Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon is the perfect dish to impress your guests or enjoy a cozy night in. This indulgent recipe features a rich garlic butter sauce that elevates a simple salmon fillet into a gourmet experience. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner, it’s sure to satisfy. The creamy garlic sauce complements the salmon beautifully, creating a dish that’s not only delicious but also easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

There are countless reasons to adore this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties. Second, it’s made with wholesome ingredients, ensuring you enjoy a healthy meal without sacrificing flavor. The rich garlic butter sauce adds a luxurious touch, while the flavors of thyme and parsley bring freshness to the dish. Additionally, this recipe can be customized with your favorite herbs, making it versatile. Lastly, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making your meal complete!

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

Gather these items:

4 salmon fillets (approximately 6 ounces each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Step-by-Step

Step 1: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add butter and melt until bubbly.
Step 3: Sauté minced garlic in the skillet for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Place salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden.
Step 5: Flip the salmon and cook for another 4-5 minutes until cooked through.
Step 6: Remove salmon, then pour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, thyme, and parsley into the skillet, stirring to combine.
Step 7: Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
Step 8: Return salmon to the skillet, spooning sauce over to coat the fillets.
Step 9: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

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Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

Keep these in mind:

Always pat the salmon dry before cooking to achieve a nice sear.
Use fresh herbs whenever possible for an enhanced flavor profile.
Adjust the seasoning of the sauce to your preference; adding a pinch of cayenne can elevate the dish.
For a healthier twist, substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

Here are a few serving suggestions:
1. Pair your Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with a side of steamed asparagus or roasted vegetables for a healthy meal.
2. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
3. For a lighter option, enjoy it with a fresh salad topped with a lemon vinaigrette.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

To store leftovers, place the salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It can be stored for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out. This dish is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet dinner at your convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon?

The secret lies in the quality of ingredients and the cooking method. Using fresh salmon fillets and ensuring they are cooked just until flaky will yield the best results. Additionally, the garlic butter sauce should be made with care to balance the flavors of the cream and seasonings.

Can I make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon ahead of time?

While the salmon is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time. Simply reheat it gently and add the cooked salmon just before serving for optimal taste and texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the salmon to get a nice sear. Also, be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it can become dry and lose its tender texture.

Variations of Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon You Can Try

Feel free to explore these variations:
1. Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a deeper flavor.
2. Incorporate fresh spinach or kale into the sauce for added nutrition.
3. Experiment with different herbs such as dill or basil for a unique twist.
4. Top with sun-dried tomatoes or capers for an extra burst of flavor.

Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon: 7 Delicious Steps to Perfection - Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe category, or try making spaghetti with garlic and oil for a quick meal. If you’re interested in healthy options, consider our Mediterranean chickpea salad for a nutritious side dish.

Lastly, learn more about the benefits of garlic in your diet by visiting Healthline.

Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon: 7 Delicious Steps to Perfection

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Author: Sarah
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

An indulgent and easy-to-make salmon dish featuring a creamy garlic butter sauce, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying at home.

Ingredients

Scale

4 salmon fillets (approximately 6 ounces each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley

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Instructions

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add butter and melt until bubbly.
Sauté minced garlic in the skillet for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Place salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden.
Flip the salmon and cook for another 4-5 minutes until cooked through.
Remove salmon, then pour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, thyme, and parsley into the skillet, stirring to combine.
Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
Return salmon to the skillet, spooning sauce over to coat the fillets.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.