get the Salmon Skin Crispy?
Achieving crispy skin on your salmon is all about technique! Start by ensuring your skillet is hot enough before adding the salmon. This helps create that nice crust. Here are some steps to follow:
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels; moisture prevents crisping.
- Place skin-side down in a hot skillet with olive oil. Don’t move them around too much!
- Cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Gently flip the salmon and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until done.
Another tip is to use a cast-iron skillet, which retains heat well for perfect results!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, making it a total of approximately 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Salmon:
Start by seasoning your salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step adds a lot of flavor to the fish!
2. Cooking the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the salmon fillets, placing them skin side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is nice and crispy. Then, flip the fillets over and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until they are fully cooked through. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Making the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Let it melt, and then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn!
4. Adding the Cream and Chicken Broth:
Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring it all together. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, which will help it become creamy and delicious.
5. Flavoring the Sauce:
Stir in the Dijon mustard and fresh lemon juice. Let the sauce cook for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper to taste. This is where the flavor truly develops!
6. Bringing It All Together:
Now, return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the top of the salmon and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to warm everything up nicely.
7. Serving:
To finish, garnish your lovely creamy garlic butter salmon with chopped fresh parsley and serve it with lemon slices on the side for an extra zing. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for quick thawing. Pat it dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking to ensure a crispy skin.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut cream or cashew cream, though they may alter the flavor slightly. Adjust the seasoning as needed to maintain deliciousness!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover salmon and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the salmon in a skillet on low heat to gently warm it without drying it out. You can add a splash of chicken broth or cream to the sauce to revive its creaminess.
What Can I Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. For a low-carb option, zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice are great choices too. Enjoy your meal!
