Luscious Creamy Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

My kitchen always buzzes with excitement when creamy pan-seared salmon swims onto the menu, promising a delightful culinary adventure.

Perfectly golden edges hint at the magic waiting to unfold on your plate.

The lemon garlic cream sauce brings a luxurious touch that makes ordinary dinners feel extraordinary.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how simple ingredients can create something spectacular.

Tender fish meets silky sauce in a dance of rich, complementary flavors that sing from the first bite.

Fresh herbs and a squeeze of citrus elevate this dish from good to absolutely memorable.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this restaurant-quality meal that comes together in mere minutes.

Why Creamy Pan-Seared Salmon With Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Feels Gourmet

• Speed Up Weeknight Dinners: Whip up this creamy salmon dish in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious, restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Foolproof Cooking Technique: Pan-searing locks in the salmon's moisture and creates a beautiful golden crust, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve professional-looking results with minimal cooking skills.
• Flavor Explosion in Every Bite: The lemon garlic cream sauce adds a tangy, rich dimension that transforms a simple salmon fillet into a gourmet experience, pleasing both adults and picky eaters alike.
• Versatile Meal Option: Easily adaptable for date nights, family dinners, or elegant entertaining, this recipe works wonderfully with various side dishes like roasted vegetables, rice, or fresh salad.

Everything You Need For Creamy Pan-Seared Salmon With Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

• Salmon Fillets: Rich, omega-3 packed fish that serves as the star of the dish, best when fresh and of high quality, wild-caught or sustainably farmed options recommended.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasoning combination that enhances salmon's natural flavor, provides depth and simple aromatic profile.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Helps create perfect golden-brown crust and prevents salmon from sticking, provides rich flavor and smooth cooking surface.

Steps To Make Creamy Pan-Seared Salmon With Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Salmon

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Coat both sides of the salmon evenly with these aromatic seasonings.

Step 2: Warm Up the Skillet

• Olive oil or butter

Let the pan heat up until it’s shimmering and ready for action.

Step 3: Sear the First Side

Carefully slide the seasoned salmon into the hot skillet, skin-side down if the fillet has skin. Allow the fish to cook and develop a golden-brown crust for 4-5 minutes. Watch as the edges transform from translucent to opaque.

Step 4: Flip and Finish Cooking

Gently turn the salmon over using a spatula. Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes. The salmon is perfectly done when it reaches an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 5: Create Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Fresh garlic, minced
• Lemon juice
• Butter

Stir the ingredients together, scraping up any delicious salmon bits from the pan.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Transfer the salmon to serving plates. Generously drizzle the creamy lemon garlic sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra pop of flavor.

Top Tips For Creamy Pan-Seared Salmon With Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

• Perfectly Dry the Fish: Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy, golden-brown sear that locks in moisture and creates an incredible texture.
• Control the Heat Smartly: Use medium-high heat to achieve a beautiful golden crust without burning the delicate salmon, which helps develop rich flavors and prevents sticking.
• Check Doneness Precisely: Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 63°C/145°F, guaranteeing perfectly cooked salmon that remains juicy and tender.
• Skin-Side Searing Technique: Start cooking salmon skin-side down if the skin is attached to maximize crispiness and protect the delicate flesh from direct heat.
• Quick Resting Method: Allow salmon to rest for a few minutes after cooking to help redistribute juices, ensuring each bite remains succulent and flavorful.

How To Store Creamy Pan-Seared Salmon With Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

• Refrigerate leftover salmon carefully in an airtight container for maximum freshness.
• Consume within 2-3 days to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Keep the salmon separate from the cream sauce to prevent soggy fish and preserve its crispy exterior.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat or use the microwave with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture and prevent drying out.

Perfect Sides For Creamy Pan-Seared Salmon With Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a light, zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the creamy sauce and complements the salmon's rich flavor, creating a refreshing balance on your palate.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Asparagus: Prepare tender asparagus spears with a light drizzle of olive oil and sea salt, which adds a green vegetable component that perfectly matches the salmon's delicate texture and bright lemon cream sauce.
• Complement with Herbed Quinoa: Cook quinoa with fresh herbs like dill or parsley, providing a nutty, light grain side that absorbs the lemon garlic cream sauce while adding nutritional depth to the meal.
• Match with Citrus Sparkling Water: Add a chilled sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime to enhance the dish's citrus notes and cleanse the palate between bites of the creamy salmon.

Creamy Pan-Seared Salmon With Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Variations You’ll Like

• Herb-Crusted Salmon: Coat salmon fillets with a mixture of fresh dill, parsley, and thyme before pan-searing for an aromatic herbal upgrade.
• Spicy Cajun Salmon: Sprinkle Cajun seasoning blend over the fillets for a bold, zesty flavor profile that adds exciting heat to the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean Style: Top the cooked salmon with crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Maple Glazed Version: Brush salmon with a quick maple and Dijon mustard glaze during the last minute of cooking for a sweet and tangy finish that caramelizes beautifully.

FAQs On Creamy Pan-Seared Salmon With Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

• Why should I pat the salmon dry before cooking?

Patting salmon dry helps create a crispy, golden-brown exterior by removing excess moisture. This technique ensures better caramelization and prevents the fish from steaming instead of searing.

• How do I know if my salmon is cooked perfectly?

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer – it should reach 63°C (145°F). Alternatively, look for opaque flesh that easily flakes with a fork, and the fish should be moist and slightly translucent in the center.

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw it completely in the refrigerator first. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear and prevents the fish from becoming watery.

• What if I don't have garlic powder?

You can substitute with minced fresh garlic or garlic salt. If using fresh garlic, add it to the pan during the last minute of cooking to prevent burning and maintain its fresh flavor.

Creamy Pan-Seared Salmon With Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy pan-seared salmon dances with zesty lemon garlic sauce, elevating dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. Delicate fish meets rich, velvety cream, promising a restaurant-worthy meal you can effortlessly craft in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 4 salmon fillets (170 g / 6 ounces each), skin-on or skinless

Seasoning and Cooking Fats:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Sauce and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for extra depth)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Meticulously dry salmon fillets using paper towels, ensuring surfaces are completely moisture-free.
2. Season both sides of the salmon generously with aromatic garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
3. Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat, introducing olive oil or butter to create a glistening cooking surface.
4. Carefully position salmon fillets into the heated pan, placing skin-side down if present, allowing the fish to sear and develop a golden-brown crust.
5. Monitor the salmon’s transformation, watching edges turn translucent and develop a rich, caramelized exterior over approximately 4-5 minutes.
6. Delicately rotate the fillets using a spatula, continuing cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the fish reaches a perfect medium doneness.
7. Verify internal temperature has reached 63C / 145F, ensuring the salmon is thoroughly cooked yet remains tender and succulent.
8. Extract salmon from the skillet with precision, transferring to a waiting plate for immediate serving or sauce preparation.

Notes

• Always pat salmon dry before cooking to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in moisture and enhances flavor.
• Use a cast-iron or non-stick skillet for even heat distribution and preventing the delicate fish from sticking.
• Check salmon’s doneness by looking for a slightly translucent center and using a digital meat thermometer for precise temperature control.
• Customize the dish by swapping dairy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option or adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra brightness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 665 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 52 g
• Saturated Fat: 27 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 48 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg