Description
Grilled Salmon with Shrimp in Creamy Sauce
Ingredients:
2 salmon fillets
6-8 shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the Salmon:
Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear salmon for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden. Remove and set aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté shrimp until pink and fully cooked, about 2 minutes on each side. Set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
Sauté garlic in the skillet until fragrant.
Add heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Assemble:
Place salmon on a plate, top with shrimp, and drizzle with the creamy sauce.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh chives for a vibrant finish.
Step-by-Step Guide
Begin by patting the salmon fillets and shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This ensures a perfect sear. For the salmon, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) and press gently for full contact. Sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Remove to a plate and tent with foil. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until opaque and pink. Remove and set aside with the salmon.
For the sauce, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Whisk in the Dijon mustard and grated Parmesan. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and elegant dish pairs beautifully with lighter sides to balance the creamy sauce. Serve over a bed of steamed asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple lemon-herb orzo. For a low-carb option, try it with zucchini noodles or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. A glass of chilled Chardonnay or a crisp Pinot Grigio complements the flavors perfectly.
How-to Summary
To make Grilled Salmon with Shrimp in Creamy Sauce, first sear seasoned salmon fillets until golden, then set aside. In the same pan, sauté shrimp in butter until pink. For the sauce, cook garlic briefly, then add heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan, simmering until thickened. Return the salmon and shrimp to the pan to warm through, then serve immediately garnished with fresh chives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp and salmon? Yes, ensure both are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.
What can I substitute for heavy cream? For a lighter version, half-and-half can work, but the sauce will be thinner. Full-fat coconut milk is a good dairy-free alternative.
How do I know when the salmon is done? The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I make the sauce ahead of time? The sauce is best made fresh, but you can prepare it a few hours ahead. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream to loosen it.
What other herbs work for garnish? Fresh dill, parsley, or tarragon are excellent alternatives to chives.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking too many pieces at once steams the protein instead of searing it. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Burning the Garlic: Sauté garlic only until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter.
- Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long. Remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Adding Cold Dairy to a Hot Pan Too Fast: To prevent curdling, have your cream at room temperature and add it before the pan gets excessively hot.
Conclusion
This Grilled Salmon with Shrimp in Creamy Sauce is a restaurant-quality meal that is deceptively simple to prepare at home. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a luxurious, flavorful dish that is sure to impress. The combination of perfectly seared salmon, tender shrimp, and a rich, garlic-Parmesan sauce is timeless. Experiment with the suggested sides and enjoy this versatile centerpiece for any special dinner.