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
