Description
Creamy Lemon Garlic Salmon
A luxurious salmon dinner made simple! Juicy fillets bathed in creamy garlic lemon sauce with perfectly cooked broccoli and baby potatoes. A showstopper!
Ingredients:
4 salmon fillets
2 tbsp butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup cream
Lemon juice (1 lemon)
Baby potatoes and broccoli
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Season and sear salmon in butter. Remove.
Sauté garlic, stir in cream, and lemon juice. Simmer lightly.
Add back salmon, baby potatoes, and broccoli. Cook until done.
#SalmonAndVeggieJoy
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof meal. First, pat the salmon fillets dry and season generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon skin-side down (if skin-on) and sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, then remove to a plate. Next, reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the cream and the juice of one lemon, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. Finally, return the salmon to the skillet, nestling the pre-cooked baby potatoes and broccoli florets around it. Spoon the sauce over everything, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and the vegetables are heated.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it with simple additions. Serve it directly from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and thin lemon slices. For a textural contrast, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the extra creamy lemon garlic sauce. Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Season and sear salmon, then set aside. Create a sauce by sautéing garlic in the same pan, then adding cream and lemon juice. Simmer to thicken, then return the salmon and add your pre-cooked potatoes and broccoli to the sauce. Cover and cook until everything is heated through and the salmon is flaky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of fish? Yes, firm white fish like cod, halibut, or sea bass work well. Adjust cooking times as they may cook faster than salmon.
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).
Can I make this sauce dairy-free? Absolutely. Substitute the butter with olive oil and the cream with full-fat coconut milk for a rich, dairy-free alternative.
What’s the best way to cook the potatoes and broccoli? For best results, par-cook them before adding to the sauce. Boil or steam the baby potatoes until tender, and lightly steam the broccoli florets. This ensures they finish cooking perfectly in the sauce without becoming mushy.
How can I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave to prevent the sauce from separating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Salmon: Salmon continues to cook after removal from heat. Remove it just before it’s perfectly done to your liking.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly. Sauté it on medium heat for only 30 seconds before adding the liquid.
- Adding Cold Cream: Let the cream come to room temperature before adding it to the pan to prevent curdling.
- Using Raw Vegetables: Adding raw potatoes and broccoli will result in undercooked veggies and overcooked salmon. Always par-cook them first.
Conclusion
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Salmon is the ultimate weeknight luxury, proving that an elegant, restaurant-quality dinner can be effortlessly prepared at home. The harmony of rich, tangy sauce with perfectly cooked salmon and vegetables creates a truly satisfying and balanced meal. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and achieve a flawless result every time. It’s a versatile recipe that invites customization while consistently delivering on flavor and presentation. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!
