This creamy garlic butter salmon is super tasty and easy to make! The rich sauce combines garlic and butter, making each bite feel special and comforting.
Salmon lovers will definitely enjoy the way the sauce hugs the fish. I often pair it with rice or veggies to soak up all that yummy sauce. You won’t regret making this!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon Fillets: Fresh salmon is the best choice, but you can also use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it properly before cooking for even results. If you’re looking for a different flavor, try trout or tilapia as alternatives!
Butter: Unsalted butter is used here for better control over salt levels. You can swap it with ghee or a dairy-free butter if needed. It still gives a wonderful rich taste!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half, or for a non-dairy version, opt for coconut cream or a nut-based substitute. They won’t be as rich but can work nicely.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a lot of flavor. If you need a substitute, try Pecorino Romano or a vegan cheese option for something different!
Chicken Broth or Wine: Vegetable broth or even a splash of lemon juice works in place of chicken broth for a lighter touch. For wine, any dry white will do—try Sauvignon Blanc!
How Do You Get That Perfectly Crispy Salmon Skin?
A crispy skin on salmon can be a game-changer! Start with a dry fillet. Patting the salmon with paper towels removes moisture, helping it crisp up. Then, heat olive oil in a hot skillet before adding the fish. Here’s how:
- Season the skin (if you leave it on) with salt, which helps draw out moisture and enhance crispiness.
- Place the salmon in the hot pan skin-side down. Press it gently for even cooking.
- Do not move it around until it’s ready to flip; this lets the skin get nice and crispy.
Keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning the skin. Once it’s golden, flip and finish cooking the other side!
Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or fresh herbs (optional)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Cooked white rice and steamed broccoli (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10-15 minutes of preparation time and approximately 15-20 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll need around 30-35 minutes to get this creamy garlic butter salmon to your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Salmon:
Begin by seasoning the salmon fillets generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This adds great flavor to the fish.
2. Cook the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side until the salmon is golden and crispy. Gently flip the fillets and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. Once done, transfer the salmon to a plate and set it aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Allow it to melt, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but be careful not to let it brown.
4. Create the Creamy Mixture:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth (or white wine), stirring to combine all the flavors and scraping the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. This will create a rich and flavorful base for the sauce.
5. Add the Cheese:
Next, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese fully melts and the sauce thickens slightly, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
6. Season and Combine:
Add in the chopped parsley and Italian seasoning (if using). Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Return the Salmon:
Carefully place the salmon back into the skillet and spoon the creamy garlic butter sauce over the fillets. Let everything warm together for another minute to ensure the salmon is heated through.
8. Serve:
Plate the salmon immediately, drizzling extra creamy sauce over the top. Serve alongside steamed broccoli and fluffy white rice if you wish. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges for a bright touch.
Enjoy your creamy garlic butter salmon! It’s a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better texture.
How Long Does Leftover Salmon Last in the Refrigerator?
Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best flavor and texture, reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop instead of the microwave.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream with a Lighter Alternative?
Absolutely! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option, though the sauce will be less thick and rich. Alternatively, you could use coconut cream for a dairy-free version, which will add a unique flavor.
What Side Dishes Pair Well with This Salmon?
This creamy garlic butter salmon is delicious with sides like fluffy white rice, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli. A light salad or garlic bread also makes a great complement to the meal!
