Description
Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce is a quick, elegant, and flavorful recipe that combines perfectly seared salmon fillets with a rich, velvety sauce made from fresh lemon juice, garlic, butter, and a touch of honey. This 20-minute dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, delivering a restaurant-quality experience at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 (6 oz) skinless salmon fillets (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 Tbsp + 1 tsp unsalted butter, diced into 1 Tbsp pieces
- 1/2 tsp honey
- 2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Remove salmon fillets from the refrigerator and let them rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- In a small saucepan, melt 1 tsp butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until lightly golden, about 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, then simmer until reduced by half (about 3 minutes).
- Whisk in remaining butter and honey until the sauce is silky and combined. Set aside.
- Pat both sides of salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Place salmon fillets in the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes without moving to develop a golden crust.
- Flip and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through.
- Plate the salmon, drizzle generously with the lemon garlic cream sauce, sprinkle with parsley, and garnish with lemon slices if desired.
Notes
- Letting the salmon rest before cooking ensures even doneness.
- Pat salmon dry for better browning and texture.
- Use medium-high heat to get a golden crust without overcooking.
- The sauce can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- For a richer sauce, add an extra tablespoon or two of butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
- Calories: 347
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 81mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 116mg
Keywords: Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce, salmon dinner, lemon garlic salmon, quick salmon recipe, creamy salmon sauce