Easy Creamy Herb Garlic Salmon Recipe That’s Sure to Impress

Whipping up a delectable herb garlic salmon brings pure culinary magic right to your kitchen.

Fragrant herbs and velvety cream weave an irresistible flavor story that’ll make dinner feel extraordinary.

Salmon transforms into something spectacular when kissed by garlic’s robust essence.

Delicate fish fillets absorb each aromatic note, promising a meal that sings with freshness.

Minimal ingredients create maximum impact, turning an ordinary evening into a gourmet experience.

Rich, smooth textures complement the fish’s natural elegance, inviting you to savor every single bite.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and make it your new weeknight superstar.

Why Creamy Herb Garlic Salmon Shines

• Savor Quick Flavor Explosion: Packed with aromatic herbs and a luxurious cream sauce, this salmon recipe delivers maximum taste in minimal preparation time.
• Master Foolproof Cooking Technique: The step-by-step method ensures perfectly golden salmon with a crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior that even novice cooks can achieve.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Transform your kitchen into a gourmet dining experience with professional-level ingredients and simple cooking methods that impress family and guests.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows personalization by adjusting herb combinations or swapping ingredients to match dietary preferences or available pantry items.

Ingredients For Creamy Herb Garlic Salmon

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh fish that serves as the star protein of the dish, providing rich flavor and delicate texture.
• Olive Oil: Essential for creating a golden-brown crust and adding depth to the cooking process.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a beautiful sear on the salmon.

• Garlic (Minced), Parsley (Chopped), Dill, Dried Thyme: A vibrant herb blend that infuses the salmon with aromatic and fresh flavors.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the fish.

• Heavy Cream, Sour Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Lemon Juice: A creamy, tangy sauce that complements the herb-seasoned salmon with a luxurious finish.

How To Make Creamy Garlic Herb Salmon

Step 1: Prepare Salmon

Pat salmon fillets thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring better seasoning absorption and crispier exterior.

Step 2: Create Herb Blend

• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley
• Dried dill
• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Combine ingredients until well incorporated.

Step 3: Season Salmon

Generously rub herb mixture onto salmon fillets, pressing seasonings gently to help them adhere and infuse maximum flavor.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Fat

Warm olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the mixture becomes shimmering and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Sear Salmon

Carefully place seasoned salmon fillets skin-side down in hot skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes until bottom develops a golden-brown crust.

Step 6: Finish Cooking

Flip salmon and cook additional 2-3 minutes until fish reaches 145°F and easily flakes with a fork.

Step 7: Prepare Cream Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Sour cream
• Grated parmesan
• Lemon juice

Whisk continuously to create a smooth, rich sauce, cooking 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Plate and Serve

Pour cream sauce directly over salmon fillets, coating each piece generously. Sprinkle additional fresh herbs on top if desired. Serve immediately while sauce is warm and salmon remains perfectly cooked.

Salmon Cooking Tips You’ll Appreciate

• Achieve Crispy Salmon Skin: Pat fillets completely dry before cooking to get that irresistible golden-brown crust that adds incredible texture.
• Maximize Herb Flavor: Press seasonings gently into salmon to ensure deep, even flavor penetration throughout the entire fillet.
• Perfect Cooking Temperature: Watch for golden-brown edges and internal temperature of 145°F to guarantee juicy, flaky salmon every time.
• Create Silky Sauce: Stir cream constantly while reducing to prevent burning and develop a smooth, luxurious consistency that complements the fish beautifully.
• Balance Sauce Acidity: Add fresh lemon juice to cut through the richness of cream and parmesan, creating a bright, balanced sauce that elevates the entire dish.

Creamy Herb Garlic Salmon Twist Ideas

• Gluten-Free Herb Salmon: Replace wheat-based ingredients with gluten-free alternatives like cornstarch for thickening sauce and ensuring no cross-contamination.
• Mediterranean Salmon Variation: Swap parmesan with crumbled feta cheese, add kalamata olives, and incorporate oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Herb Salmon: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, replace butter with avocado oil, and substitute sour cream with cashew cream for lactose-sensitive individuals.
• Spicy Cajun Salmon Twist: Incorporate cayenne pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes into herb blend, creating a zesty and bold seafood experience with a kick of heat.

Best Pairings For Garlic Herb Salmon

• Savor Perfectly Paired Delights
• Complement Herbed Salmon's Rich Flavor with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy sauce and enhance the herb-crusted salmon's delicate texture.
• Create Vibrant Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, featuring crisp cucumber and toasted pine nuts to provide a fresh, bright contrast to the rich, creamy salmon dish.
• Match Creamy Texture with Roasted Asparagus: Prepare roasted asparagus spears with garlic and olive oil, offering a tender yet slightly crisp vegetable accompaniment that complements the salmon's luxurious sauce.

How To Store Garlic Herb Salmon

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Wrap individual salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn; store for up to 2 months.
• Preheat oven to 275°F, place salmon in a baking dish with a splash of water, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes to maintain moisture.
• Heat salmon on 50% power in 30-second intervals, checking frequently to prevent overcooking and drying out the delicate fish.

Garlic Herb Salmon Common Questions

• What type of salmon works best for this recipe?

Fresh salmon fillets like Atlantic or King salmon are ideal. Choose center-cut pieces with even thickness for consistent cooking and best flavor absorption.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?

Yes, but reduce the quantity by half. Fresh herbs provide more vibrant flavor, while dried herbs are more concentrated and intense.

• How do I know if my salmon is perfectly cooked?

Check the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the fish flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should be opaque and light pink, not translucent or dark pink.

• Is it necessary to use both olive oil and butter?

Yes, the combination creates a better flavor profile and helps prevent the salmon from sticking to the skillet while providing a rich, golden-brown crust.

Creamy Herb Garlic Salmon Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired Creamy Herb Garlic Salmon delivers elegant seafood perfection with rich, silky flavors dancing across elegant plates. Succulent salmon mingles with aromatic herbs, promising delightful dining that satisfies gourmet cravings without complicated preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Creamy Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.25 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure optimal seasoning adherence and prevent excess moisture during cooking.
2. Combine minced garlic, chopped parsley, dill, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl to create a fragrant herb blend.
3. Generously coat each salmon fillet with the herb mixture, pressing the seasonings gently into the fish to maximize flavor infusion.
4. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the mixture is shimmering and aromatic, approximately 2-3 minutes.
5. Carefully place seasoned salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes until the bottom develops a golden-brown crust.
6. Gently flip the salmon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside, keeping warm on a serving plate.
8. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
9. Whisk in sour cream, grated parmesan, and lemon juice, creating a smooth and rich sauce that develops depth of flavor in 2-3 minutes.
10. Pour the creamy herb sauce directly over the salmon fillets, ensuring each piece is generously coated.
11. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately while the sauce is warm and the salmon is perfectly cooked.

Notes

• Pat salmon completely dry to help seasonings stick and prevent soggy texture, ensuring crispy golden-brown crust.
• Mix herbs and garlic fresh for maximum flavor intensity, allowing seasonings to blend and develop deeper taste profile.
• Use high-quality fresh salmon for best results, selecting fillets with consistent thickness to guarantee even cooking throughout.
• Adjust cooking time based on fillet thickness, checking internal temperature to prevent overcooking and maintain delicate salmon moisture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 563
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 44 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg