Description
Garlic butter salmon slides right onto your plate as a quick weeknight dinner that brings restaurant-quality seafood directly to your kitchen. Tender fish mingles with rich, silky garlic butter sauce, creating a simple yet delicious meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt
- Pepper
Finishing Touches:
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Thoroughly blot 4 salmon fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Sprinkle each side generously with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat (375°F). Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and let it completely melt.
- Mince 4 cloves of garlic and add to the skillet. Saute for 1-2 minutes until aromatic, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Carefully place seasoned salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook for exactly 4-5 minutes without moving them, creating a golden-brown crust.
- Flip salmon fillets and cook the opposite side for an additional 4-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Transfer salmon to a clean plate, keeping it warm. Leave remaining pan drippings.
- Pour 1 cup heavy cream into the same skillet. Add 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon dried parsley.
- Stir sauce ingredients together, letting mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens and reduces.
- Return salmon to skillet, gently spooning thickened cream sauce over each fillet to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Always pat the salmon dry before cooking to ensure a crispy, golden exterior and prevent steaming.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning the delicate garlic.
- Fresh herbs make a big difference, so grab fresh thyme and parsley if possible for brighter flavor.
- For a lower-carb option, swap heavy cream with coconut cream or Greek yogurt to keep the sauce creamy and rich.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 516 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg