Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (about 170–200 g each)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Drying the fish helps it develop a nice golden crust while cooking. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Allow the butter to melt completely before adding the salmon.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
Carefully place the salmon fillets in the hot pan, skin-side down if they have skin. Cook for about 4–5 minutes without moving them. Flip the fillets gently using a spatula and cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Transfer the cooked salmon to a plate and keep it warm.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Base
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir well to combine it with the garlic butter. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Add the Spinach
If using spinach, add it to the sauce and stir for 1–2 minutes until the leaves wilt. Finish by stirring in the lemon juice for a fresh, balanced flavor.
Step 7: Return the Salmon
Place the cooked salmon back into the skillet. Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over each fillet and let everything simmer together for 2 minutes so the salmon absorbs some of the sauce.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the salmon before serving. Enjoy it hot with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles for a complete keto-friendly meal.
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Salmon
- Use fresh salmon whenever possible for the best flavor and texture.
- Cook the salmon over medium heat to prevent it from drying out.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Avoid boiling the cream, as high heat can cause the sauce to separate.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat to keep the sauce creamy.
