Creamy Salmon Recipe with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

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By Maria

Daily Culinary Pleasures

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Creamy Salmon Recipe with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

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Hello, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a mouthwatering Creamy Salmon Recipe. If you’re a fan of seafood and creamy sauces, this dish is a must-try! Not only is it quick to make, but it’s also packed with flavor, featuring a tangy lemon garlic cream sauce. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful meal that’s perfect for any occasion!

Introduction

Salmon is a versatile and nutritious fish, loved around the world for its rich flavor and health benefits. This Creamy Salmon Recipe brings together the perfect blend of savory and tangy flavors with its lemon garlic cream sauce. The creamy texture pairs beautifully with the salmon’s tender and flaky meat. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights as it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it both convenient and delicious.

The key to this recipe is its balance of flavors—lemon provides a refreshing acidity, while garlic adds depth, and the cream sauce ties everything together with a silky finish. Whether you’re new to cooking salmon or a seasoned pro, this dish is bound to become a household favorite.

Ingredients for Creamy Salmon Recipe

Here’s everything you need to prepare this delicious meal:

For The Salmon Fillets:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 skin-on salmon fillets (4-5 oz each), at room temperature
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For The Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup half & half (substitute with heavy cream or low-fat evaporated milk)
  • ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Lemon slices and fresh parsley, for garnish

Optional Substitutions:

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute half & half with coconut milk.
  • Use gluten-free flour for those with gluten sensitivities.

How to Make Creamy Salmon Recipe – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet, skin-side down, and cook for about 6 minutes without moving them to achieve a nice crispy skin.

Step 2: Flip and Finish Cooking

Once the salmon is cooked three-quarters of the way through, flip the fillets carefully using a spatula. Cook for another 2 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the half & half, flour, Parmesan, lemon zest, juice, garlic, dill, thyme, salt, and pepper. Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the sauce mixture and bring it to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, allowing them to simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Spoon the creamy sauce over the salmon. Garnish with lemon slices and freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Helpful Tips for Creamy Salmon

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemon juice make a significant difference in the flavor of the sauce.
  • Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon continues to cook even after being removed from the heat. Aim for a slightly pink center for the best texture.
  • Customize the Creaminess: For a richer sauce, substitute half & half with heavy cream.

Cooking Tips for the Best Creamy Salmon Recipe

  • Perfect Searing: Ensure the pan is hot enough before adding the salmon to get a crispy skin.
  • Use a Non-Stick Skillet: This helps prevent the skin from sticking to the pan, ensuring easy flipping.
  • Fresh Herbs: If available, fresh dill and thyme add an extra layer of flavor to the sauce compared to dried herbs.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Salmon

Pair this Creamy Salmon Recipe with light and refreshing sides to balance the rich flavors. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Steamed Asparagus: A simple side that complements the creamy sauce.
  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Add some comfort to your meal with creamy, buttery potatoes.
  • White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with salmon and creamy sauces.

Nutritional Information

This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. The creamy sauce provides a good source of calcium and protein, making this meal both satisfying and nutritious.

Nutritional info for Creamy Salmon Recipe (per serving):

  • Calories: 400
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Vitamin D: 100% DV

Storage and Leftovers for Creamy Salmon Recipe

  • To Store: Place any leftover salmon and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • To Reheat: Reheat the salmon in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to the sauce to prevent it from drying out.
  • Freezing: The sauce may separate slightly when frozen, but the salmon itself can be frozen for up to 1 month. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Creamy Salmon Recipe

1. Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.

2. What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

You can use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar flavor.

3. Is this dish gluten-free?

By using gluten-free flour, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free.

4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute half & half with coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Related Recipes for Creamy Salmon Lovers:

If you love this recipe, check out these delicious dishes from Optimal Recipes:

  1. Ultimate Cowboy Casserole Cornbread
  2. Sausage Balls Recipe with Red Lobster Mix

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy this Creamy Salmon Recipe as much as I do! It’s a quick, flavorful, and healthy option that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out in the comments. Feel free to share any variations or adjustments you made—I’d love to hear your take!

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Creamy Salmon Recipe with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

Creamy Salmon Recipe with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce


Description

Hello, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a mouthwatering Creamy Salmon Recipe. If you’re a fan of seafood and creamy sauces, this dish is a must-try! Not only is it quick to make, but it’s also packed with flavor, featuring a tangy lemon garlic cream sauce. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful meal that’s perfect for any occasion!


Ingredients

Scale

 

For The Salmon Fillets:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 skin-on salmon fillets (45 oz each), at room temperature
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For The Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup half & half (substitute with heavy cream or low-fat evaporated milk)
  • ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Lemon slices and fresh parsley, for garnish

Optional Substitutions:

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute half & half with coconut milk.
  • Use gluten-free flour for those with gluten sensitivities.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet, skin-side down, and cook for about 6 minutes without moving them to achieve a nice crispy skin.

Step 2: Flip and Finish Cooking

Once the salmon is cooked three-quarters of the way through, flip the fillets carefully using a spatula. Cook for another 2 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the half & half, flour, Parmesan, lemon zest, juice, garlic, dill, thyme, salt, and pepper. Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the sauce mixture and bring it to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, allowing them to simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Spoon the creamy sauce over the salmon. Garnish with lemon slices and freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemon juice make a significant difference in the flavor of the sauce.
  • Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon continues to cook even after being removed from the heat. Aim for a slightly pink center for the best texture.
  • Customize the Creaminess: For a richer sauce, substitute half & half with heavy cream.

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