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Juicy Pan Seared Salmon

Featured in: Main Dishes

This meal showcases crispy-edged salmon smothered in a decadent sauce blending garlic, parmesan, and fresh herbs. Tastes like fine dining but comes together quickly for any night.

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Twistytaste.com
Updated on Thu, 17 Apr 2025 19:15:35 GMT
Four pieces of salmon are cooking in a creamy sauce with herbs in a skillet. Pin it
Four pieces of salmon are cooking in a creamy sauce with herbs in a skillet. | twistytaste.com

Wanna know my ultimate romantic dinner trick? It's my Sweep You Off Your Feet Salmon! I stumbled upon this creation back when I was planning something unforgettable for my anniversary, and it's become my foolproof fancy-but-simple meal. The funny name? It comes from everyone's reaction after tasting that first bite of crispy salmon smothered in that dreamy herb-speckled sauce. Believe me, this 30-minute knockout will have anyone swooning!

Fish Prep Method

Everything begins with properly flavored salmon. I've learned that spending just a moment mixing the spices before patting them onto the fish really transforms the dish. When these Italian flavors, garlic and a touch of spice come together, they form this amazing crust during cooking. And that golden outside? It's absolutely to die for!

Stuff You Need for Fish

  • 4 salmon fillets: With skin taken off, around 6 ounces per piece
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil: Needed for soaking and cooking
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Mixed herbs that pack flavor
  • 1 teaspoon salt: Change amount to suit your taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a savory kick
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano: Adds some earthy notes
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Crush it fresh for extra zing
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Brings a bit of warmth

Stuff You Need for Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Makes everything better
  • 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic: Packs a tasty punch
  • 1 cup heavy cream: Forms the smooth base
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds more flavor depth
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Gives that citrus pop
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese: Soften it for smoothness
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup grated parmesan: Add to your liking for cheesiness
  • Salt and black pepper: Throw in what tastes right
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley: Cut small for fresh finish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil: Chopped up for that green kick

Cooking the Fish

My trick for amazing salmon? Get your pan super hot before tossing in the fish! I can't get enough of watching those edges turn all golden during the first 3 minutes. Don't stress if the middle isn't done after flipping it over, just turn down the heat and let it finish cooking slowly. You'll get that perfect combo of crispy outside and juicy inside every time.

Whipping Up the Sauce

This sauce really makes the whole dish pop. I always cook it in the same pan to grab all those yummy brown bits left from the salmon. When garlic meets melted butter, my whole house smells incredible. The way that cream cheese dissolves into everything, making this velvety smooth mixture, it's just out of this world good!

Dishing It Up

I adore setting this out on my best plate with a puddle of that gorgeous sauce underneath. A little sprinkle of fresh herbs on top looks stunning and smells amazing too. Sometimes I'll put it next to some roasted asparagus or a simple arugula mix. The way everything on the plate mingles with that sauce is just mind-blowing good.

A close-up of four salmon fillets drizzled with a creamy sauce and garnished with parsley, cooking in a pan. Pin it
A close-up of four salmon fillets drizzled with a creamy sauce and garnished with parsley, cooking in a pan. | twistytaste.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I know when the salmon is done?

Your salmon's ready when it breaks apart easily using a fork and stays slightly pink in the middle. With fillets about 1-inch thick, this normally takes around 3-4 minutes on each side.

→ Can I make this with skin-on salmon?

Absolutely! Start cooking with the skin facing down until it gets crunchy, then turn it over. The skin actually helps keep your salmon moist during cooking.

→ Why is my sauce not thickening?

Let the sauce bubble away until it gets thicker and check that your cream cheese has fully mixed in. The parmesan will also help it get thicker as it melts into the sauce.

→ Can I use half and half instead of heavy cream?

Heavy cream works best, but half and half can do in a pinch. Your sauce will end up a bit runnier, so you'll need to cook it down longer.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

This salmon tastes great with noodles, oven-roasted veggies, or a scoop of rice. The rich sauce is great for drizzling over whatever side you pick.

Conclusion

Salmon draped in a silky sauce that mixes the bold tastes of garlic and parmesan. A straightforward yet classy dish bringing upscale flavors right to your dinner table.

Rich Parmesan Salmon

Juicy salmon pieces browned to perfection, swimming in a smooth garlic parmesan sauce with fresh herbs. Fast yet fancy meal option.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 salmon fillets)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 4 boneless salmon fillets.
02 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
03 2 teaspoons mixed Italian herbs.
04 1 teaspoon sea salt.
05 1 teaspoon granulated garlic.
06 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves.
07 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
08 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes.
09 3 tablespoons sweet butter, unsalted.
10 1/2 tablespoon crushed fresh garlic.
11 1 cup full-fat cream.
12 1/2 cup chicken stock.
13 1 teaspoon fresh lemon squeeze.
14 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese.
15 1/2 to 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese.
16 1 tablespoon chopped parsley leaves.
17 2 tablespoons torn fresh basil leaves.

Instructions

Step 01

Coat your salmon with oil then sprinkle with the Italian herbs, sea salt, granulated garlic, oregano, and both peppers.

Step 02

Brown the fish in a hot oiled skillet for about 3 minutes each side until golden brown. Lower the heat to finish cooking through.

Step 03

Using the same pan, drop in butter and sauté garlic. Pour in cream, stock, and lemon juice. Let bubble gently for 2-3 minutes.

Step 04

Mix in cream cheese and grated parmesan, stirring until smooth and thick. Add salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 05

Mix in the fresh herbs, then put salmon back into the pan to warm up in the creamy sauce before plating.

Notes

  1. You can throw in some diced onions to make the sauce even tastier.
  2. Feel free to add more or less parmesan depending on how cheesy you want it.

Tools You'll Need

  • Heavy-bottom skillet.
  • Wire whisk.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy products (heavy cream, butter, parmesan, cream cheese).
  • Contains seafood (salmon).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 35 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 4 g
  • Protein: 28 g