Creamy Garlic Herb Salmon

A full-flavored, restaurant-quality dish with pan-seared salmon nestled in a luxurious garlic herb cream sauce.

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Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Salmon:

• 4 skin-on or skinless salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, 1-inch thick)

• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce:

• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for a lighter version)

• ½ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)

• ½ tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp lemon juice (fresh)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt & pepper to taste

Herbs (fresh preferred, or substitute with ⅓ the amount if using dried):

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil

• 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme

• 2 tsp chopped fresh dill (optional, but excellent with salmon)

• Extra herbs for garnish

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Equipment Needed

• Large skillet (preferably stainless steel or cast iron for good sear)

• Fish spatula or silicone spatula

• Measuring cups/spoons

• Small whisk

• Paper towels

• Optional: instant-read thermometer

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon

1. Pat salmon dry with paper towels. This helps you get a good sear and prevents steaming.

2. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Let rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before cooking.

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2. Sear the Salmon

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Once hot (but not smoking), gently lay the salmon skin-side down (if using skin-on). Sear without touching for 4–5 minutes until the bottom is crispy and golden.

3. Carefully flip the salmon and cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium-rare or 130°F for medium.

4. Remove salmon and set aside on a warm plate, loosely covered with foil.

Pro Tip: If your salmon is thick and the sides aren’t cooked through, lower the heat slightly and cover the pan for a minute to finish cooking.

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3. Make the Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium. Melt 2 tbsp butter in the same skillet (don’t clean it—you want those flavorful brown bits!).

2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown.

3. (Optional) Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a quick roux for extra-thick sauce.

4. Slowly pour in the chicken broth or wine, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to deglaze.

5. Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and lemon juice.

6. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

8. Add the fresh herbs and season with salt and pepper to taste.

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4. Return Salmon to the Pan

1. Nestle the salmon fillets back into the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top.

2. Simmer together for 2–3 minutes so the salmon can soak up the flavors.

3. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

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Serving Suggestions

Creamy Garlic Herb Salmon pairs beautifully with a range of sides:

Vegetables:

• Garlic butter asparagus

• Roasted broccoli

• Lemon green beans

• Sautéed spinach

Grains:

• Creamy mashed potatoes

• Garlic rice or wild rice pilaf

• Buttered orzo

• Herbed couscous

Bread:

• Crusty baguette for mopping up sauce

• Soft dinner rolls

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Wine Pairing

• White: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay (unoaked), or Pinot Grigio

• Red: A light Pinot Noir (if you prefer red with fish)

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Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, so not recommended.

• Reheating: Warm gently in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

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‍ Recipe Tips & Variations

• Lighter version: Use half & half instead of heavy cream, skip the Parmesan, and use olive oil instead of butter.

• Add veggies to sauce: Try sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or wilted spinach for a one-pan meal.

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño to the garlic.

• Add crunch: Top with crispy fried shallots or toasted pine nuts for a texture contrast.

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Summary Table

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Final Words

This Creamy Garlic Herb Salmon is rich, satisfying, and packed with bright herbaceous flavors balanced by the sharpness of garlic and tang of lemon. It’s a crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting a dinner or just indulging in a cozy solo meal.

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