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How to Make Pan-Seared Salmon with Creamy Florentine Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
- Season the salmon fillets: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up while searing. Season both sides of the fillets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme (if using). Drizzle the fillets with lemon juice to add a touch of citrusy brightness.
- Heat the pan: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the salmon: Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down (if skin-on). Sear for about 4-5 minutes on the first side, until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side, or until the salmon reaches your desired doneness. Remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside on a plate. Keep the skillet with all those delicious juices!
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Florentine Sauce
- Cook the garlic: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the cream: Lower the heat to medium-low, and slowly add the heavy cream. Stir to combine, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken up.
- Add the spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet, stirring it into the sauce. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and tender.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’d like a bit of brightness, stir in lemon zest for an extra pop of flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
- Return the salmon to the pan: Once the sauce is creamy and the spinach is fully wilted, gently place the pan-seared salmon fillets back into the skillet, spooning some of the creamy Florentine sauce over the top. Let the salmon simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to heat through and absorb some of the flavors.
- Serve: Carefully transfer the salmon fillets to plates and spoon the creamy Florentine sauce and spinach mixture over the top. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Why You’ll Love Pan-Seared Salmon with a Creamy Florentine Sauce
1. Perfectly Cooked Salmon
The key to this dish is perfectly seared salmon. The skin crisps up beautifully, adding texture and flavor, while the flesh stays tender and moist. The lemony seasoning complements the rich, buttery texture of the fish, making each bite a delightful experience.
2. The Creamy Florentine Sauce
The sauce is the star of the dish, with the richness of cream, the umami from Parmesan cheese, and the earthiness of spinach all blending together to create something truly indulgent. The addition of garlic and a hint of lemon adds depth and balance to the sauce, making it the perfect match for the salmon.
3. Nutritious & Flavorful
This recipe not only tastes amazing, but it’s also full of nutritious ingredients. Salmon provides healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids, while spinach brings vitamins and minerals. The creamy sauce offers a satisfying and comforting touch without being overly heavy, making it an excellent choice for a healthy, yet indulgent meal.
4. Quick and Easy to Prepare
Despite its luxurious flavor, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare. It only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish in your own kitchen.
Serving Suggestions
- With Rice or Mashed Potatoes: Serve this pan-seared salmon with creamy Florentine sauce on a bed of steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the rich sauce.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair this dish with some roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or carrots for a wholesome, balanced meal.
- A Fresh Salad: For a lighter side, serve this with a fresh arugula salad or a simple Greek salad to complement the richness of the salmon.
Conclusion
Pan-Seared Salmon with a Creamy Florentine Sauce is the perfect way to enjoy a luxurious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With tender salmon, a rich and flavorful sauce, and the goodness of fresh spinach, this dish offers a restaurant-quality experience that’s simple to recreate at home. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Try it today, and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that’s both indulgent and nourishing. Happy cooking!
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