Creamy Pan Seared Salmon with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce
Creamy Pan Seared Salmon with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce is a quick and elegant dinner featuring tender salmon fillets seared to a perfect golden crisp and topped with a luscious, tangy lemon garlic cream sauce. This recipe balances rich omega-3 packed fish with vibrant citrus and aromatic garlic, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 4 skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), fresh or thawed
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cooking Fats and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup heavy cream
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to ensure a crisp, flavorful crust when seared.
- Pan Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side down carefully and cook without moving for 4-5 minutes, until the skin is crisp and the flesh is opaque halfway up. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. When melted, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. Stir in fresh lemon juice and heavy cream, combining well. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Return the salmon fillets to the pan briefly to warm through, spooning the lemon garlic cream sauce over each piece. Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the salmon skin is very dry before searing to achieve maximum crispness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming and ensure an even sear.
- Allow salmon to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even doneness.
- Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent cream from curdling.
- Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the most vibrant flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: salmon, pan seared salmon, lemon garlic cream sauce, creamy salmon, quick salmon recipe, healthy dinner, seafood dinner, gluten free salmon