Creamy Garlic Salmon

This creamy garlic salmon recipe is a 30-minute meal with pan seared salmon in a garlic cream sauce! It’s simple to make for a special occasion or anytime you want a treat.

Ingredients · Servings 4

1 pound fresh salmon (cut into 4 pieces)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt & pepper (to taste)
Flour (for dredging)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
4-5 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 cup heavy/whipping cream
1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

Method · 30 min

Cut the salmon into 4 pieces. Sprinkle each piece with the garlic powder and season with salt & pepper. Coat each piece in flour on all sides.
Add the oil and butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the salmon. Cook it for 3-4 minutes/side or until it's nicely browned (don't overcook - the salmon will finish cooking in the sauce). If using skin-on salmon, start with skin side down. If the salmon is a lot thicker than 1", sear it for slightly longer. Transfer the salmon to a plate.
Add the garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard to the skillet. Stir/whisk until the mustard has dissolved, and let it bubble for 1-2 minutes.
Add the cream to the skillet.
Place the salmon back into the pan and let it cook for another 5 minutes or so until the sauce has thickened a bit and the fish has cooked through. Season with extra salt & pepper if needed and sprinkle with the chopped parsley.

I have a feeling that you might enjoy my Creamy Garlic Chicken or Creamy Garlic Pork Tenderloin as well!

Why you’ll love it

If you’re on the lookout for an impressive yet easy meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes, this pan-seared salmon in an irresistible creamy garlic sauce is ideal. Making salmon on the stovetop really doesn’t have to be intimidating! It uses everyday ingredients.

Whether you need a date night recipe or just want something nice on any old weeknight, this meal is sure to dazzle with its luxurious garlicky sauce. Following a few straightforward tips ensures you’ll get flaky and tender salmon every time with a golden sear.

What you’ll need

Salmon – use fresh salmon cut into four 1″ thick pieces, and make sure to adjust cooking time if yours is thicker.
Broth – I used chicken broth, but you could use a dry white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon to elevate the dish.
Lemon – fresh lemon juice gives a little bit of acidity to brighten the sauce.
Dijon mustard – you can’t taste the Dijon itself! It’s a savory element that makes the sauce less one-dimensional.

Tools for this recipe

Check out Natasha’s favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and cookware!

My Le Creuset skillet gets a great sear every time.
Use a garlic press so that you don’t need to peel the cloves first or spend any time chopping. No sticky fingers either.
A splatter guard can make clean-up way easier!

How to make creamy garlic salmon

Cut the salmon into 4 equally sized pieces. Sprinkle each piece with the garlic powder and salt & pepper. Dredge each piece in flour on all sides. Heat the oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook it for 3 to 4 minutes per side, taking care to not overcook it since it’ll finish in the sauce. Transfer to a plate.

Add the garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard to the skillet. Whisk until the Dijon mustard has dissolved. Stir in the cream, and add the salmon back in. Continue cooking until the sauce has thickened and the fish is cooked through. Top with chopped parsley, and enjoy.

Pro tips

You can use salmon that’s skin on or skin off. If you choose skin-on and prefer not to eat it, simply peel the skin off after you’ve completed the searing steps.
It’s really important to use your eyes to guide you! Watch the color change as the salmon is cooking. It’ll go from a brighter/deeper pink to a lighter pink.

Substitutions and variations

I don’t recommend subbing the cream for something lower fat. The sauce is likely to curdle since it’s cooked at a high heat and contains citrus. It’ll also end up thinner and less rich and tasty. You could try coconut milk, but it will alter the flavor of the sauce significantly.
Try throwing in a handful of spinach towards the end of cooking time if you want to add some greens!

What to serve with garlic salmon

This is delicious with Mashed Potatoes. Rice would also work well, or try pasta.
The sauce is fairly decadent, so it’s nice to serve this dish with some veggies or a salad. Try my Easy Roasted Green Beans or Easy Roasted Cauliflower.
A little bit of parmesan cheese grated on top is a perfect finishing touch.

Leftovers and storage

Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Warm the salmon slowly over a low heat. I’m partial to a covered saucepan, but doing it in the microwave on a lower power setting and checking it every couple of minutes will work too. If you warm the salmon over too high of a heat, the sauce will separate and the fish will dry out.
Leftover salmon is delicious cold in a salad. I do this all the time!
I don’t recommend freezing this recipe since cream sauces are notorious for freezing badly.

Did you make this quick salmon recipe or have any questions? I’d be happy to hear from you in the comments below! You can also find me on Instagram.