Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce
Description:
This Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce is a rich, comforting, and wholesome meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Succulent salmon fillets are pan-seared in garlic butter, then nestled into a creamy Parmesan sauce loaded with sautéed spinach and mushrooms. It’s low-carb, keto-friendly, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce
For the Salmon:
-
4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
-
Salt & black pepper, to taste
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
2 tbsp butter
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Creamy Sauce:
-
1 tbsp butter
-
1 small onion, finely chopped
-
1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
-
3 cups baby spinach
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
-
Salt & pepper to taste
-
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
-
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
-
Prepare Salmon:
-
Pat salmon dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
-
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
-
Add salmon fillets, skin-side down, and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
-
-
Sauté Vegetables:
-
In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter and sauté onions for 2–3 minutes.
-
Add mushrooms and cook until browned and tender (5–6 minutes).
-
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
-
Make the Creamy Sauce:
-
Pour in heavy cream, bring to a simmer.
-
Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using.
-
Season with salt and pepper.
-
Add spinach and stir until wilted.
-
-
Finish the Dish:
-
Return salmon to the skillet, nestle into the sauce, and spoon sauce over top.
-
Simmer on low for 2–3 minutes until warmed through.
-
-
Serve:
-
Garnish with parsley and serve hot with rice, pasta, mashed cauliflower, or crusty bread.
-
Notes:
-
Salmon: Skin-on keeps it moist, but skinless works fine.
-
Cream: Heavy cream or half-and-half; avoid milk (too thin).
-
Mushrooms: Cremini add extra depth, but any type works.
-
Spinach: Can sub with kale or Swiss chard.
-
Parmesan: Use freshly grated for the best melt and flavor.
Tips:
-
Don’t overcook salmon—it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork.
-
Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding cream for extra flavor.
-
Let the cream simmer gently—boiling may break the sauce.
-
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce for a gourmet touch.
Servings:
4 servings
(One fillet with generous sauce per serving)
Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving):
-
Calories: 480–520
-
Protein: 35g
-
Carbs: 7g
-
Fat: 36g
-
Fiber: 2g
-
Sugar: 2g
-
Net Carbs: 5g
(Values may vary depending on ingredients used)
Benefits:
-
High in Omega-3 fatty acids (heart and brain health)
-
Low-carb and keto-friendly
-
Protein-packed
-
Contains iron, calcium, and vitamin D
-
Anti-inflammatory from spinach, garlic, and mushrooms
Q&A:
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before searing.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Use coconut cream and vegan butter; skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free version.
Q: What sides pair well?
A: Try garlic mashed cauliflower, steamed green beans, or herbed couscous.
Q: Can I bake instead of pan-fry?
A: Yes. Bake salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, then pour sauce over before serving.
Q: How long does it keep?
A: Up to 3 days refrigerated. Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid splitting the sauce.