Description
Juicy salmon fillets seared to perfection and smothered in a rich garlic-butter cream sauce with lemon and parsley. This elegant yet simple dish is ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz/170 g each), skin removed or left on
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup dry white wine or chicken/vegetable stock
1 cup heavy cream
Juice of ½ lemon
Zest of ½ lemon
1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
(Optional) ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add salmon and sear for 4–5 minutes on the first side until golden and crisp.
- Flip the salmon and cook for another 3–4 minutes, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine or stock and simmer for 1–2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- If using Parmesan, stir it in now and let it melt completely into the sauce.
- Add the lemon juice and zest. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Return the salmon to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for 1–2 more minutes to heat through.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over.
Notes
Use chicken or vegetable stock instead of wine for an alcohol-free version.
For a dairy-free version, use margarine and coconut cream.
Fresh herbs like dill or chives can be used instead of parsley.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
