Description
Succulent Salmon with Creamy Spinach Sauce invites diners into a culinary journey of Mediterranean-inspired elegance. Fresh Atlantic salmon nestles under silky spinach cream, promising rich flavors and delightful textures you’ll savor with each forkful.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces / 170 grams each)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (60 grams) fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt
- Pepper
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon by gently patting the fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Generously season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place salmon fillets skin-side down, allowing them to sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin turns golden and crisp, with edges becoming opaque.
- Carefully flip the salmon and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the fish is cooked through but remains moist. Transfer the fillets to a separate plate and let them rest.
- Reduce the skillet’s heat to medium and melt butter, creating a rich base for the sauce. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Introduce chopped spinach to the skillet, stirring continuously until the leaves wilt and become vibrant green, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Incorporate Parmesan cheese and a whisper of nutmeg, stirring until the cheese melts completely.
- Adjust the sauce’s seasoning with salt and pepper, allowing it to thicken slightly while maintaining a luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy spinach sauce. Warm gently for 1-2 minutes to reunite the flavors.
- Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve alongside bright lemon wedges for a tangy complement.
Notes
- Ensure salmon is completely dry before seasoning to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
- Use a cast-iron or non-stick skillet for even heat distribution and preventing the delicate fish from sticking.
- Adjust cooking time based on salmon thickness; thinner fillets require less time to prevent overcooking and maintain a tender, flaky texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk to reduce calories while keeping the sauce creamy.
- Add red pepper flakes or lemon zest to the spinach sauce for an extra flavor boost that complements the rich salmon.
- Gluten-free option: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a similar savory profile that accommodates dietary restrictions.
- Fresh spinach works best, but frozen spinach can be a quick alternative – just squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg