1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Salmon with Parmesan Sauce

Tasty Pan Seared Salmon

As seen in: High-Protein & Low-Carb Meals: Energy-Boosting Recipes for Active Lifestyles

This meal showcases crispy-edged salmon smothered in a velvety sauce blending garlic, cheese, and green herbs. Tastes like restaurant food but comes together super fast at home.

Save to Pinterest Spread the word Email this Create hard copy Skip to Recipe
iamcooker.com
Refreshed on Tue, 15 Apr 2025 16:11:26 GMT
Four pieces of salmon are cooking in a creamy sauce with herbs in a skillet. Save it
Four pieces of salmon are cooking in a creamy sauce with herbs in a skillet. | iamcooker.com

Wanna know my top pick for a romantic dinner? It's my Can't-Fail Salmon! I stumbled upon this gem while trying to whip up something knockout for my wedding anniversary, and it's become my foolproof fancy-yet-simple meal. The funny name? It comes from how people react after tasting their first forkful of crispy salmon smothered in that smooth, herb-speckled sauce. No joke - this 30-minute dish will have anyone swooning!

Fish Basics

Everything kicks off with well-seasoned fish. I've learned that spending just a few extra seconds mixing the spices before patting them onto the salmon really works wonders. When those Italian herbs, garlic and slight kick come together, they form this amazing crust during cooking. And don't get me started on that golden-brown outside - it's absolutely what food dreams are made of!

Ingredients for Crispy Salmon

  • 4 salmon fillets: With skin taken off, roughly 6 ounces per piece
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil: You'll need this for soaking and cooking
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: This herb mix adds wonderful taste
  • 1 teaspoon salt: Feel free to use more or less
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives depth to the flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano: Adds a bit of earthy flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Grind it fresh for best kick
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For that gentle warmth

Ingredients for Silky Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates luxury in every bite
  • 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic: Brings a burst of taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the base wonderfully smooth
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth: Gives the sauce more character
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brings that citrus pop
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese: Make sure it's soft for better mixing
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup grated parmesan: Add to your liking for cheesy goodness
  • Salt and black pepper: Sprinkle until it tastes right
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley: Cut tiny for a fresh touch
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil: Chopped up for that garden freshness

Cooking the Fish

Here's my trick for stellar salmon - get your pan super hot before the fish goes in! I can't help but watch as the sides turn all golden during those first 3 minutes. Don't stress if the middle isn't done after flipping - just turn down the heat and let it finish cooking slowly. You'll end up with fish that's crispy outside and tender inside every time.

Whipping Up the Sauce

This sauce truly makes the dish special. I always use the same pan to grab all those tasty browned bits left from cooking the salmon. When garlic meets melted butter, my whole house smells amazing. The way the cream cheese dissolves into everything, making the sauce all smooth and velvety - it's just out of this world good!

Plating Your Creation

I like to show off this dish on my best platter with plenty of that gorgeous sauce pooled around it. A little scatter of fresh herbs on top looks pretty and smells wonderful too. Sometimes I'll pair it with some roasted asparagus or a simple arugula mix. The way the sauce mingles with everything else on your plate is just fantastic.

A close-up of four salmon fillets drizzled with a creamy sauce and garnished with parsley, cooking in a pan. Save it
A close-up of four salmon fillets drizzled with a creamy sauce and garnished with parsley, cooking in a pan. | iamcooker.com

Common Questions

→ How do I know when the salmon is done?

Your salmon is ready when you can easily break it apart with a fork and the middle still has a light pink color. For salmon about 1-inch thick, cook roughly 3-4 minutes on each side.

→ Can I make this with skin-on salmon?

You bet! Start cooking with the skin facing down until it gets crunchy, then flip it over. The skin actually helps keep your fish moist as it cooks.

→ Why is my sauce not thickening?

Let your sauce bubble until it gets thicker and make sure your cream cheese is fully mixed in. The parmesan will also help make it thicker once it's fully melted.

→ Can I use half and half instead of heavy cream?

Heavy cream works best, but half and half can do the job too. Your sauce won't be as thick, so you'll need to let it cook down a bit longer.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

This salmon tastes great with noodles, oven-roasted veggies, or a scoop of rice. The yummy sauce can go right on top of whatever side you pick.

Final Thoughts

Fish cooked with a silky smooth sauce that mixes pungent garlic with nutty parmesan. A straightforward yet impressive meal that brings fine dining flavor to your family table.

Salmon with Parmesan Sauce

Juicy salmon pieces browned to perfection, topped with a rich garlic and cheese sauce mixed with fresh herbs. A fast yet fancy dinner idea.

Preparation
10 Mins
Cooking Duration
15 Mins
Complete Duration
25 Mins
By: sofia


Complexity: Moderate

Origin: Mediterranean American

Output: 4 Portions (4 salmon pieces)

Diet Types: Reduced Carbohydrate, No Gluten

What You'll Need

01 4 boneless salmon pieces.
02 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
03 2 teaspoons mixed Italian herbs.
04 1 teaspoon table salt.
05 1 teaspoon powdered garlic.
06 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves.
07 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper.
08 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes.
09 3 tablespoons plain butter.
10 1/2 tablespoon finely chopped garlic.
11 1 cup thick cream.
12 1/2 cup chicken stock.
13 1 teaspoon fresh lemon squeeze.
14 2 tablespoons soft cream cheese.
15 1/2 to 3/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese.
16 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley.
17 2 tablespoons torn basil leaves.

Preparation Steps

01 Step

Coat the salmon with oil then sprinkle with mixed herbs, salt, powdered garlic, oregano, and both peppers.

02 Step

Brown the fish in a hot oiled pan for about 3 minutes each side until golden crust forms. Lower the heat to finish cooking through.

03 Step

Using the same pan, drop in butter and brown the chopped garlic. Pour in cream, stock, and a squeeze of lemon. Let bubble for 2-3 minutes.

04 Step

Mix in cream cheese and grated parmesan, stirring continuously until sauce gets thick. Add salt and pepper to taste.

05 Step

Add fresh herbs, put salmon back into the pan and let it warm up in the creamy sauce before plating.

Additional Tips

  1. Try adding some diced onions to make the sauce even tastier.
  2. Feel free to use more or less cheese depending on how you like it.

Required Equipment

  • Deep frying pan.
  • Mixing spoon.

Allergen Notice

Review ingredients for possible allergens and seek professional medical advice if uncertain.
  • Milk products (heavy cream, butter, cheeses).
  • Seafood (salmon).

Nutritional Information (Each Portion)

Consider these values as estimates rather than definitive health guidance.
  • Energy: 450
  • Fat Content: 35 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Protein Content: 28 g