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Creamy Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

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This Creamy Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce is a quick, easy, and elegant dinner perfect for any occasion. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, the salmon is topped with a rich, velvety sauce infused with fresh garlic, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Serve it with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a restaurant-quality meal made at home!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon:

  • 4 salmon fillets (170 g / 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

For the Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for extra depth)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (plus zest from 1 lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Pan-sear the salmon:

  • Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down if applicable, and cook for 4-5 minutes until the edges become opaque.
  • Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 63°C / 145°F).
  • Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. Prepare the lemon garlic cream sauce:

  • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Stir in the heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and let cook for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken.
  • Add Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning, stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in fresh parsley.

3. Combine and serve:

  • Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the sauce over each piece.
  • Simmer for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices, then serve hot over rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.


Notes

  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan.
  • Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Pairings: Serve with garlic butter asparagus, mashed potatoes, or a light arugula salad.