Pan-Seared Salmon with Creamy Spinach Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
  • Nutritious: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins from the spinach.
  • Customizable: Add spices or swap ingredients to suit your preferences.
  • Elegant: Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salmon:

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Creamy Spinach Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 oz (170 g) fresh spinach
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

Prepare the Salmon:

  1. Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if desired.
  2. Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Make the Creamy Spinach Sauce:

  1. Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt butter, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
  2. Add Cream and Parmesan: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, if desired.

Assemble and Serve:

  1. Combine: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy spinach sauce over the top.
  2. Serve: Plate the salmon fillets with the sauce and serve immediately. Optional: garnish with lemon wedges for a fresh touch.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with olive oil, the heavy cream with coconut cream, and the Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
  • Vegetarian Option: Replace salmon with seared tofu or roasted mushrooms.
  • Herb Twist: Add fresh dill or parsley to the sauce for a bright, herbaceous flavor.
  • Spicy: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce for a kick.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just thaw the salmon completely before cooking for best results.

2. What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad.

3. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce may be thinner. You can thicken it with a small amount of cornstarch.

4. Is it okay to leave the skin on the salmon?

Yes, the skin crisps up beautifully and adds extra flavor and texture.

5. Can I substitute spinach with another green?

Yes, kale or Swiss chard are great alternatives.

6. How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the pan?

Ensure the pan is hot before adding the salmon, and avoid moving it around while cooking.

7. Is smoked paprika necessary?

No, it’s optional, but it adds a nice smoky flavor to the salmon.

8. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.

9. Can I use pre-cooked salmon?

Yes, but add it to the sauce at the end to avoid overcooking.

10. What’s the best way to know when salmon is cooked?

The salmon should flake easily with a fork, and the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Conclusion

Pan-seared salmon with creamy spinach sauce is a delicious, elegant meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, it’s perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-worthy dinner from the comfort of your own home!

 


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Pan-Seared Salmon with Creamy Spinach Sauce


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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Pan-Seared Salmon with Creamy Spinach Sauce is a quick, elegant dinner ready in just 30 minutes. Perfectly crispy salmon fillets pair with a rich, garlicky spinach sauce, creating a restaurant-quality dish that’s simple enough for weeknights. Keywords: pan-seared salmon, creamy spinach sauce, quick salmon dinner.

 


Ingredients

For the Salmon:

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Creamy Spinach Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 oz (170 g) fresh spinach
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Prepare the Salmon:
    • Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until crispy. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  • Make the Creamy Spinach Sauce:
    • In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt butter, then sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
    • Add spinach and cook until wilted.
    • Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if desired).
  • Assemble and Serve:
    • Return the salmon to the skillet, spooning sauce over the fillets.
    • Plate and serve immediately. Optional: garnish with lemon wedges.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil, heavy cream with coconut cream, and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
  • For a vegetarian option, replace salmon with seared tofu or roasted mushrooms.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-seared
  • Cuisine: American

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