Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms
Introduction
Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms is a luxurious yet comforting dish that marries the richness of pan-seared salmon with a velvety garlic butter cream sauce, enhanced by earthy mushrooms and tender spinach. Perfect for weeknight indulgence or an elegant dinner party, this recipe is a shining example of how a few quality ingredients can create a symphony of flavors.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 180–200g each, skin-on for best texture)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
For the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or portobello)
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
½ cup heavy cream (or double cream)
¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare and Cook the Salmon
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place salmon skin-side down, pressing gently to prevent curling.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked to medium doneness.
- Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2 – Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add sliced mushrooms, cooking for 3–4 minutes until golden brown.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add spinach and cook until just wilted.
Step 3 – Make the Cream Sauce
- Pour in chicken or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice.
- Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add chopped parsley and season to taste.
Step 4 – Combine and Serve
- Return salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top.
- Let cook together for 1–2 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Garnish with extra parsley. Serve hot.
Cooking Methods
Pan-Seared Method: As described, gives a crisp skin and tender inside.
Oven-Baked Finish: After searing one side, transfer skillet to a 180°C oven for 5–7 minutes for even cooking.
Grill Method: Grill salmon on medium heat, then prepare sauce separately and combine before serving.
History of the Dish
While not a centuries-old recipe, creamy garlic butter sauces have deep French roots, evolving from classic beurre blanc and velouté methods. Salmon, native to both the Atlantic and Pacific, became popular in European cuisine during the 19th century. This dish is a modern fusion — inspired by French cream sauces, Mediterranean olive oil cooking, and the health-focused pairing of fish with leafy greens.
Benefits
- Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon, supporting heart and brain health.
- High in antioxidants from spinach and parsley.
- Protein-packed for muscle repair and satiety.
- Balanced flavors — creamy, savory, fresh, and slightly tangy.
Formation (Plating & Presentation)
- Place a bed of creamy spinach and mushrooms on the plate.
- Lay the salmon fillet on top, skin-side up for presentation.
- Drizzle sauce generously over the salmon, letting some pool around the base.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge for brightness.
Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 480 kcal
Protein: 33g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms is the perfect bridge between elegance and comfort food. Its restaurant-quality presentation hides how simple it is to prepare at home. Every bite delivers buttery salmon, velvety sauce, and a balance of earthy and fresh flavors — a dish to remember.
For the Lovers of This Dish
This is for seafood lovers who adore rich, decadent flavors without compromising on nutrition. It’s also a favorite among low-carb and keto food enthusiasts, gourmet home cooks, and anyone who believes that garlic butter can turn any meal into magic.