Luscious Lemon Garlic Cream Pan-Seared Salmon Recipe

Salmon sizzles with unparalleled elegance when pan-seared to golden perfection in this lemon garlic cream sauce recipe.

The delicate fish meets a rich, velvety sauce that promises restaurant-quality dining at home.

Bright citrus notes dance with robust garlic undertones, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Each tender fillet emerges with a crisp, golden exterior that seals in succulent moisture.

The cream sauce transforms a simple fish dish into a luxurious meal that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Fresh herbs scattered on top add a final touch of vibrancy to this stunning entrée.

You won’t believe how simple it is to create such a memorable culinary experience right in your own kitchen.

Smart Tips For Creamy Pan-Seared Salmon With Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

• Foolproof Salmon Cooking Tips: Perfect the technique and elevate your dish.
• Crispy Skin Technique: Press salmon fillets gently with a spatula while skin-side down to ensure maximum crispiness and even browning.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free version that maintains rich, creamy texture.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle chopped dill, chives, or parsley over the finished dish to add brightness and increase nutritional value.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace traditional cream sauce with a lighter white wine and herb reduction for health-conscious diners seeking fewer calories.

How To Serve Creamy Pan-Seared Salmon With Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

• Elegant Dinner Party Showcase: Arrange salmon on a pristine white plate with sauce artfully drizzled around the edge, garnished with fresh dill sprigs for a sophisticated presentation.
• Restaurant-Style Plating: Create a bed of creamy risotto or herbed quinoa underneath the salmon, then carefully place the fillet on top and cascade the lemon garlic sauce over the fish for a professional touch.
• Healthy Side Companion: Pair the salmon with roasted asparagus spears or a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cream sauce and add vibrant color to the plate.
• Rustic Family-Style Serving: Transfer the salmon to a large wooden serving board, surround with fresh lemon wedges, scattered herbs, and invite everyone to help themselves, creating a warm and inviting dining experience.

Storage And Meal Planning For Creamy Pan-Seared Salmon With Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Wrap individual portions separately to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Freezing Friendly Approach: Carefully pack cooled salmon in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen salmon maintains quality for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm refrigerated salmon in a 275°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain the delicate texture and prevent overcooking.
• Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare salmon sauce separately and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep sauce and fish components separate until serving to maintain the best quality and prevent soggy texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 515 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need For Creamy Pan-Seared Salmon With Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, wild-caught salmon offers richer flavor and better nutrition, with firm texture ideal for searing.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic blend that enhances salmon's natural taste, creating delicious aromatic crust.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides golden sear, adds rich flavor and prevents salmon from sticking to pan, butter creates more luxurious finish.

Tools For Creamy Pan-Seared Salmon With Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

• Large skillet: Perfect for searing salmon evenly and creating a golden crust.
• Tongs: Essential for flipping salmon carefully without breaking the delicate fish.
• Paper towels: Crucial for patting salmon dry to ensure crispy exterior.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately season salmon with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Meat thermometer: Guarantees salmon is cooked to the perfect safe temperature.
• Spatula: Useful for transferring salmon from skillet to serving plate.

How To Cook Creamy Pan-Seared Salmon With Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

• Prepare Salmon

Gently dry each salmon fillet using clean kitchen towels. Sprinkle both sides with aromatic seasonings to enhance flavor and create a delightful crust.

• Sizzle in Skillet

Warm a heavy pan with a splash of oil until it shimmers with heat. Carefully place salmon into the pan, allowing it to develop a golden, crispy exterior.

• Cook First Side

Let salmon sear for roughly 4-5 minutes without moving it. Watch the edges transform from translucent to a soft opaque color, signaling perfect cooking progress.

• Flip and Finish

Gracefully turn each fillet, cooking the opposite side for an additional 3-4 minutes. Ensure the fish reaches a safe internal temperature and develops a beautiful golden-brown color.

• Rest and Serve

Transfer salmon to a waiting plate, allowing it to rest momentarily. The brief pause helps redistribute delicious juices, guaranteeing a tender, succulent bite with every forkful.

Elegant Pan-Seared Salmon With Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delectable pan-seared salmon with lemon garlic cream sauce delivers restaurant-quality elegance right in home kitchens. Quick preparation and rich flavors make this dish perfect for weeknight dinners you will savor completely.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 salmon fillets (170 g / 6 oz) skin-on or skinless
• 2 tbsps olive oil or unsalted butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
• ½ cup (50 g) grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional for extra depth)
• 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• 1 lemon zest
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels, eliminating all surface moisture to guarantee optimal searing and crisp exterior.
2. Seasoning: Generously coat salmon with garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even distribution across both sides for maximum flavor penetration.
3. Heating Surface: Preheat large skillet over medium-high heat, introducing olive oil or butter to create a shimmering, non-stick cooking environment that promotes perfect caramelization.
4. Searing Technique: Gently place salmon fillets skin-side down into the hot pan, allowing uninterrupted contact for 4-5 minutes to develop a rich, golden-brown crust while creating delectable crispy edges.
5. Cooking Completion: Carefully flip fillets using a flexible spatula and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, monitoring color transformation and ensuring internal temperature reaches 63C / 145F for precise doneness.
6. Serving: Skillfully transfer salmon to a waiting plate, ready for immediate consumption or accompanying sauce preparation, preserving the fish’s tender, succulent texture and vibrant flavor profile.

Notes

• Ensure Dry Surface: Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels to achieve perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Control Heat Precision: Maintain medium-high heat for optimal salmon caramelization without burning, watching pan temperature carefully throughout cooking process.
• Check Doneness Accurately: Use instant-read thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 63C/145F, preventing overcooking and preserving salmon’s tender texture.
• Adapt Dietary Needs: Substitute butter with olive oil for dairy-free version or use plant-based alternatives to accommodate various dietary restrictions while maintaining recipe’s rich flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 515
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg