If you’ve ever wanted to make salmon feel extra special without putting in too much effort, this Creamy Garlic Salmon is your new weeknight go-to. It’s buttery, garlicky, and smothered in a rich, silky sauce that tastes like it came from your favorite bistro—but it’s ready in just 30 minutes and made in one pan.
Perfect for date nights or when you want something a little extra on a regular Tuesday. Bonus? You only need simple ingredients, and it all comes together beautifully with just a few easy steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and simple (just 30 minutes!)
- One pan means easy cleanup
- Elegant enough for guests, but cozy enough for any night
- Packed with garlicky, lemony, creamy goodness
- Makes ordinary salmon feel restaurant-worthy
Here’s What You’ll Need
- Salmon: Fresh, about 1-inch thick, cut into four pieces. Skin-on or off—your choice.
- Flour: Helps give the salmon a light crust before simmering in the sauce.
- Garlic Powder + Fresh Garlic: Double the garlic means double the flavor.
- Olive Oil + Butter: A mix for searing the fish and building that golden crust.
- Chicken Broth or White Wine: Adds depth. Use wine like pinot grigio for a little extra elegance.
- Lemon Juice: Just a splash to brighten the creamy sauce.
- Dijon Mustard: Don’t worry—you won’t taste it directly. It just adds a savory richness.
- Heavy Cream: The star of the show. Makes the sauce ultra-luxurious.
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish and a pop of color at the end.
Let’s Make It
Sear the salmon:
Pat your salmon dry and season it with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge it in flour (just a light coating on all sides). Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the salmon for 3–4 minutes per side. You want that lovely golden crust. Don’t overcook—it’ll finish in the sauce. Once done, set it aside on a plate.
Make the sauce:
To that same skillet, add the garlic, chicken broth (or wine), lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Whisk it together until smooth. Stir in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Finish it up:
Add the salmon back to the pan and let it finish cooking in the sauce. A few more minutes is all it needs. When the sauce is rich and creamy and the salmon is cooked through, you’re ready to serve. Garnish with parsley for a fresh finish.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use your eyes: Watch the salmon’s color as it cooks. It’ll turn from vibrant pink to a pale peach when it’s ready.
- Searing tip: If using skin-on salmon, sear skin-side down first for extra crispiness. You can remove the skin after if you prefer.
- Don’t rush the sauce: Let it simmer gently so the flavors can meld without separating.
Variations & Add-ins
- Add some greens: Stir in baby spinach at the end for color and nutrients.
- Try fresh herbs: A little fresh thyme or basil would add a lovely aromatic note.
- Want a dairy-free option? You can try full-fat coconut milk, but it will change the flavor—it’s best to stick with cream for that classic richness.
What to Serve With It
This salmon pairs perfectly with:
- Mashed Potatoes – Classic combo with the creamy sauce
- Steamed Rice – Soaks up every drop
- Pasta – Think fettuccine tossed in the leftover sauce
- Roasted Green Beans or Cauliflower – For a lighter, veggie-forward plate
- A sprinkle of parmesan on top never hurts!
Storing & Reheating Tips
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- To reheat: Warm slowly in a covered pan over low heat, or microwave on 50% power in short bursts. High heat may cause the sauce to separate.
- Enjoy it cold: Flake leftover salmon over salad the next day for a fresh lunch.
- Freezing: Not recommended—the cream sauce won’t hold up well after thawing.
Creamy Garlic Salmon
If you’ve ever wanted to make salmon feel extra special without putting in too much effort, this Creamy Garlic Salmon is your new weeknight go-to.
Ingredients
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound fresh salmon, cut into 4 pieces
- Flour, for dredging
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
Instructions
- Cut the salmon into 4 pieces. Sprinkle each piece with garlic powder and season with salt and pepper. Lightly coat each piece in flour on all sides.
- Add the oil and butter to a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the pan is hot, add the salmon. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until nicely browned.
- Avoid overcooking, as the salmon will finish cooking in the sauce. If using skin-on salmon, place it skin-side down first. If your salmon is thicker than 1 inch, sear it slightly longer.
- Transfer the salmon to a plate.
- Add the garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard to the skillet. Stir or whisk until the mustard dissolves. Let it bubble for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the cream to the skillet.
- Return the salmon to the pan and let it simmer for about 5 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the fish is fully cooked.
- Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed, then sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Notes
- It’s best not to substitute the cream with half-and-half or milk. The lemon juice and high heat could cause the sauce to break, and the result will be thinner and less rich.
- If you're using skin-on salmon and prefer not to eat the skin, you can peel it off after searing. It will be nice and crispy at that stage, so you can enjoy it or discard it as you prefer.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 693Total Fat 42gSaturated Fat 19gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 20gCholesterol 147mgSodium 329mgCarbohydrates 39gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 33g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This creamy garlic salmon is one of those dishes that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier. It’s great for impressing guests, date night dinners, or just treating yourself midweek. The sauce is rich and flavorful, the salmon is perfectly cooked, and it all comes together in one pan with minimal fuss.
