Description
Creamy Garlic Salmon with Spinach and Mushrooms
This delicious salmon is cooked to perfection, topped with a rich and creamy garlic sauce, and served over a bed of tender spinach and mushrooms. It’s a flavorful, nutritious dish that’s easy to make and perfect for a special dinner!
Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spinach and Mushrooms:
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Cook the salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Spinach and Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the olive oil and sauté the mushrooms until they are golden and softened, about 5 minutes. Add the fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Dish: Place the sautéed spinach and mushrooms on a plate. Top with the cooked salmon fillet, then drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the salmon. Garnish with fresh parsley for extra flavor and a pop of color.
This Creamy Garlic Salmon with Spinach and Mushrooms is a luxurious, creamy dish that’s sure to impress. The richness of the sauce pairs beautifully with the flaky salmon and the earthy mushrooms and spinach. It’s a wholesome, satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Guide
For perfect results, follow this detailed sequence. First, pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel; this ensures a good sear. When cooking the salmon, start skin-side down if skin is on, pressing gently for the first 30 seconds to prevent curling. Do not move the fillets until ready to flip. For the mushrooms, allow them to sit in the hot pan without stirring for a minute or two to develop a golden-brown color before tossing. When making the sauce, let the cream and broth simmer gently—a rapid boil can cause the sauce to break or become greasy. Stir constantly as it thickens.
Serving Suggestions
This rich salmon dish pairs wonderfully with lighter, neutral sides that complement the creamy sauce. Serve it over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice, or angel hair pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. For a low-carb option, try zucchini noodles. A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette or steamed asparagus provides a fresh, crisp contrast to the dish’s richness.
How-to Summary
Quickly sear seasoned salmon fillets until flaky and set aside. In the same pan, sauté mushrooms until golden, then wilt spinach. Prepare the sauce by cooking garlic in butter, then simmering with cream, broth, and lemon until thickened. Assemble by plating the vegetables, topping with salmon, and drizzling with the creamy garlic sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a lighter cream alternative? Yes, half-and-half or whole milk can be used, but the sauce will be thinner. To thicken, create a slurry with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and a tablespoon of cold water, whisking it into the simmering sauce.
How do I know when the salmon is done? The salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.
What can I substitute for chicken broth? Vegetable broth or seafood stock are excellent substitutes. For more depth, you can use a splash of white wine (let it reduce before adding cream).
Can I prepare any components ahead of time? You can slice the mushrooms and mince the garlic ahead of time. However, for best texture and flavor, cook the dish just before serving.
My sauce seems too thin. How can I fix it? Let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and concentrate. Alternatively, the cornstarch slurry mentioned above will quickly thicken it without altering the flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing the salmon, as this steams the fish instead of creating a flavorful crust.
- Do not burn the garlic when making the sauce. Sauté it just until fragrant (about 1 minute) over medium heat.
- Resist the urge to constantly stir the mushrooms while sautéing; letting them sit allows for proper browning.
- Do not add cold cream directly from the refrigerator to a very hot pan, as it can curdle. Let it sit out for 10-15 minutes first.
- Avoid overcooking the salmon, which makes it dry. It will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the pan.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Salmon with Spinach and Mushrooms is a restaurant-quality meal that is deceptively simple to prepare at home. By mastering a few key techniques—like properly searing the salmon and building a luxurious pan sauce—you create a dish that is both impressive and nourishing. It’s a perfect balance of rich, savory, and fresh flavors, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight treat or a special occasion dinner. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!