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A top-down, vertical shot of three pan-seared salmon fillets simmering in a white garlic cream sauce inside a grey skillet. The salmon has a crispy, golden-brown crust and is topped with fresh chopped parsley. Bright yellow lemon slices are tucked between the fillets, and the velvety sauce is speckled with herbs and black pepper.

Creamy Garlic Lemon Salmon

This Creamy Garlic Lemon Salmon is a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in one pan. Pan-seared salmon fillets with perfectly crisp edges are smothered in a velvety, zesty garlic cream sauce. It is a sophisticated yet simple dinner that feels light enough for a weeknight but special enough for a date night.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 salmon fillets 6 oz each
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 whole lemon sliced into rounds (for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Place salmon in the skillet skin-side up (if skinless) or flesh-side down. Sear for 4-5 minutes until golden and crisp.
  4. Flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until just cooked through. Remove salmon from the pan and set aside on a plate.
  5. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Stir in the broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes to deglaze the pan.
  7. Lower the heat and whisk in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
  8. Add the chopped parsley to the sauce and season with extra salt or pepper if needed.
  9. Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them.
  10. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and serve immediately.