Heavenly Garlic Butter Parmesan Salmon Recipe for Dinner Bliss

Salmon takes on a luxurious twist with this garlic butter parmesan salmon recipe that melts in your mouth.

Rich, creamy butter mingles with sharp parmesan cheese to create an irresistible coating.

Fragrant garlic adds depth and complexity to every succulent bite.

The fish emerges from the oven with a golden, crispy exterior that gives way to tender, flaky meat.

Each forkful promises a burst of savory flavors that dance across your palate.

This simple yet elegant dish transforms an ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience.

You’ll want to savor every delectable morsel of this mouthwatering seafood delight.

Parmesan Salmon Ingredients at a Glance

• Salmon: Fresh fish with a rich, buttery flavor that serves as the star of this delightful dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that bring out the natural taste of the salmon.
• Thyme, Dill, Green Onions: Aromatic herbs that add freshness and depth to the recipe.
• Chili Flakes: Provides a subtle heat and spicy kick to the dish.

• Butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth, luxurious base for the sauce.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, pungent flavor that complements the salmon.
• Cream: Creates a silky, creamy texture for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Shallots: Adds a mild, sweet onion-like flavor to the sauce.

• Salsa Verde: Brings a tangy, herbal element to the sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Introduces a concentrated, sweet-tangy flavor.
• Spinach: Adds nutritional value and a pop of green color.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Provides bright, citrusy notes that balance the richness of the dish.

Must-Have Equipment for Garlic Butter Salmon

• Broiler-Safe Skillet: Essential for searing and baking salmon in one pan.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise cutting of herbs, shallots, and lemon.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for ingredient preparation.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and mixing sauce ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurately measure butter, salt, and spices.
• Zester/Grater: For creating fine lemon zest and grating parmesan.
• Small Bowl: Helpful for mixing garnish ingredients.
• Spatula: Assists in turning salmon and mixing sauce smoothly.

Cooking Garlic Butter Parmesan Salmon Stepwise

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Salmon

Set your oven to broil mode.

Take the salmon and generously season it with salt and pepper inside an oven-safe skillet.

Sprinkle fresh thyme and minced garlic over the fish.

Add a tablespoon of butter to enhance flavor and help create a crispy exterior.

Step 2: Broil Salmon

Place the skillet under the broiler for 5-8 minutes.

Watch carefully to ensure the salmon develops a golden, crispy top without burning.

The fish should look slightly caramelized and be cooked through.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

Remove the salmon from the skillet.

In the same pan, melt the remaining butter.

Add finely chopped shallots and a pinch of chili flakes.

Sauté for about 2 minutes to release their aromatic qualities.

Crush the garlic into a smooth paste using the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce

Pour cream and salsa verde into the skillet.

Let the mixture simmer and start to thicken.

• Grated parmesan cheese
• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• Fresh spinach leaves

Cook until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, approximately 3-5 minutes.

Step 5: Combine and Garnish

Gently return the salmon to the sauce.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish.

Sprinkle a mixture of lemon zest, chopped dill, and sliced green onions on top for a bright, fresh finish.

Garlic Butter Salmon Insider Secrets

• Choose high-quality, firm salmon fillets with vibrant color and minimal fishy smell for the best flavor and texture.
• Watch salmon closely during broiling to prevent overcooking; aim for crispy top with moist, tender interior.
• Modify chili flakes quantity to match personal heat preference without overwhelming the delicate salmon flavor.
• Stir cream sauce continuously and simmer gently to prevent separation and achieve smooth, rich texture.
• Replace cream with coconut milk for dairy-free option or swap spinach with kale for added nutritional variety.

Parmesan Salmon Twists to Explore

• Herb-Crusted Salmon Swap: Replace thyme with rosemary or dill for a different herb profile, creating a fresh Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a vegan-friendly option that maintains rich flavor.
• Low-Carb Seafood Remix: Skip the cream sauce and use a light coconut milk base with added turmeric for a keto-friendly, anti-inflammatory approach.
• Spicy Ocean Edition: Increase chili flakes, add jalapeños, and use a smoky chipotle salsa verde to kick up the heat and create a bold, zesty salmon experience.

Salmon Plating Ideas for Special Meals

• Gourmet Plating Paradise: Arrange salmon on a rustic wooden board with sauce elegantly drizzled around, creating a restaurant-style presentation.
• Mediterranean Feast Companion: Serve alongside warm herbed quinoa or couscous, complementing the salmon's rich garlic butter flavor and adding delightful texture contrast.
• Fresh Brightness Boost: Garnish with extra lemon wedges, fresh dill sprigs, and a small side salad with crisp greens to cut through the creamy sauce's richness.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the dish's delicate seafood and vibrant herb notes.

Keeping Garlic Butter Parmesan Salmon Fresh

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place salmon and sauce separately to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap salmon tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Separate sauce from fish to preserve quality.
• Preheat oven to 275°F. Place salmon in baking dish, cover with foil. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, preventing dryness.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, checking temperature. Add splash of cream or butter to keep salmon moist and prevent rubbery texture.

FAQs

• Is salmon good for my health?

Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential nutrients that support heart health, brain function, and reduce inflammation.

• How do I know if salmon is cooked properly?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque, with an internal temperature of 145°F. The flesh should look moist and slightly translucent in the center.

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen salmon completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better searing and crispier texture.

Garlic Butter Parmesan Salmon Cravings

• Create a gourmet salmon dish that looks and tastes like something from a high-end restaurant, right in your own kitchen.
• Combine rich parmesan, zesty garlic, creamy sauce, and tender salmon for a mouthwatering combination that delights every taste bud.
• Pack your plate with protein-rich salmon, nutrient-dense spinach, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes that boost your health while satisfying hunger.
• Prepare a delicious, impressive meal in less than 30 minutes with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques.

Garlic Butter Parmesan Salmon Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter parmesan salmon delivers restaurant-quality seafood directly to home kitchens. Crisp herb-infused crust and rich butter sauce create an elegant dinner perfect for special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 salmon filets
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Cooking Fat and Seasonings:

• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, lightly smashed
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chili flakes to taste

Sauce and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup salsa verde
• 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Preheat broiler to high, positioning rack approximately 6 inches from heating element.
2. Pat salmon dry and generously season with salt and pepper. Place in oven-safe skillet with butter, thyme, and minced garlic. Broil for 5-8 minutes until golden and slightly crisp on exterior.
3. Transfer salmon to separate plate. In identical skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté shallots with chili flakes for 2 minutes. Crush garlic into smooth paste.
4. Pour cream and salsa verde into skillet, reducing heat to low. Gently simmer sauce until slightly thickened. Incorporate parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, cooking until spinach becomes delicately wilted, approximately 3-5 minutes.
5. Carefully return salmon to skillet, nestling into creamy sauce. Drizzle fresh lemon juice over fish. Garnish with combined lemon zest, chopped dill, and thinly sliced green onions for vibrant finish.

Notes

• Choose fresh salmon with vibrant color and firm texture for the best flavor and quality.
• Pat salmon dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior during broiling.
• Use high-quality unsalted butter for more controlled seasoning and richer taste.
• Adjust broiling time based on salmon thickness to prevent overcooking and maintain moisture.
• Replace cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version without compromising creamy texture.
• Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for alternative nutrient-dense green options.
• Use gluten-free salsa verde to make recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Fresh herbs like thyme and dill enhance the salmon’s natural flavors and add brightness.
• Chili flakes provide optional heat – adjust quantity to personal spice preference.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 750
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 62g
• Saturated Fat: 36g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 150mg