Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms

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Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms

Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms is a luxurious yet easy-to-make dish that combines perfectly seared salmon fillets with a rich, velvety garlic butter sauce. The combination of earthy mushrooms, tender spinach, and a luscious, creamy sauce infused with garlic and Dijon mustard creates a restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes.

This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or an impressive meal for guests. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or a crisp green salad, making it versatile and satisfying. Plus, it’s packed with healthy omega-3s from the salmon and nutrient-rich spinach, making it a delicious and nutritious option.

Ingredients

  • 2 salmon fillets
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

Preparation

Step 1: Sear the Salmon

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Season the salmon fillets generously with salt and black pepper.
  3. Place the salmon in the hot pan, skin-side down first, and sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
  4. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes, ensuring the salmon is cooked through.
  5. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms & Spinach

  1. In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and golden.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

  1. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard.
  2. Sprinkle in the fresh thyme and stir well.
  3. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

  1. Return the salmon fillets to the pan, nestling them into the sauce.
  2. Spoon the creamy sauce over the salmon to coat it evenly.
  3. Let everything cook together for another 1-2 minutes.

Variations

  • Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and use dairy-free butter.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
  • Lemon Infusion: Add 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice for a bright, citrusy flavor.
  • Keto-Friendly: Serve with cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli for a low-carb option.

Cooking Notes

  • Use skin-on salmon fillets for added crispiness and flavor. The skin also helps keep the fillet intact while cooking.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure an even sear on the salmon.
  • If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of additional chicken broth to loosen it up.
  • For the best flavor, use fresh herbs, but dried thyme works in a pinch.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve over mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
  • Pair with steamed rice or quinoa for a wholesome grain addition.
  • Enjoy alongside a light salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
  • Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.

Tips

  • Pat the salmon dry before seasoning to get the best sear.
  • Use a nonstick or cast-iron pan to prevent the salmon from sticking.
  • Let the salmon rest for a minute before serving for juicier fillets.
  • Double the sauce if you love extra creaminess for drizzling over side dishes.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories per Serving: ~450 kcal

Servings: 2

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~450 kcal
  • Protein: ~35g
  • Fat: ~30g
  • Sodium: ~450mg
  • Carbohydrates: ~8g

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

Q: Can I use a different type of fish?
A: Absolutely! This recipe works well with trout, cod, or halibut.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce and veggies ahead of time and cook the salmon just before serving.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms is a must-try dish that brings together rich, comforting flavors in an easy-to-make meal. The creamy sauce, tender salmon, and flavorful mushrooms and spinach create a harmony of textures and tastes that feel indulgent yet wholesome.

Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for special occasions, this dish is versatile and customizable. Try it with your favorite sides, experiment with spices, and make it your own. Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen!

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Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms

Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms

  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 2 salmon fillets
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preparation

Step 1: Sear the Salmon

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Season the salmon fillets generously with salt and black pepper.
  3. Place the salmon in the hot pan, skin-side down first, and sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
  4. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes, ensuring the salmon is cooked through.
  5. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms & Spinach

  1. In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and golden.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

  1. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard.
  2. Sprinkle in the fresh thyme and stir well.
  3. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

  1. Return the salmon fillets to the pan, nestling them into the sauce.
  2. Spoon the creamy sauce over the salmon to coat it evenly.
  3. Let everything cook together for another 1-2 minutes.

Notes

Cooking Notes

  • Use skin-on salmon fillets for added crispiness and flavor. The skin also helps keep the fillet intact while cooking.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure an even sear on the salmon.
  • If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of additional chicken broth to loosen it up.
  • For the best flavor, use fresh herbs, but dried thyme works in a pinch.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: ~450 kcal
  • Sodium: ~450mg
  • Fat: ~30g
  • Carbohydrates: ~8g
  • Protein: ~35g

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