This creamy lemon butter salmon is a treat for your taste buds! The buttery sauce paired with the zing of lemon makes every bite refreshing and delicious.
Honestly, I can never resist a good salmon dish. The best part? It cooks up in just minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal (or sneak a second helping)! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh, skinless salmon fillets are ideal for this recipe. If you can’t find salmon, you might use trout or even chicken breasts, adjusting cooking times accordingly. Just remember to keep a watchful eye on doneness!
Heavy cream: This gives the sauce its creamy texture. If you need a lighter option, half-and-half can work. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream is a great substitute, adding a unique flavor.
Chicken broth or white wine: These add depth of flavor to the sauce. If avoiding alcohol, stick with low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth. Vegetable broth is perfect for a vegetarian dish.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic boosts the sauce’s flavor. If fresh garlic isn’t available, garlic powder can be used in a pinch, but it won’t have the same intensity.
Lemon juice and zest: Fresh lemons bring brightness to the dish. If you only have bottled lemon juice, it’s fine, but fresh is always more vibrant. Lime juice can also be a zesty alternative!
How Can You Make This Sauce Extra Creamy and Flavored?
The sauce is where the magic happens, and it’s essential to get it right! Start by sautéing the minced garlic just until fragrant to avoid bitterness. When adding the cream and broth, stir gently to combine and avoid high heat, which could cause the sauce to separate.
- Let the sauce simmer and thicken naturally; patience is key. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- For an extra layer of flavor, adding a touch of crushed red pepper flakes enhances the dish without overpowering it.
- Finally, stirring in fresh herbs like parsley and dill at the end brightens the sauce and makes it fresh and inviting.
Remember, practice makes perfect, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning to suit your taste! Enjoy your delicious salmon dish!
Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skinless
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter, for cooking salmon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine (optional for more depth)
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1-2 teaspoons fresh chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon fresh chopped dill or rosemary (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Lemon slices, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salmon dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, totaling about 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and elegant meal perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Begin by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to help them sear better. Season both sides generously with salt and fresh ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
2. Cook the Salmon:
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, gently place the salmon fillets into the skillet. Cook them for about 4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through but still moist inside. Carefully remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, being careful not to let it brown. Then, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth or white wine if you choose to use it. Stir gently to combine everything and bring the mixture to a low simmer.
4. Add Flavorings:
Now, add in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and unsalted butter to the sauce. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the sauce thickens slightly, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
5. Finish the Dish:
Stir in the fresh chopped parsley, dill or rosemary (if you’re using them), and crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice if desired. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, to taste. Then, return the salmon fillets to the pan, spooning some of the creamy sauce over them. Allow them to heat together for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish the dish with fresh lemon slices and an extra sprinkle of herbs if you like. Serve the creamy lemon butter salmon warm, spooning plenty of luxurious sauce over it. It’s delightful paired with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables!
Enjoy this rich, buttery flavor balanced with bright lemon tang—your taste buds will thank you! 🥳
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure it’s completely thawed before cooking. To thaw, leave it in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream works well, although it will add a subtle coconut flavor to the dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to refresh the sauce.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! If you enjoy extra heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Just be cautious and taste as you go to ensure it doesn’t become too spicy!
