Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon recipe features perfectly pan-seared salmon fillets smothered in a rich, velvety sauce made from garlic, butter, white wine, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's a luxurious yet simple dinner that combines tender flaky fish with a flavorful creamy sauce, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (5-8 oz. each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Sauce
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides evenly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and ensure a good sear.
- Pan-fry the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for about 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked to your liking. Remove some excess oil, leaving a little for sautéing garlic.
- Baste with Butter: Add butter to the pan and melt it. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter over the salmon repeatedly to coat and infuse richness.
- Sauté Garlic: Remove the salmon to a plate and in the same pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
- Add White Wine (Optional): Pour in the dry white wine and simmer for 2 minutes or until most of the wine has evaporated, enhancing the flavor of the sauce.
- Combine Broth and Cream: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the pan, stirring to combine with the garlic infused butter.
- Melt Parmesan and Season: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Thicken the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, developing a luscious consistency.
- Warm the Salmon: Return the salmon fillets to the pan and spoon the sauce over them. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon extra creamy garlic butter sauce over the salmon, garnish with more fresh parsley, and serve immediately for the best taste.
- Enjoy: Dive into the flavorful, creamy garlic butter salmon that’s both simple to make and impressively delicious.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives such as coconut oil and coconut cream.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic sauce, omit the white wine and add a splash more chicken broth or water.
- Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of your salmon to avoid overcooking and keep it moist.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and gently reheated.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American