Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

When you’re craving a luxurious yet easy meal, this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon is the answer! Tender, flaky salmon fillets are pan-seared to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce with a touch of lemon and fresh herbs. It’s elegant, packed with flavor, and ready in just about 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Elegant – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple steps.
Rich and Flavorful – Creamy garlic butter sauce takes it over the top.
Healthy and Wholesome – High in protein and packed with omega-3s.
Restaurant-Quality at Home – Tastes like a fine dining experience without the fuss.
Family-Friendly – Mild flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika

For the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh basil or thyme, chopped (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Lemon slices
• Extra chopped parsley

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet (preferably non-stick or stainless steel)
• Spatula
• Whisk
• Tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down if applicable.
Cook for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Transfer the salmon to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the broth and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan.
Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Simmer gently, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Return the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets back into the skillet.
Spoon the creamy garlic butter sauce over the salmon.
Simmer for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and additional herbs if desired.
Serve with lemon slices on the side.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon
Pat the Salmon Dry – Helps it sear beautifully and prevents sticking.
Don’t Overcook – Salmon is best when it’s just cooked through and still tender.
Simmer Sauce Gently – Avoid boiling the cream to keep it smooth and silky.
Use Fresh Garlic – Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor.
Adjust the Creaminess – Add a splash more broth if the sauce gets too thick.

Serving Suggestions
Rice or Quinoa – Perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce.
Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make great sides.
Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes pair beautifully with the rich sauce.
Crusty Bread – Ideal for mopping up every bit of sauce!

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Store leftover salmon and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed.
• Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals at low power to avoid drying out the salmon.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen salmon?
   Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking for the best texture.
2. Can I substitute the cream?
   You can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.
3. What other fish can I use?
   This sauce also works wonderfully with cod, halibut, or tilapia.
4. How do I know when salmon is done?
   Salmon flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout when properly cooked.
5. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Use dairy-free butter and coconut cream, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon is rich, luxurious, and deceptively easy to make. With its melt-in-your-mouth salmon and velvety sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself to something extra special.

Try it out and let us know how it turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your beautiful salmon dishes on Pinterest or Instagram.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 480 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fat: 36g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 450mg

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