Description
Succulent salmon meets luxurious mushroom sauce in this elegant pan-seared salmon with creamy mushroom & garlic sauce. Quick restaurant-quality magic emerges from your skillet, delivering Mediterranean-inspired comfort perfect for weekend dinners you’ll adore.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 14 ounces (397 grams) salmon fillet, raw
Seasonings and Oils:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Aromatics:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 6 cloves garlic, finely diced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 10 medium mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup half & half
- 1/2 cup fat-free half & half
- 1/2 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare salmon fillets by gently patting them dry with paper towels, then generously season with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and begins to slightly ripple.
- Carefully place salmon skin-side down into the hot skillet, allowing it to sear undisturbed for approximately 6-7 minutes until the skin turns crispy and golden brown.
- Delicately flip the salmon using a spatula, cooking the flesh side for an additional 3-4 minutes until it reaches a beautiful golden color and is just cooked through.
- Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside on a warm plate, using a fork to gently separate and remove the skin if desired.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter until it becomes fragrant and slightly foamy.
- Add minced garlic and finely chopped onions, sautéing until they become translucent and release their aromatic qualities.
- Whisk together half & half, fat-free half & half, and Greek yogurt in a separate bowl until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Lower the heat and slowly incorporate the cream mixture into the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent separation.
- Introduce sliced mushrooms and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to gently simmer and thicken.
- Fold in fresh spinach leaves, stirring until they wilt and integrate seamlessly into the creamy sauce.
- Carefully return the salmon fillets to the skillet, gently spooning the rich mushroom sauce over the top.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and delicate thyme leaves for a burst of herbal brightness.
- Serve immediately, presenting the salmon nestled in its luxurious mushroom sauce, accompanied by your preferred side dish.
Notes
- Choose high-quality, fresh salmon with vibrant color and minimal fishy smell for the best flavor and texture.
- Pat the salmon fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown sear that locks in moisture.
- Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to distribute heat evenly and create a perfect crust on the salmon.
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the salmon fillets to prevent overcooking and maintain a tender, flaky texture.
- Substitute Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt for a lactose-free version of the sauce.
- Add red pepper flakes or chili powder to the sauce for a subtle kick of heat and extra depth of flavor.
- Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different nutritional profile and slightly earthier taste.
- Experiment with different herbs like dill or tarragon to customize the sauce and complement the salmon’s richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 508
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 679 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg