Before diving into the main event—garlic butter creamed spinach salmon—let’s consider what to serve alongside it. Good meal pairing is like selecting the right companion on a road trip; the journey is far more enjoyable when everyone gets along. Here are a few classic pairings:
- Rice Pilaf: Light and fluffy, rice pilaf can soak up the flavors of the garlic butter sauce, creating a delicious harmony on your plate.
- Quinoa Salad: Packed with protein and fiber, a refreshing quinoa salad adds a nutritious crunch. The slight nuttiness of quinoa complements the salmon perfectly.
- Roasted Vegetables: Think zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots, drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. The contrast of textures and flavors brings balance to your meal.
- Crusty Bread: A slice of artisanal bread can be the perfect vessel for scooping up the creaminess of the spinach and salmon.
- White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio works wonders with salmon. It enhances the flavors without overpowering them.
Now that you’ve got your accompaniments in mind, let’s dig deeper into the delightful dish that is garlic butter creamed spinach salmon.
What is Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon?
At its core, garlic butter creamed spinach salmon is a fusion of tender salmon fillets, sautéed spinach, and a rich garlic butter sauce combined with cream cheese and a touch of Parmesan.
The ingredients create a beautiful dance of flavors and textures. The warmth of the garlic butter melds with the earthy taste of spinach and the flavorsome salmon, resulting in a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.
How Does It Taste?
Picture this: the first bite. The salmon is flaky yet moist, perfectly cooked. The garlic butter sauce wraps around the spinach like a warm embrace. It’s creamy with a hint of tang from the lemon.
The fresh herbs, chives, and parsley provide a burst of brightness that cuts through the richness. Each element enhances the others, creating a delightful balance that will keep you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This?
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
- Nutritional Boost: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids from salmon, antioxidant-rich spinach, and healthy fats from the butter and olive oil, this dish is both delicious and nourishing.
- Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe. Want more spice? Add jalapeños. Prefer less creaminess? Just skip the cream cheese.
- Impressive and Elegant: Even though it’s simple to make, it looks and tastes like something you’d get at a fine-dining restaurant. You’ll likely receive compliments galore.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the spinach and sauce ahead of time; then just cook the salmon when you’re ready to eat.
Ingredients
To create this scrumptious dish, you’ll need:
- 4 cups baby spinach leaves, washed
- 2 tablespoons salted European-style butter
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 4 salmon fillets, skin on or skinless (your choice)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 small shallot, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 garlic cloves, minced or finely grated
- 1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk (or heavy cream as preferred)
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Step by Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
Begin by washing the baby spinach leaves thoroughly. Remove any tough stems. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
Once the butter’s melted, add the baby spinach and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to wilt. Feel free to add a pinch of salt as this draws out the moisture from the spinach.
Step 2: Flavor the Base
Add the finely chopped shallots and garlic to the pan. Cook until the shallots are translucent—this usually takes around 2 minutes. The onions will release a sweet aroma that smells utterly divine. Scrape up any bits that may have stuck to the bottom of the pan to infuse even more flavor.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Now, let’s add the cream cheese cubes. Stir them in until they’ve melted into the spinach mixture.
Next, pour in the coconut milk (or heavy cream) slowly, mixing as you go. This will create a delightful sauce that serves as the foundation of your dish. Stir in the lemon juice, zest, and white wine vinegar. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Prepare the Salmon
Season the salmon fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. In another skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of butter and the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the salmon skin side down. Let it cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes. For skinless salmon, you can monitor for a golden crust forming at the bottom.
Step 5: Finish the Salmon
Flip the salmon and cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until it’s cooked through but still moist. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Transfer the cooked salmon onto the bed of creamed spinach, ensuring the sauce generously covers the fish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
To wrap it all up, sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and any remaining chives or parsley over the top. This final touch not only adds flavor but also gives the dish a polished look. Your garlic butter creamed spinach salmon is now ready to enjoy!
Tips On Making Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality salmon will significantly enhance the dish’s flavor profile.
- Temperature Control: If your skillet is too hot, the salmon will cook too quickly outside while remaining raw inside.
- Experiment with Spice: If you love heat, throw in some spicy red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter.
- Make it Under Pressure: If you have an Instant Pot, consider cooking the salmon under pressure for a different texture and flavor infusion.
- Leftovers are Gold: This dish keeps well. Separate the salmon from the sauce for optimal storage, and it can make for a killer lunch the next day.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (on average), gastropub diner style with all the ingredients:
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Sodium: 450mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
How Do You Store This Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon?
To keep your garlic butter creamed spinach salmon fresh, follow these steps:
- Refrigerate: Place any leftovers in an airtight container. It’s best consumed within 2-3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the creamed spinach separately. The salmon will maintain its taste but will lose some texture when thawed. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- Reheating: When reheating, do it gently on low heat, either on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of water or a little additional cream to make it creamy again.
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon?
- Chicken: Use chicken breasts instead of salmon for a new twist. Cook them until golden and add the spinach cream sauce over them.
- Shrimp: Sauté shrimp in place of salmon for a seafood variation. They’ll cook quickly and soak up the sauce wonderfully.
- Tofu: For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu. Press out excess moisture, cut it into cubes, and sauté until browned.
- Kale: Swap baby spinach for kale for a heartier texture and flavor. Just remember to cook it a bit longer until it’s tender.
- Cauliflower Rice: Replace traditional side dishes with cauliflower rice to keep it lower in carbs. It’s a fantastic alternative and adds a nutty flavor.
Conclusion
Garlic butter creamed spinach salmon is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and satisfaction. With its creamy sauce, delectable salmon, and nutritious spinach, it’s a winner for any table. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and its ability to impress without complicating your cooking routine.
You aren’t just creating a dish; you’re crafting a moment—a chance to gather with friends and family and share something truly magical. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and partake in this delicious journey. You won’t regret it!
You’ll also like the following recipes!
- 20 Minutes Garlic Basil Brown Butter Pasta
- Miso Chicken Katsu Ramen Recipe
- Single Lady’s 5-Minute Gooey Molten Chocolate Mug Cake
Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon – Hearty Food Ideas
Description
There's something undeniably special about cooking a dish that not only pleases your palate, but also brings a sense of comfort.
Garlic butter creamed spinach salmon does just that. Imagine sitting down after a long day, the aroma wrapping around you like a cozy blanket. You find yourself enchanted, fork in hand, ready to savor every bite. It’s delightful, filling, and surprisingly easy to make.
As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I've spent years experimenting with flavors and textures in the kitchen. I have learned that food is not just nourishment; it’s an experience. My goal is to share a recipe that’s not only healthy but also straightforward and satisfying. If you're looking for a dish that can impress guests or simply make a weeknight dinner feel special, this is it.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
-
Begin by washing the baby spinach leaves thoroughly. Remove any tough stems. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
Once the butter’s melted, add the baby spinach and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to wilt. Feel free to add a pinch of salt as this draws out the moisture from the spinach.
Step 2: Flavor the Base
-
Add the finely chopped shallots and garlic to the pan. Cook until the shallots are translucent—this usually takes around 2 minutes. The onions will release a sweet aroma that smells utterly divine. Scrape up any bits that may have stuck to the bottom of the pan to infuse even more flavor.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
-
Now, let’s add the cream cheese cubes. Stir them in until they’ve melted into the spinach mixture.
Next, pour in the coconut milk (or heavy cream) slowly, mixing as you go. This will create a delightful sauce that serves as the foundation of your dish. Stir in the lemon juice, zest, and white wine vinegar. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Prepare the Salmon
-
Season the salmon fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. In another skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of butter and the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the salmon skin side down. Let it cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes. For skinless salmon, you can monitor for a golden crust forming at the bottom.
Step 5: Finish the Salmon
-
Flip the salmon and cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until it’s cooked through but still moist. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Transfer the cooked salmon onto the bed of creamed spinach, ensuring the sauce generously covers the fish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
-
To wrap it all up, sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and any remaining chives or parsley over the top. This final touch not only adds flavor but also gives the dish a polished look. Your garlic butter creamed spinach salmon is now ready to enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 540kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 40g62%
- Saturated Fat 20g100%
- Sodium 450mg19%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Protein 35g70%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality salmon will significantly enhance the dish's flavor profile.
- Temperature Control: If your skillet is too hot, the salmon will cook too quickly outside while remaining raw inside.
- Experiment with Spice: If you love heat, throw in some spicy red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter.
- Make it Under Pressure: If you have an Instant Pot, consider cooking the salmon under pressure for a different texture and flavor infusion.
- Leftovers are Gold: This dish keeps well. Separate the salmon from the sauce for optimal storage, and it can make for a killer lunch the next day.
