Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon
There’s just something about salmon bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that makes dinner feel a little extra special—even on a weeknight.
This creamy garlic butter salmon is one of those recipes that looks fancy but takes minimal effort.
Juicy, flaky salmon gets smothered in a velvety, garlicky cream sauce that’s downright addictive.
Serve it over pasta, rice, or even roasted veggies to soak up every last drop of that luscious sauce.
Whether you’re cooking for a date night, family dinner, or just treating yourself (because you deserve it), this dish is guaranteed to impress. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
✔ Restaurant-Quality: This dish looks and tastes like something you’d order at a fancy seafood restaurant.
✔ Incredible Flavor: The balance of buttery richness, garlic, and a hint of lemon creates a sauce that’s both indulgent and refreshing.
✔ Perfectly Crispy Salmon: Searing the salmon locks in the moisture while giving you a golden-brown, crispy crust.
✔ Versatile Pairings: Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, rice, or even crusty bread.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
● 4 salmon fillets (skin on or off)
● 2 tbsp olive oil
● Salt & pepper, to taste
● 1 tsp paprika
For the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:
● 3 tbsp butter
● 4 cloves garlic, minced
● 1 cup heavy cream
● ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
● 1 tsp lemon juice
● 1 tsp Italian seasoning
● ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
● ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Sear the Salmon
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Place them in the pan, skin-side down (if using skin-on salmon).
Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Create the Cream Base
Pour in the heavy cream, then add Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Bring It All Together
Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Let everything simmer for 2 more minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Serve & Garnish
Plate the salmon and generously drizzle that creamy sauce on top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
How to Serve It 🍽️
This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon pairs beautifully with so many sides! Here are a few of my favorites:
✔ Mashed Potatoes: The creamy potatoes soak up all the garlicky sauce.
✔ Pasta: Toss some linguine or fettuccine in the extra sauce—so good!
✔ Rice: A simple white or brown rice works great.
✔ Steamed or Roasted Veggies: Try asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.
✔ Crusty Bread: Because mopping up the sauce is an absolute must.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or coconut cream, though the sauce may be slightly less thick.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce in advance and reheat it gently before serving.
Can I use a different fish?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with cod, halibut, or even shrimp.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a show-stopping, easy-to-make dinner, this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon is it.
The crispy salmon, the rich and garlicky sauce, and the versatility of this dish make it a must-try recipe for any home cook.
Whether you’re making this for a cozy weeknight meal, a special date night, or even meal prep, this dish never disappoints. Trust me— you’ll be licking your plate clean.
Give it a try and let me know how it turned out! Did you pair it with pasta? Mashed potatoes? Leave a comment below!
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