Description
Succulent pan-seared salmon with a creamy Florentine sauce brings Italian coastal elegance to your dinner table. Rich spinach and parmesan create a luxurious backdrop for perfectly crisp fish you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each / 170 grams each)
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cooking Fats and Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Additional Ingredients:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (60 grams) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish:
- Lemon slices
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon by thoroughly dabbing the fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then generously season both surfaces with aromatic garlic powder, complemented by precise salt and pepper seasoning.
- Activate a large skillet over medium-high temperature, pouring a thin layer of olive oil to create an ideal searing environment. Carefully position salmon fillets skin-side up, allowing them to develop a golden, crisp exterior for approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Gently rotate the salmon, continuing cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the fish reaches desired internal temperature and exhibits a delicate, flaky texture. Transfer the salmon to a separate plate, maintaining its warmth.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium, introducing butter to create a luxurious base for the Florentine sauce. Introduce finely minced garlic, allowing it to release its fragrant essence for roughly 1-2 minutes.
- Incorporate fresh spinach into the skillet, stirring continuously until the leaves wilt and transform into a vibrant, tender green component of the sauce.
- Stream heavy cream into the mixture, initiating a gentle simmer. Fold in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a splash of bright lemon juice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance its complex profile. Maintain a soft, velvety consistency.
- Nestle the prepared salmon back into the skillet, carefully coating each fillet with the creamy Florentine sauce. Warm the fish through for an additional minute.
- Elevate the presentation by garnishing with delicate lemon slices and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve immediately alongside complementary side dishes.
Notes
- Pat salmon fillets completely dry to achieve a perfectly crispy sear and prevent steaming in the pan.
- Use a high-quality cast-iron or stainless steel skillet for the best golden-brown crust and even heat distribution.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the temperature and prevent proper caramelization of the salmon.
- Allow the salmon to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking to ensure more even cooking and a tender texture.
- Check salmon doneness by gently pressing the center – it should flake easily and have a slightly translucent pink center for optimal moisture.
- Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter, lower-fat version of the Florentine sauce.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use cornstarch instead of traditional thickeners.
- Fresh spinach works best, but frozen spinach can be used – just squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the sauce.
- Balance the rich sauce by serving with a crisp, acidic side like a lemon-dressed salad or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg