This rich and flavorful dish features perfectly seared salmon fillets smothered in a velvety garlic mushroom sauce. The creamy, Parmesan-infused sauce, loaded with sautéed mushrooms and aromatic garlic, makes this dish a standout for cozy weeknight dinners or elegant meals. Serve it with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying and delicious experience!
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**Ingredients:**
– 4 salmon fillets
– 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
– ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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**Instructions:**
1. **Sear the Salmon:**
– Heat olive oil or butter in a large pan over medium-high heat.
– Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper.
– Sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. **Prepare the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:**
– In the same pan, add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms.
– Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
3. **Make the Sauce:**
– Pour in the broth and heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard (if using), and Italian seasoning.
– Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens.
4. **Combine Everything:**
– Return the salmon fillets to the pan, spooning the sauce over them.
– Simmer for another 2 minutes until the salmon is heated through.
5. **Serve & Garnish:**
– Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
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**Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Mushroom Salmon:**
– **Use Fresh Salmon:** Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen salmon, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
– **Pat the Salmon Dry:** Before seasoning, pat the fillets dry with a paper towel to help achieve a nice golden sear.
– **Don’t Overcook the Salmon:** Cook just until it flakes easily with a fork (about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness). Overcooked salmon can become dry.
– **Sear the Salmon First:** Cooking the salmon first ensures a crispy, flavorful crust. Remove it from the pan before making the sauce to prevent overcooking.
– **Use Heavy Cream for the Best Texture:** Heavy cream creates a rich, smooth sauce. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream.
– **Let the Sauce Thicken:** Simmer the sauce for a few minutes to allow it to reduce and intensify in flavor before adding the salmon back in.
– **Add Parmesan for Extra Depth:** Freshly grated Parmesan enhances the creamy texture and adds a delicious umami taste.
– **Customize the Flavors:** Add a splash of white wine for extra depth, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing tang.
– **Pair It Well:** Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.
– **Garnish for Freshness:** A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
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Enjoy this **Creamy Garlic Mushroom Salmon** as a luxurious yet easy-to-make meal that’s sure to impress! 🐟🍄✨