Garlic Butter Parmesan Salmon

Garlic Butter Parmesan Salmon: A Rich & Indulgent Delight
If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality salmon dish that’s rich, buttery, and bursting with flavor, this Garlic Butter Parmesan Salmon is exactly what you need! With perfectly pan-seared salmon fillets smothered in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, this dish is a decadent treat that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
This dish is ready in just 25 minutes, making it an easy yet impressive meal that pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy & Flavorful – The garlic butter parmesan sauce makes every bite melt in your mouth.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
- Restaurant-Worthy – Looks and tastes like fine dining at home.
- Pairs with Anything – Serve with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ¼ cup chicken broth (or white wine)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Salmon
- Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Sear the Salmon
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes, until crispy.
- Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until golden brown.
- Transfer the salmon to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce
- In the same pan, melt butter and add garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth (or white wine) and let it reduce for 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream, parmesan, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
4. Combine & Serve
- Return the salmon to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the fillets.
- Simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Best Sides to Serve with Garlic Butter Parmesan Salmon
- Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Steamed Asparagus or Green Beans – Adds a fresh and crisp contrast.
- Creamy Parmesan Risotto – Elevates the meal with extra richness.
- Butter Herb Rice – Light and fluffy, perfect for a balanced meal.
Tips for the Best Salmon
- Use Fresh Salmon – It’s more flavorful and holds up better in cooking.
- Don’t Overcook It – Salmon should be flaky but moist. Aim for an internal temp of 130-135°F.
- For Extra Crispy Skin – Make sure the pan is hot before adding the salmon.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency – If too thick, add a splash of broth; if too thin, simmer longer.
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth to keep the sauce creamy.
Why This Garlic Butter Parmesan Salmon is a Must-Try
This dish is rich, buttery, and absolutely indulgent, making it a go-to recipe for any salmon lover. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s an easy way to enjoy a luxurious meal at home.
So, grab your skillet and make this creamy, garlicky, parmesan-coated salmon tonight!
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Garlic Butter Parmesan Salmon
This dish is ready in just 25 minutes, making it an easy yet impressive meal that pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ¼ cup chicken broth (or white wine)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Salmon
- Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Sear the Salmon
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes, until crispy.
- Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until golden brown.
- Transfer the salmon to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce
- In the same pan, melt butter and add garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth (or white wine) and let it reduce for 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream, parmesan, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
4. Combine & Serve
- Return the salmon to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the fillets.
- Simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Best Sides to Serve with Garlic Butter Parmesan Salmon
- Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Steamed Asparagus or Green Beans – Adds a fresh and crisp contrast.
- Creamy Parmesan Risotto – Elevates the meal with extra richness.
- Butter Herb Rice – Light and fluffy, perfect for a balanced meal.