Creamy Garlic Mushroom Salmon is a restaurant-quality dish that you can easily prepare at home. This recipe combines tender, flaky salmon fillets with a rich and creamy garlic mushroom sauce, enhanced with Parmesan cheese and a touch of Italian seasoning. The balance of flavors and textures makes this dish an irresistible meal, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. This dish not only looks stunning on the plate but also satisfies your taste buds with its creamy and savory goodness. Read on to learn how to make this flavorful salmon recipe in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Step 1: Season and Sear the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season them with paprika, salt, and black pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the salmon to a plate and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Mushrooms
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become tender and slightly golden. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 3: Add Spinach
Once the mushrooms have softened, add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and blends into the mixture. This step enhances the nutritional value and brings vibrant color to the sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and vegetable broth, stirring continuously. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally. The Parmesan cheese will add depth to the creamy sauce, making it extra rich and flavorful.
Step 5: Return the Salmon to the Skillet
Gently place the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the fillets to coat them evenly. Let the salmon simmer for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors and heat through. Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it should remain tender and juicy.
Variations
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
- Keto-Friendly Version: Use a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum if you want a thicker sauce without adding too many carbs.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a more aromatic touch.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure the skillet is hot before searing the salmon to get a perfectly crispy exterior.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when cooking salmon to allow even cooking.
- If using frozen salmon, make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for the best flavor in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- With Rice: Serve over fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting side dish that complements the rich flavors of the salmon.
- With Pasta: Toss the salmon and creamy sauce with cooked pasta for a luxurious seafood pasta dish.
- With Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or sautéed green beans for a well-balanced meal.
Tips
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the salmon for 1-2 minutes after cooking.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more vegetable broth or reducing it longer.
- Use wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and nutritional benefits.
- Make sure not to overcook the salmon, as it will continue cooking in the sauce.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Protein: ~40g
- Sodium: ~400mg
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Can I use chicken instead of salmon?
Absolutely! You can substitute salmon with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken takes longer to cook than salmon.
3. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce, or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
4. How long does this dish last in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Salmon is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. The creamy garlic-infused sauce, combined with tender, perfectly seared salmon, creates a meal that feels luxurious yet requires minimal effort. Whether you serve it with rice, pasta, or vegetables, this dish will impress your family and guests. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a delicious homemade salmon dish bursting with flavor!
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Salmon
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
Step 1: Season and Sear the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season them with paprika, salt, and black pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the salmon to a plate and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Mushrooms
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become tender and slightly golden. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 3: Add Spinach
Once the mushrooms have softened, add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and blends into the mixture. This step enhances the nutritional value and brings vibrant color to the sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and vegetable broth, stirring continuously. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally. The Parmesan cheese will add depth to the creamy sauce, making it extra rich and flavorful.
Step 5: Return the Salmon to the Skillet
Gently place the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the fillets to coat them evenly. Let the salmon simmer for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors and heat through. Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it should remain tender and juicy.
Notes
Cooking Notes
- Ensure the skillet is hot before searing the salmon to get a perfectly crispy exterior.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when cooking salmon to allow even cooking.
- If using frozen salmon, make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Sodium: ~400mg
- Protein: ~40g