Description
A delicious and elegant Pan-Seared Salmon recipe featuring a rich and creamy Florentine sauce made with garlic, spinach, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. This quick 25-minute meal combines crispy-skinned salmon fillets with a flavorful, velvety sauce perfect for a comforting yet sophisticated dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets, skin-on
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Florentine Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon: Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Pan-sear the salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
- Make the Florentine sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant to build a savory base for the sauce.
- Add the cream & spinach: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes, incorporating vibrant greens into the sauce.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. For an extra layer of warmth, add a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
- Serve: Return the salmon fillets to the pan, spooning the creamy Florentine sauce generously over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding salmon to get a crispy skin.
- Use fresh spinach for the best texture and flavor in the sauce.
- Nutmeg is optional but adds a subtle warm note to the sauce.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Can be adjusted to gluten-free by checking Parmesan cheese labels for additives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
