Creamy Lemon Salmon
Ingredients
- •4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- •2 tablespoons olive oil
- •1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- •3 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 cup heavy cream
- •1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- •2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- •1 teaspoon lemon zest
- •1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- •2 cups fresh baby spinach
- •1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- •1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- •2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
- 2
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- 3
Place the salmon fillets flesh-side down in the skillet and sear for 4 to 5 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms, then gently flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until cooked through. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- 4
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- 5
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- 6
Pour in the vegetable broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- 7
Stir in the heavy cream and lemon zest, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- 8
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- 9
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted.
- 10
Return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy lemon sauce over the top, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
💡 Chef tips
- Ensure your salmon fillets are completely dry before searing to achieve a crispy golden crust.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less thick.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but reheat gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the fish.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished salmon is flaky and tender with a perfectly golden crust, bathed in a velvety, bright lemon-garlic cream sauce that smells intensely aromatic and savory.