Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, depending on preference)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (in oil, drained)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (washed and roughly chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best results)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or fresh thyme, basil, or oregano)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Season the Salmon: Start by seasoning the salmon fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also rub a little olive oil on the fillets to ensure they don’t stick to the pan when cooking.
Sear the Salmon: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down (if using skin-on). Sear the fillets for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy on the outside, and cooked to your desired level of doneness (145°F or 63°C for medium). If the fillets are thick, you can reduce the heat to medium and cook a bit longer. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
2. Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:
Melt the Butter: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter. Let the butter melt, scraping up any flavorful bits left from cooking the salmon.
Cook the Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. If you like a little heat, add the red pepper flakes at this point.
Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes to infuse the oil with their flavor. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
Add the Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine with the garlic, butter, and tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook for about 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
Stir in the Parmesan Cheese: Once the cream has thickened a little, add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir well until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
3. Combine the Salmon with the Sauce:
Return the Salmon to the Skillet: Place the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Spoon the sauce over the top of the salmon, ensuring the fillets are well-coated. Let the salmon simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to reheat and allow the flavors to meld together.
Garnish and Serve: Once the salmon is heated through and the sauce is thick and creamy, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a fresh burst of citrus.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Pasta: This creamy garlic butter Tuscan salmon pairs beautifully with pasta. Serve it with fettuccine, spaghetti, or even a light angel hair pasta to soak up the rich sauce.
- With Rice: For a simple, hearty meal, serve the salmon with a side of steamed rice. The creamy sauce will complement the rice perfectly.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted or sautéed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini work wonderfully as side dishes. The freshness and slight crunch of the vegetables balance the richness of the salmon and sauce.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes also make a great side for this dish. The potatoes can soak up the sauce, providing a comforting and filling complement to the salmon.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Salmon:
- Choose Fresh, Quality Salmon: For the best results, use fresh salmon fillets, preferably wild-caught. Fresh salmon will have a better texture and flavor compared to frozen fillets.
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon cooks quickly, so be sure to monitor it closely. Overcooking can cause it to dry out. To check for doneness, you can use a meat thermometer or gently flake the fish with a fork to see if it’s opaque and cooked through.
- Use Fresh Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has a more intense flavor compared to pre-grated cheese. It’s worth the extra step for a richer, smoother sauce.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick while simmering, simply add a little bit of pasta water or chicken broth to thin it out. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.
- Add Extra Veggies: If you want to make the dish even more nutritious, feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichokes to the sauce. These vegetables can be sautéed along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Storage and Reheating:
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover creamy garlic butter Tuscan salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to store the salmon and sauce separately to avoid the sauce soaking into the fish.
Reheating: To reheat, place the salmon in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or chicken broth to the sauce to help it come back to its creamy consistency. Cover and heat gently to avoid overcooking the salmon.
Variations and Customizations:
- Make It Spicy: For a spicy version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also drizzle a little hot sauce over the salmon before serving for an extra kick.
- Use Chicken Instead of Salmon: If you prefer chicken, you can easily substitute the salmon with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Simply cook the chicken through in the same skillet, then follow the same steps to make the sauce.
- Add More Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or tarragon can be added to the sauce for more flavor. Add them at the same time as the spinach for a fragrant, herby finish.
- Add a Crunchy Topping: For added texture, top the finished dish with toasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, or crispy breadcrumbs. The crunch adds a pleasant contrast to the creamy sauce and tender fish.
Final Thoughts:
Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Salmon is a luxurious dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. The creamy sauce, full of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, perfectly complements the tender salmon, making each bite a delightful experience. This dish is not only rich in flavor but also packed with nutrients, making it both indulgent and healthy. Whether you’re preparing it for a special dinner or a weeknight treat, this creamy salmon is sure to be a hit at your table. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy this indulgent yet simple Mediterranean-inspired meal.
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