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Creamy Parmesan Salmon Recipe

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4.2 from 204 reviews

Creamy Parmesan Salmon is a delicious and indulgent dish featuring perfectly marinated salmon fillets topped with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. The salmon is seasoned with a blend of spices and then pan-seared to lock in flavor before being generously coated with a luxurious sauce made from butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley. This recipe is perfect for an elegant weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a delightful balance of savory, creamy, and slightly tangy flavors.

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

Marinated Salmon

  • 250g salmon fillet
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)

Parmesan Sauce

  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 Tbsp garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp parsley, minced
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and gochugaru. Evenly season both sides of the salmon with this spice blend to ensure full flavor penetration.
  2. Cook the Salmon: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down first, cooking for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and the salmon is mostly cooked through. Flip the salmon and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  3. Make the Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, taking care not to burn the garlic. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
  4. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice, minced parsley, and a pinch of salt to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for another minute to meld the flavors together.
  5. Serve: Spoon the creamy Parmesan sauce over the cooked salmon fillets. Garnish with additional parsley if desired and serve immediately with a side of your choice, such as steamed vegetables or rice.

Notes

  • Gochugaru can be substituted with smoked paprika or mild chili powder if unavailable.
  • For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • Do not overcook salmon to keep it moist and tender.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has a superior flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
  • Add a squeeze of extra lemon juice for a brighter citrus flavor before serving.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Western