Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

why make this recipe

This dish is quick, rich, and very tasty. It cooks fast and feels special. The creamy garlic butter sauce makes the salmon soft and full of flavor. It works for weeknights or a simple dinner with guests.

introduction

This recipe uses simple ingredients and a creamy sauce that takes plain salmon to the next level. If you want a different flavored salmon to try later, see the best Moroccan salmon recipe for an easy spiced option.

how to make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

1. Pat the salmon dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Place the salmon in the skillet, skin-side down, and cook 4–5 minutes per side.
5. Remove the salmon and set aside. Pour in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, thyme, and parsley. Stir to combine.
6. Let the sauce simmer a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Return the salmon to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
7. Serve immediately with extra parsley if you like.

Ingredients :

• 4 salmon fillets (about 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 (or fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh parsley for garnish)

Directions :

• Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
• In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat, then add the butter and let it melt.
• Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
• Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down, and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side.
• Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside. Pour in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, thyme, and parsley, stirring to combine.
• Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly, then return the salmon to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
• Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

how to serve Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes. Spoon extra sauce over the salmon. Add a lemon wedge for a fresh touch. A simple green salad pairs well.

how to store Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

Cool the salmon and sauce to room temperature, then put in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying the fish.

tips to make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

• Pat the salmon dry to get a better sear.
• Do not overcook the salmon; remove when it flakes easily and is still moist.
• Let the sauce simmer until it slightly thickens so it coats the fish.
• Use fresh garlic for the best taste.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth.

variation (if any)

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
• Swap thyme for dill or basil for different flavors.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Add capers or a little white wine to the sauce for extra tang.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes. Thaw fully and pat dry before cooking for best results.

Q: Can I make the sauce without cream?
A: You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and a small amount of flour to thicken, but the sauce will be lighter.

Q: How do I know when salmon is done?
A: The fish flakes with a fork and is opaque inside. Aim for an internal temp of 125–130°F (52–54°C) for medium.

Q: Can I cook this in the oven?
A: Yes. Sear the salmon in a skillet first, then finish in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 5–7 minutes, then add the sauce.

Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: Yes. The ingredients are low in carbs and fit a keto eating plan.

Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

• Author: bennacer-blogbrandinggmail-com
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan-frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Paleo

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

A quick and flavorful dish featuring salmon cooked in a rich creamy garlic butter sauce, perfect for weeknights or dinner with guests.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 salmon fillets (about 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 (or fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh parsley for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat, then add the butter and let it melt.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down, and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side.
5. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside. Pour in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, thyme, and parsley, stirring to combine.
6. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly, then return the salmon to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

---

Notes

For added flavor, serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with a lemon wedge for freshness.

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg