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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Meticulously dry salmon fillets using paper towels, ensuring surfaces are completely moisture-free.
- Season both sides of the salmon generously with aromatic garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat, introducing olive oil or butter to create a glistening cooking surface.
- 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.
- Monitor the salmon’s transformation, watching edges turn translucent and develop a rich, caramelized exterior over approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Delicately rotate the fillets using a spatula, continuing cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the fish reaches a perfect medium doneness.
- Verify internal temperature has reached 63C / 145F, ensuring the salmon is thoroughly cooked yet remains tender and succulent.
- 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