Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my creamy lemon herb salmon! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate—rich, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make! The combination of fresh herbs with zesty lemon creates a bright, uplifting flavor that dances on your taste buds. I love how the creamy sauce envelops the perfectly cooked salmon, making each bite feel indulgent yet light at the same time. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked on its deliciousness!

Ingredients List

4 salmon fillets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 lemon, juiced and zested
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare Creamy Lemon Herb Salmon

Alright, let’s dive into making this creamy lemon herb salmon! I promise it’s easier than you think, and the results are absolutely worth it. You’ll want to start by heating up a skillet over medium heat and adding the olive oil and butter. The combination of these fats creates a lovely base for cooking the salmon and gives it that golden, crispy finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Once your skillet is nice and hot, season your salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper. This seasoning is key to bringing out the flavor of the fish.
Place the seasoned salmon in the skillet skin-side down (if your fillets have skin) and let them cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving them. This is crucial for that perfect sear! You’ll know they’re ready to flip when the edges look opaque and the fish has a nice golden crust.
Carefully flip the salmon fillets and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side. You want the salmon to be cooked through but still juicy. A good rule of thumb is to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure they’re perfectly done!
Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside. This will allow the fillets to rest while you make the sauce.
Now, let’s get saucy! Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute. You’ll want to keep an eye on it—burnt garlic is not your friend!
Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest along with the dried thyme and parsley. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
Finally, return the salmon to the skillet, spooning the luscious sauce over each fillet to coat them evenly. This step is where the magic happens—trust me, you’ll want every last drop of that sauce!
Serve your creamy lemon herb salmon warm, perhaps with some steamed veggies on the side to round out the meal. Enjoy!

FAQ Section

What can I serve with creamy lemon herb salmon?
Pair it with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. The creamy sauce complements a variety of sides beautifully!

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme will give the dish an even brighter flavor. Just remember to use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?
You’ll want to look for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Don’t worry if it looks a bit pink in the middle; it’ll continue cooking slightly after you take it off the heat.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the creamy lemon herb sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving with your cooked salmon.

Is creamy lemon herb salmon gluten-free?
Yes! This dish is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Just make sure all your ingredients are gluten-free as well!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in just 25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
Rich, creamy sauce that adds a burst of flavor to tender salmon.
Uses fresh herbs and lemon for a delightful, zesty taste.
Gluten-free and packed with protein, making it a healthy choice.
Elegant enough for entertaining but simple enough for everyday meals.

Tips for Success

To make your creamy lemon herb salmon truly shine, here are some of my best tips! First, always go for the freshest salmon you can find; it makes a world of difference in flavor and texture. If you can, try to get wild-caught salmon for its superior taste. When cooking, don’t rush the searing process—let the salmon develop that beautiful crust without moving it around too much. And remember, taste as you go! Adjust the lemon juice to your liking; some days I want it zesty, and other days, I prefer a milder flavor. Lastly, don’t skip the herbs—they’re the key to bringing everything together in this dish!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to switch up your creamy lemon herb salmon! For a different twist, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for a bit of depth. You can also substitute fresh dill for the thyme and parsley for a delightful herbal note that pairs beautifully with salmon. Feeling spicy? A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick! As for sides, consider serving it over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes or alongside a light quinoa salad for a fresh and healthy contrast. The possibilities are endless!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for my creamy lemon herb salmon! Each serving is packed with flavor and goodness, making it a guilt-free indulgence. These values are estimates based on standard ingredients, so keep that in mind if you make any changes!

Serving Size: 1 fillet
Calories: 400
Protein: 30g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Sodium: 200mg
Cholesterol: 100mg

This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also delivers a healthy dose of protein and essential nutrients. Enjoy every delicious bite without any guilt!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your creamy lemon herb salmon fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to let it cool completely before sealing it up. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat the salmon on the stove over low heat. This way, you can warm it through without drying it out. Just add a splash of cream or a little lemon juice to keep that creamy sauce luscious! You can also microwave it, but I recommend doing so in short bursts to avoid overcooking. Enjoy those delicious leftovers!

Creamy Lemon Herb Salmon: 7 Reasons to Try This Dish

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy lemon herb salmon is a rich and flavorful dish that combines fresh herbs and lemon for a delightful taste.

Ingredients

Scale

4 salmon fillets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 lemon, juiced and zested
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then place in the skillet.
Cook salmon for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through.
Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
Add garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute.
Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, and parsley.
Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Return salmon to the skillet and coat with the sauce.
Serve warm.

Notes

Pair with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Use fresh herbs for enhanced flavor.
Adjust lemon juice to taste.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fillet
Calories: 400
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: creamy lemon herb salmon

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