Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce – Easy, Flavor-Packed, and Ready in 20 Minutes


  • Author: Alice Barry
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Salt

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

  1. Remove salmon fillets from the refrigerator and let them rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. In a small saucepan, melt 1 tsp butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until lightly golden, about 1–2 minutes.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, then simmer until reduced by half (about 3 minutes).
  4. Whisk in remaining butter and honey until the sauce is silky and combined. Set aside.
  5. Pat both sides of salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  7. Place salmon fillets in the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes without moving to develop a golden crust.
  8. Flip and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through.
  9. 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