Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a special treat but comes together in no time, this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe is your new best friend. It’s packed with rich, buttery flavor and just the right touch of garlic—perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through making this fabulous, silky salmon that’s hard to resist.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients & Why They Work
• Make It Your Way
• Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
• Top Tip
• How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
• Make Ahead and Storage
• Frequently Asked Questions:
• Final Thoughts
• Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

This combination of ingredients creates a balanced dish that’s hearty yet fresh. The olive oil helps with a crisp sear, the butter adds richness, and the cream with Parmesan brings that ultra-creamy texture. Using chicken broth keeps it lighter than using all cream, and the fresh parsley finishes it off with brightness.

• Salmon fillets: Pick fresh, firm fillets with skin-on if possible to get a nice sear and juiciness.
• Olive oil: Helps achieve a golden crust on the salmon without burning.
• Butter: Crucial for that rich creamy sauce and wonderful mouthfeel.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds aromatic depth and savory warmth.
• Dry white wine (optional): Adds acidity and complexity; if you skip the wine, just add a touch more broth.
• Chicken broth: Adds savory base flavor and balances the cream.
• Heavy cream: Creates a luscious, velvety sauce that wraps around the salmon.
• Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce adding nuttiness and richness without overpowering.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with its fresh, herbal notes.

Make It Your Way

I love giving this salmon a little tweak depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge — feel free to adjust it so it suits your tastes perfectly. The beauty of this dish is how flexible it is, so don’t be shy!

• Variation: Sometimes I toss in a handful of baby spinach right before serving for extra greens and texture—it wilts beautifully in the warm sauce.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, adding red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic really wakes up the sauce.
• Herb swap: Fresh dill or thyme are wonderful alternatives to parsley if you want to try something new.
• Extra zing: I’ve marinated the salmon briefly in lemon juice before cooking or added lemon slices to the sauce for that lovely citrus touch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Salmon

First things first, give your salmon fillets a good sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides—simple seasoning here is key. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then carefully place the salmon skin-side down if your fillets have skin. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side, depending on thickness. You want a beautiful golden crust, but don’t overcook—it should still be tender inside. When done, remove salmon and set aside, but leave a little of the oil in the pan for the next step.

Step 2: Make That Garlic Butter Goodness

Add butter to the pan and let it melt, then tilt the pan and spoon the butter over the salmon a few times—trust me, this adds so much flavor. Remove the salmon and set aside for a moment. Throw in the minced garlic and sauté it just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Don’t walk away here because garlic can go from perfect to burnt really fast!

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

If you’re using white wine, pour it in now and let it simmer for about 2 minutes until it evaporates. This step amps up the sauce but can be skipped if you prefer. Next, pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Toss in the Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts perfectly into a smooth sauce. Season with chopped parsley, and adjust salt and pepper to your taste.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens nicely. Then nestle your salmon back into the pan, spoon some sauce over it, and warm it through for another few minutes. Plate it up with extra parsley sprinkled on top, and you’re ready to impress!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love topping the finished salmon with extra freshly chopped parsley and sometimes a sprinkle of lemon zest or a few lemon wedges on the side. The brightness cuts through the richness and makes every bite fresh and inviting.

Side Dishes

This salmon shines alongside simple sides like roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or even a light arugula salad. I’ve also had success pairing it with buttery risotto or some steamed baby green beans for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like plating the salmon over a bed of creamy polenta with a drizzle of sauce around the edge for an elegant touch. Garnishing with edible flowers or fresh herb sprigs makes it look restaurant-worthy and impressive to guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover salmon with the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 2 days, though I usually find it so good that there’s rarely anything left!

Freezing

Freezing cooked salmon with creamy sauce isn’t my favorite option because the texture of cream can change. But if you must, freeze it separately from the sauce or in small portions and use within a month for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause the cream sauce to split or dry out the salmon.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe quickly became one of my favorite weeknight dinners because it’s as comforting as it is impressive. It’s perfect for when you want a meal that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. Honestly, once you try this, I think you’ll be making it again and again — like I do!

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